Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A Look At Toy Australian Shepherd Breeders OK

By Georgia Diaz


This little dog is just like the standard sized relative in looks and character. This little canine from Toy Australian Shepherd breeders OK is at home on the ranch despite his small size. He or she can also live a happy life in an apartment with daily walks and games to play. If you work long hours and want to come home to a quiet, cuddly little lap dog, this is not the breed for you.

The breeder will provide a contract, health guarantee, pedigree, registration papers, current vet records for your new puppy. Know what shots have been given and what's needed in the near future. Reputable breeders socialize the puppies from day one by raising them in the home.

They share the same health concerns as their larger relative, eye problems, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. The parent dogs should be tested by CERF for eye problems, and OFA for hip and kneecap problems. Puppies should be checked for eye problems between 6-9 weeks.

Toy Australian Shepherds should be tested for the MDR1 gene, a mutation that makes this breed sensitive to certain commonly used drugs. Dogs with this mutation will be harmed by Invermectin, used in many deworming products. They're also sensitive to acepromazine and Imodium. Use of these drugs can cause neurological damage and/or death.

The TASAA, IABCA, and ARBA provide show opportunities for this toy breed, not currently recognized by the AKC. To qualify for competition, dogs must be registered with the TASAA, NMAMSCUSA, MASCUSA, MASCA, IMASC, ASDR, or NSDR. Other registries working to improve the breed include the ASCA, APRI, and the DRA.

This perpetual puppy is loyal, affectionate, intuitive, and exuberant. They can be territorial and cautious around strangers. Some show aggression to dogs they don't know. Sometimes the herding instinct drives this little dog to nip at his family's heels. This behavior should be stopped early on with gentle but firm training.

The Australian Shepherd was bred for its athleticism, intelligence, versatility, hardiness, and herding ability. Late 1960's was the beginning of breeding programs to develop the miniature, using small Australian Shepherds, but keeping the characteristics the same. Downsizing was done by breeding small dogs to small dogs, not by cross breeding with smaller breeds.

This little dog can display 4 color combinations; red, red merle, blue merle, and black. Dogs with white markings are bi color. Those with tan and white markings are tri color. Reputable breeders never breed merles to each other as the offspring of such are often blind and/or deaf.

Eyes can be brown, blue, amber, or any combination including flecks and marbling. Some have 2 eyes of a different color. Most are born with long tails, usually docked by the vet at 3 days.

The toy is 10"-14" at the shoulder, weighing 12-19 pounds. Life expectancy is 12-13 years. The double coat is easy to care for with a weekly brushing. Shedding occurs in spring and fall.

They're quiet workers, not good watchdogs. This little dog needs mental as well as physical stimulation. To small to herd large animals safely, this little canine can excel at flying disc, agility, and other dog sport competitions. They form close bonds with their family and are prone to separation anxiety. If you want an energetic, athletic dog in a small package, visit Toy Australian Shepherd breeders OK.




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