Charlie's breed, explained

All About Australian Shepherds

Charlie is a mini Australian Shepherd: smart, bouncy, loyal and very, very fluffy. Here's what his breed is like, what Aussies eat and play with, how they grow up, and how to find one of your own.

Find your own Aussie Back to Charlie

Charlie, a black and white mini Australian Shepherd puppy — Exhibit A: a mini Aussie

the basics

At a glance

"Mini Aussies" like Charlie are recognized by the American Kennel Club as their own breed, the Miniature American Shepherd. They look like a smaller Australian Shepherd and share the same herding brain.

Australian Shepherd

Height: 18–23 inches
Weight: 40–65 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Coat: Medium-length double coat

Charlie's breed

Miniature American Shepherd

Height: 13–18 inches
Weight: 20–40 pounds
Lifespan: 12–13 years
Coat: Double coat, sheds a lot

Not actually from Australia. The breed was developed in the western United States in the 1800s to herd sheep. The name likely comes from ancestors that arrived with flocks from Australia.

Rodeo stars. Aussies became famous in the mid-1900s thanks to trick-dog performances at rodeos.

Eyes of every color. Aussies can have blue, brown or amber eyes, and sometimes one of each. Charlie's are pale blue.

Coats like paint. Blue merle, red merle, black or red, often with white and copper trim. Charlie is a black-and-white tuxedo.

personality

Temperament

Aussies are working dogs at heart. Give them a job (even if the job is "carry Lamb Lamb around the apartment") and they're happy.

Wicked smart

Fast learners who love training games and tricks. They can also pick up bad habits just as quickly.

Loyal & protective

Deeply devoted to their family, and often a little reserved with strangers until they get to know them.

High energy

They need real daily exercise: a long walk, a good run or an energetic play session, plus mental exercise.

Herders

Many Aussies try to herd anything that moves: kids, cats, other dogs, sometimes their humans (or, as Fluffy says, their hoomans).

Chatty

Aussies can be vocal and will let you know about visitors or anything unusual. (The Super has opinions about this.)

Velcro dogs

They don't love being left alone for long stretches. A bored Aussie can get destructive.

growing up

The Aussie life cycle

Ages are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Your vet is the best guide for your own pup.

Birth – 1 year
Puppy
Fast growth, lots of naps, and a huge amount of learning. Meeting people, places and sounds early helps them grow into confident adults. Expect chewing and some land-shark nipping.
Charlie is here!
About 1 – 2 years
Teenager
Full-size energy with a not-quite-grown-up brain. Training, exercise and patience matter most now.
About 2 – 7 years
Adult
Peak Aussie: athletic, focused and up for anything, from hikes to agility to fetch marathons.
About 8 years +
Senior
Still playful, a bit slower. Gentler exercise, comfy beds and regular vet checkups help them stay happy.

what's for dinner

What Aussies eat

The everyday bowl

A high-quality, complete dog food made for their life stage (puppy, adult or senior).
Measured portions: active Aussies can still put on weight, so keep an eye on calories.
Treats in small amounts. Tiny, low-calorie training treats are perfect for these quick learners.
Plenty of fresh water. (Evian optional. Charlie disagrees.)

About eggs (Charlie's #1 wish)

According to the American Kennel Club, dogs can eat eggs as an occasional treat, but they should be fully cooked and plain: no butter, oil, salt or seasoning. Scrambled or hard-boiled both work. Skip raw eggs and shells, and ask your vet how much is right.

See Charlie's Wish List

Never feed these

The ASPCA lists foods that are dangerous for pets, including:

Chocolate, coffee & caffeine
Grapes & raisins
Onions, garlic & chives
Xylitol (sugar-free gum and sweets)
Macadamia & other nuts
Alcohol & raw yeast dough
Avocado
Raw or undercooked meat, eggs & bones
Very salty or fatty foods (sorry, buttery baked potatoes)

Think your dog ate something toxic? Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435.

play time

Toys & games Aussies love

Aussies want to use their bodies and their brains. The best toys give them a job.

Fetch toys

Balls and throw toys for burning off all that energy.

Discs

Many Aussies are disc-catching naturals.

Puzzle toys

Treat puzzles and snuffle mats tire out that big brain.

Tug toys

A great way to redirect puppy nipping (land sharks, take note).

Plush buddies

Charlie's picks: Lamb Lamb and Chicken, forever.

Dog sports

Agility, obedience, herding, flyball and trick training.

staying healthy

Grooming & health

Brushing

That fluffy double coat sheds, a lot. Brushing once or twice a week (more in shedding season) keeps it tangle-free. Plus nails, ears and teeth. (Charlie gets the full spa treatment every Friday.)

The MDR1 gene

Many herding breeds, including Aussies, can carry a gene mutation that makes some common medicines dangerous for them. A simple cheek-swab test tells you if your dog has it, so your vet can choose safe medicines. Washington State University offers the test.

Eyes & hips

Aussies can be prone to eye problems like cataracts, and some get hip dysplasia. Regular vet checkups catch problems early.

Merle to merle

Two merle parents can produce "double merle" puppies, which are at high risk of deafness and blindness. Good breeders never pair two merles.

want a Charlie of your own?

Adopt an Aussie

Lots of wonderful Aussies and mini Aussies are waiting for homes. Start with a rescue or your local shelter.

Australian Shepherds

Before you bring an Aussie home

Be ready to move. Aussies need daily exercise and brain games. City life works if they get enough of both (Charlie has Central Park at 10am).
Plan for fluff. Weekly brushing, and a vacuum you trust.
Going to a breeder? Choose one who health-tests (eyes, hips, MDR1) and never breeds merle to merle. The breed clubs USASA and ASCA have guidance on finding one.

Sources: Petfinder, VCA Animal Hospitals, WebMD Pets, Wikipedia, AKC on eggs, ASPCA foods to avoid, WSU on MDR1. BoyWoofy is a fan site, not veterinary advice; always ask your vet.