Toy Aussie??

[NE_paint]

I'm wanting to get an indoor dog. We used to rent a farm, but we moved into town while hubby finishes up degree #2. We have an indoor cat, and an outdoor hunting labrador retriever. I want a smaller dog to hang out with me in the house, ride along with me out to check the horses, go on trail rides with me and hang out with me at one of my jobs. I also want a snuggle buddy to spend quality tv watching time on the sofa. I spend alot of time alone at home, so a companion would be nice. Hubby works alot and with going to school, he's really busy and not home much. I found the perfect solution. She's a toy aussie- full grown (almost) and is about 7 months old. She's house broke and knows basic comands, which is nice- no dealing with the puppy stage. She's a red merle and really my only concern is activity level. We had an aussie when we lived on the farm, as well as a border collie. Both were pretty high energy levels. That is a bit of a concern for me. I want a more laid back indoor dog- not something crazy hyper. Are there any other breeds I should consider? I won't buy anything like a Pomeranian- no yappy small dog. :p

[zoel_222]

Aussies and other working dogs have a very high energy level. If you want a low maintenance couch potato, they're probably not your best option. What about a beagle? Or a min pin?

[WashingtonBay]

I think "need small indoor pet dog" Is a perfect cause for a trip to your local shelter.

Just the right dog, one you can't describe till you meet him/her, may be there, and be just what you're looking for. :)

[zoel_222]

I think "need small indoor pet dog" Is a perfect cause for a trip to your local shelter.

Just the right dog, one you can't describe till you meet him/her, may be there, and be just what you're looking for. :)

I like that idea :)

[vicklynn]

Miniture Aussies arent as hyper as the big ones are they? We have a couple that come where I work and are pretty mellow. Could just be them though.
Beagles are energy dogs for sure though. We get loads and they are always on the go.

[FredRock]

I agree with WB. If you're just looking for a companion dog, go down to your local shelter and tell them what you're looking for. They should be more than glad to take you through the kennels and let you meet & greet with the prospective dogs before you take one home.

[dame_wolf]

I think "need small indoor pet dog" Is a perfect cause for a trip to your local shelter.

Just the right dog, one you can't describe till you meet him/her, may be there, and be just what you're looking for. :)


I agree. Your local shelter will probably have it's dogs listed on PetFinder.com if you want to look before you drive there. That's how we found Duke. Well all 3 dogs are shelter dogs but Duke we found online first.

[oursarge]

My husband's cousin has a miniature aussie and it's about as laid back as you can get but that's just one dog. I don't know how they all are. Our friends have a Rat Terrier, she's as cute as can be but makes our Westie look calm!!!! I think it all depends on the dog. My Noah was a Border Collie mix but he looked so much like Vicky's Lady I think he had more Collie in him, he was not hyper at all and all's I ever heard about Border Collies was how hyper they are.

A friend has 3 Poms and they aren't yappy, my cousin had one and he wasn't yappy either. I guess it's just the dog. Good luck. I would love to have some type of Collie breed with our Westie but my man isn't wild about getting another dog. He did really like his cousin's Miniature Aussie though, even took it's picture and for him that is a big deal [He's scared of dogs]! It travels all over with them. They do car shows and it enjoys traveling. They're crazy about it, had no complaints at all.

[zoel_222]

I have a heeler and yeah, she's a really calm dog in the sense that she's happy to lay around and sleep and get her belly rubbed, but that's only if she's able to have a healthy daily outlet for her energy. If she doesn't get to do a "job" like practicing obedience and tricks or just chasing after the ball for a little each day she gets bored and when she gets bored she gets destructive. Her energy is more mental than physical.

Obviously energy level varies from dog to dog, but high energy is common with herding dogs.

[miatapony]

GET A MINI AUSSIE..... i love them .. they are great little dogs. we have some at the dog park i got to and they are in with the big dogs. .. love them.

[gabhainn]

My friend Gail raises them, and sheesh are they expensive............Kevin

[outriding01]

I like Corgis, lol. They're great around the horses and fun to cuddle with. They all have such unique personalities. I farm sit for a lady with 3 Corgis and they are all completely different. One is super hyper and runs around outside like a crazy thing, but loves to sit on the couch and cuddle. The other is alert and energetic but very laid back and calm and the third is a lazy bum who will happily use you as a pillow for hours. I love farm sitting for her because the dogs (there are two others, a jack russell and a mutt) make it so entertaining. It's out in the middle of nowhere, so I usually just stay there and they are more than enough company. They watch tv with me, hang out at the barn while I'm mucking and feeding, follow me on rides, etc. Such cool dogs!

[NE_paint]

Thanks for the input everyone! We do have to consider our neighbors- we live in a duplex/ townhouse, so we can't have a breed that bays super loud like a beagle. My parents' neighbors have a beagle, and you can hear that dog howling from inside my parents' house! It drives my dad crazy. Especially when they let it out at 5am. It wakes him up almost every morning. We don't have a nice shelter here, and I did start my search on petfinder.com- the only dog that really fit the category was a Chihuahua and we crossed him off the list right away. He was nippy and wasn't suitable for a family with kids. Someday down the road- another few years, we'll be thinking about children and I don't want to have to worry about anyone getting bit.
I did speak with the woman who has the toy aussie as far as this particular dog's energy level. She says she isn't a hyper one. She told me that when I'd want to play, the dog would be game, and if I wanted to veg out on the sofa, the dog would, too. Every time I talk to her, the conversation always lasts longer than an hour. She's such a fun person to talk to and they also have horses, so we never run out of things to talk about. It really sounds like this dog will be a good fit for us. I'm planning on meeting her in person soon. :)

[oursarge]

I would meet it, it sure can't hurt. Just because one dog has super energy doesn't mean all of the dogs of that breed will. I've been taking care of my friends Rat Terrier and her puppies. The mother is super high energy, 2 of the puppies are but then one puppy is just happy to be cuddled. This a.m. the mother and 2 of the puppies were running around and playing and this one little one wanted me to hold it and I did for the longest time. It's not sick or anything it's just real calm and loves to cuddle, my friend says it's always like that, was calm since it was born. It likes it's stomach rubbed and snuggled up in my hair. Just so sweet, I wanted to puppy nap it! Today is my last day of taking care of them and I've been so sad. They are alot of work but so cute and innocent and I love them. All of them are adorable but if this puppy grows up and is as calm as it is as a puppy it'll go against what people say about Rat Terriers. The mother doesn't, she will wear a person out but I love her she's so sweet.

I'd definately meet the dog just to see how you get along. Would she bring it to your house to see how it reacts? I mentioned in my first post my husband's cousin really loves theirs and they are an older couple that are active but not active like hiking with a dog or anything they are active as far as traveling and the dog is happy just to sit in the car and ride around with them. It impressed my husband since he is not a dog person except for our own and he was wondering about Miniature Assies. I found some real cute ones for sale but we can't have another dog, Puppy would go nuts she'd be so jealous. Good luck.

[livaward]

My aussie she's average size and she has energy but only when I say so....most of the time she's laying on my feet and protecting me....when we go outside she goes and grabs a ball and we play fetch but she tires out and just lays down after about 15-20 throws....

[shelsnsaus]

My aussie is not 'bad' however he is creative, a thinker, and rotten at times. He is a total social bug. I came to have him when he wasn't getting enough attention at his original home. He took to jumping the fence and sitting on the double yellow line on the main highway, because he learned that eventually someone would pick him up and take him for a ride. That was when I found him. I did track down his owners and bought him off of them.

With me he is very loyal, very intelligent and always up for fun, hugs, and belly rubs. At first, he was very play oriented, and we do play tons with him however, we do not play at 1 AM. Took him a bit to figure that out so we taught him the leave it game instead. He adjusted to our life very quickly and his favorite games are hide and seek (with my kids), frisbee, swimming, hula hoops, 'find', and agility type work. He also loves to snuggle and give hugs; he gives the best hugs!

He can be protective, probably more so than the rest of my gang, but only if he feels that we are threatened. He can also be rotten and loves to antagonize my older dogs when he is bored. At dog daycare he is a 'tester' of my handlers. He has to be made to listen. He is as thick as a rock until he respects you. He is NOT what I would describe as hyper, he is active, social, and fun oriented.

Life with Joe is more like a friendship. He understands, it seems, more than the other dogs do. He has a very intelligent look about him. There must be a daily physical outlet for him, however, it is at my or the kids discretion and usually several throughout the day. His respect and trust is not freely given it is earned as far as obedience goes. He loves people and has run into my neighbors house and plopped his fuzzy butt on the sofa for hugs on more than one occasion. If he hears the kids out playing 2 houses up or so, Joe is off on a social call. He remembers things long term. Like the fact that he dropped his frisbee in the pond 2 months ago and he is still trying to get it out. He also remembers the ball on our roof and frequently stairs with intent at the gutters or trys to climb the wall. He is always with me but not what I would describe as clingy. He is my shadow, but with him I don't find it annoying. He is with me because he wants to be not because he needs me...if that makes any sense.

Anyway, here is my Joe.

[shewasmyshadow]

Ask for a trial period. :) That's what we did with our second hand pup. Worked out wonderful. Each dog is different.

[oursarge]

Joe is beautiful!!!!

[NE_paint]

Awww! Joe is so cute!!! :) I talked to the owners. Sounds like I'll be picking her up tomorrow after work for a trial period and see what she's like. I'm excited to meet the pup. Her name is Rosie. I should post a pic.

[shelsnsaus]

Thank you all for the wonderful Joe comments. You know, I have had a good bit of exposure to border collies (my mil has one), shelties, and cattle dogs (had one at the barn where I used to board for years); and while they are all really cool dogs, they were definitely not for me. When I first found Joe, considering he was also of herding decent, I had no intention of keeping him. The pics I posted were from about an hour after I found him. I took him home that night after a bath, he smelled horrible, and that was it my mind was changed. I love him, his personality and overall attitude. He is extremely family oriented and doesn't just tolerate my kids he seeks them out. My border collie basset mix (in my avatar pic) is the same way.

You won't regret bringing Rosie home, and I imagine it won't take you long to decide to keep her. They are an extremely intelligent breed and very loyal. Bad habits you don't like? Teach her a new better habit that you do. Joe was incessant with the squeaky toys, and I do mean incessant. We taught him leave it, and he will stare at it for a very long time but won't touch it until we tell him its ok. It became a game with him and he know always 'asks' permission before he plays with it. We do let him play with it, but this way its not constant. He also loves to 'find' them when we hide them.

Best of luck with your new Rosie, I am sure she will steal your heart very quickly.

[oursarge]

Can't wait to see pictures of Rosie, hope she'll be perfect for you. It's so exciting.

My Noah was the best, he was so gentle and he was always with me, I was always stepping over him because he never left my side. I never had such a loyal dog. He could be a little scary to strangers if they came near me because he would bite them but otherwise he was a gentle soul. I loved that dog so much, the night he died was horrid and I still miss him every second of every day. He wasn't real bright in some ways but he was my best friend, always with me, my mother used to say she didn't know how I could stand having him with me all the time [Even when I took a shower] but for me it was fun I loved it, I just knew to watch where I stepped since he'd be under my feet no matter what I did. Puppy is precious, I love her but she is so different than Noah. She's smart and she's got anxiety issues and she drives me nuts sometimes. I'd sell my soul to have Noah back. I love anything collie related, I had hoped to have a Westie and some sort of collie related dog together but that isn't going to happen. When I had my first Westie the neighbors had a tri colored collie and they were such a good team, Missy the Collie taught Mandy the Westie so much, I was hoping for that with Puppy and some type of a collie but she probably wouldn't want another dog she's so jealous [Noah was too] if I hold a cat I have to hold her too so I don't think 2 dogs would work but I'd love for her to have a dog that might have a calming influence on her.

Joe sounds like alot of fun, glad you kept him, he's got a great home. I just love his face! He's beautiful.

[vicklynn]

Awww! Joe is so cute!!! :) I talked to the owners. Sounds like I'll be picking her up tomorrow after work for a trial period and see what she's like. I'm excited to meet the pup. Her name is Rosie. I should post a pic.
I cant wait to see her!!

[NE_paint]

I cant wait to see her!!


ME TOO! I'm just packing up the vehicle now. I'll post pics by tonight!!! *jumping up and down* :D:clap::banana:

[NE_paint]

Here she is! Meet Rosie: She's such a sweet little dog. So far she's doing perfect.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj8/stablemindedgal/stocktrailersalepics.jpg

[zoel_222]

Aw she's really cute! Hope it works out!

[oursarge]

She's beautiful! Hope she'll be just what you are hoping for. What a beautiful color!

[Gliderider]

She sure is a beauty.. Congrats !

[jeezitsjacki]

oh how cute! my boyfriend and I have a border collie right now and he is the calmest dog ever...but I think thats just his personality. So maybe yours will be calm! We want another dog in the next 2 years and we think we want an australian shephard or one mixed with border collie.. they are great dogs. Keep us updated, and with pictures!

[Remali]

Rosie is just gorgeous, I think she sounds perfect. How is it going with her tonight? I've always liked Aussies, but never knew they came in Toy size..... how tall is she? She's adorable!

[shewasmyshadow]

She is VERY cute and I love her colors. I think we need to see a video to see her personality.

[NE_paint]

Oh, she's just perfect! She's a total snuggle bug and she really is winning us over. Still no accidents in the house. She and our cat, ilo are just best buddies and she wiggles all over the place when either of us get home. Last night we took her out to check horses with us, and she came with us to my parents' house. They were watching my 18 month old niece. Rosie was so great with my neice! She really seems like she's going to work out great for us. We had a full bed last night- hubby, me, Rosie and the cat. :) I just love this little dog to bits!

Remali- she's 11 1/2 inches tall, and about 10lbs. Probably about the same size as a Yorkshire Terrier. The mini aussies are just a bit taller. :)

SWMS- I'm working on it. ;) I'll have to get her excited "wiggles" on video.

Thanks everyone!!

[vicklynn]

What an adorable lil girl Rosie is!
I am glad she is doing well and I hope she becomes a permanent part of your family!!

[NE_paint]

Ok- here's a few more photos from today. And I'm working on a short video. I have it loaded on my computer, just have to upload it to youtube.

Action shot! Rosie is running through the kitchen into the livingroom. I called her. :)

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj8/stablemindedgal/IMG_0235-1.jpg


Resting her eyes on the sofa. She's got a few pieces left of her chew ball.

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj8/stablemindedgal/IMG_0231-1.jpg


Wandering around exploring her new home:

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj8/stablemindedgal/IMG_0223-2.jpg

[NE_paint]

YouTube - Rosie, the Toy Australian Shepherd

And here's a quick video. She snuck around into the kitchen and got a drink.

[miatapony]

I want one too... omg they are sooo cute...

[oursarge]

She really is beautiful, I'm glad she's working out. She looks bigger than what she is. I wish we could have one for a playmate for Puppy, sounds like they are about the same size, actually Rosie weighs less, Puppy is 17 lbs and Puppy looks teeny to me after having my Noah for 12 yrs!

[shewasmyshadow]

She's a doll!!! She really does have the true aussie look to her too. I'm impressed. All the mini aussies I've seen looked kind of strange with these funny pointed faces, but she's CUTE. I want one now. :D

[zoel_222]

Aw I want her too! She's really adorable. Glad it's working out :)

[vicklynn]

Awwww
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj8/stablemindedgal/IMG_0231-1.jpg
Love the couch, throw and pillow too!!

[Remali]

Aww she is so cute, I just love her.... nice size too, she really does look like a cuddly dog.

[NE_paint]

Love the couch, throw and pillow too!!

Thanks! I love love love the couch and love seat we have. I wanted leather, hubby wanted micro suede.We settled in the middle- micro fiber distressed leather look. ;) We get alot of compliments on them. That throw pillow acutally goes on the other sofa, but atleast hubby puts them back on a sofa. I'm kinda particular about the pillows. I don't let him or anyone lay on them. I don't want to make them flat, so he takes them off the sofa and pulls out his own throw pillow to lounge on. When he's done, he puts the pillows back on. Not in the right spots, but hey. He tries. :rolleyes: Lol.

Rosie really does look like a true Aussie. I was reading on an online forum where people were just bashing minis and toys because some people cross them with God knows what to make them small. Rosie is a true true purebred toy aussie. The breeder showed me lineage all the way back 5 generations to full sized aussies. She's still doing perfect. I went ahead and called the breeder and told her we're keeping her for sure. She's just the best little house dog ever. I took her to the vet yesterday- she officially weighs 10.3lbs. She's now had her rabies vaccination (she already had everything else thanks to the breeder) and she was a big hit at the vet's office. :)

[oursarge]

She's precious, I can't believe how big she looks in pictures when she's so small! I know you don't care but it doesn't matter what others say, as long as she's perfect for you that is all that counts. We have a Puppy Mill/Pet Store/Rescue Westie which everyone says avoid etc etc. I know the reality of it but I also know that if the rescue didn't get her and if we didn't have her she'd probably be passed from home to home or be dead since she's had alot of issues. Someone needs to love her and I do love her. She's so sweet why shouldn't she have a home with love, she didn't ask to be born in a puppy mill? I had some lovely person who was supposed to be a friend tell me to put her to sleep since she has cost us too much money and she's not perfect.
So happy for you and Rosie, she really is adorable. I am glad she is fitting in just the way you hoped.