Full Grown Toy Australian Shepherd

Are you considering adopting a toy Australian shepherd but want to know what to expect once it reaches full grown size? This guide covers everything about the full grown toy Aussie, from appearance and personality to health, care needs, and suitability as a family pet. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of whether this small herding breed is the right canine companion for you.

About the Toy Australian Shepherd

The toy Australian shepherd is a miniature breed variant of the popular Australian shepherd. While Aussies have a standard size of 20-25 inches tall and 40-70 pounds, toy Aussies are much smaller at 14 inches or under and less than 18 pounds as full grown dogs. Despite their petite physique, toy Aussies have the same energetic, intelligent, and loyal personality of their larger siblings.

Size at Full Grown

According to American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, the maximum height for a full grown toy Australian shepherd is 14 inches measured at the withers. Their height typically ranges from 10-14 inches. When measured from nose to tail, most toy Aussies reach 16-20 inches in length as adults.

In terms of weight, the maximum allowable weight for a toy Aussie at maturity is 18 pounds. The average weight range is 8-12 pounds, so few individuals max out the size limit.

Appearance at Full Grown

Physically, the full grown toy Aussie looks just like a miniature Australian shepherd. Their coat is thick and can come in various colors including black, blue merle, red merle, red, and cream. Unlike full size Aussies, toys do not have long feathering on their legs, tails, or rear quarters.

Another distinctive toy Aussie trait is a proportionally large head on a small, compact but muscular frame. Their eyes are almond shaped and come in shades of brown. Ears are upright and triangular.

Personality at Full Grown

Despite their tiny size, toy Aussies have big personalities! Like regular Aussies, toys are highly intelligent, active, loyal companions. They bond closely with their human family and do best with owners who can offer mental and physical stimulation through interactive play, training, and activities.

Toys also excel in competitive dog sports like agility, flyball, and herding trials. Their herding instincts remain strong, so they may nip or herd children or small pets. Early socialization is important to discourage this behavior.

Toy Aussies tend to be more protective and vocal than their larger siblings. Their small stature can make them nervous around large dogs and strangers until properly socialized. Positive reinforcement training from a young age is highly recommended for this breed.

Price

The purchase price of a well-bred toy Australian shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $1,200-2,500. Prices may be higher for puppies with exceptional breeding lines or rare coloring. Be wary of suspiciously low priced toys, as these are more likely to have unknown health or temperament issues.

Adopting a toy Aussie from a shelter usually costs $75-350 depending on the organization and if the dog has been spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Look for rescue groups that evaluate dogs' temperaments to find the best match.

Food/Feeding

High-quality dry dog food is recommended for toy Aussie puppies and adults. The feeding amount will depend on the dog's age, size, activity level, and metabolism. As a general guideline, divide the dog's ideal adult weight into thirds to determine daily kibble portions.

For example, an 8-pound toy Aussie would get about 1/3 cup of kibble twice daily, or 2/3 cup total. Adjust amounts as needed for weight gain or loss. Most toys do well on 1-2 cups of food per day divided into two meals. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Lifespan

With proper nutrition and healthcare, toy Australian shepherds have a lifespan similar to other small dog breeds ranging from 12-15 years on average. Some lucky toys may live to be 16-18+ years old. Early spay/neuter helps prevent some cancers and prolongs life expectancy.

Health at Full Grown

As with all purebred dogs, there are some genetic health issues toy Aussies may be prone to during adulthood. Common concerns for adult toys include:

• Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecaps)
• Eye problems like cataracts
• Allergies, especially to certain proteins
• Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)
• Hip and elbow dysplasia (especially in toys over 12 pounds)
• Von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorder)

Reputable breeders will have all breeding stock genetically tested for hereditary issues and only breed clear dogs. Annual checkups with your vet are also recommended to stay on top of your toy's health needs.

Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Grown

As tiny dogs, toy Aussies have specific care requirements and limitations compared to larger canines:

• Daily brushing 1-2 times a week to prevent matting. Their thick double coat sheds heavily year-round.
• Clipping nails once every 1-2 weeks if they don't wear down naturally.
• Brushing teeth 2-3 times a week and professional cleanings 1-2 times yearly.
• Don't over-exercise very young or small puppies to avoid growth issues.
• Provide toys, chews, and stimulation appropriate for their size.
• Lifting and carrying versus jumping on/off furniture to protect joints.
• Thermoregulation concerns - keep indoors in hot/cold weather.

With adequate nutrition, preventative healthcare, and accommodating their size needs, toy Aussies can thrive as small dogs.

Costing

Here's a breakdown of average annual costs to properly care for a toy Australian shepherd as an adult:

• Food: $250-400 per year for high-quality kibble
• Toys/accessories: $50-100 per year
• Treats/Training aids: $50-100 per year
• Grooming: $75-150 per year for coat care and professional cleanings
• Annual checkups/shots: $200-350 per year for wellness exams and vaccinations
• Medical/dental costs: $200-400 per year on average for unexpected issues
• Pet insurance: $15-30 per month for full coverage (highly recommended)

Without insurance, expect to invest $1,000-2,000 annually in proper toy Aussie care. The price is worth it for their loving companionship!

Possible Behavioral Changes at Full Maturity

In most cases, a toy Australian Shepherd's personality and behaviors remain remarkably consistent as they reach adulthood. However, there are a few potential behavioral changes to be aware of:

• Increased independance and stubbornness - toys may challenge authority more as confident adults.
• More vocal tendencies - toys tend to bark more as watchdogs when fully grown.
• Established routines - set routines help manage energy levels when adult.
• Less herding instincts - grow out of strong nipping/herding of small animals.
• Increased Territorialness - will defend home/family more strongly as mature dogs.

Maintain positive training throughout life to curb behaviors like digging, separation anxiety and ensure they remain well-rounded companions. Early socialization is also crucial to help toy Aussies be comfortable meeting new people, dogs and environments as adults.

Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown Toy Australian Shepherd

While toy Aussies maintain their signature herding breed traits, there are a few features that really stand out when they reach full maturity:

• Dense double coat - their fur really fills out and requires regular brushing to manage shedding.
• Defined muscles - beneath the coat you can see their compact, powerful physique despite small size.
• Confident demeanor - fully grown toys carry themselves with pride and energy befitting their high intensity.
• Dedicated bond - toys grow even more attached to their people when matured and make devoted companions.
• Alert watchdog abilities - as adults their bark and watchful nature are potent deterrents around your home.

When is a Toy Australian Shepherd Really Considered Fully Grown?

Most toys reach their adult size between 12-18 months old. However, their skeletons are not completely fused until around 2 years of age. Large or very small breeds may take until 24 months to fully mature.

It's important for owners to be aware of the growth and development stage their toy Aussie is at so they can provide appropriate activity, training and care:

• 6-9 months: Rapid growth phase, avoid high impact activities.
• 9-12 months: Filling out muscles and coordination improves.
• 12-18 months: Approaching full height/weight but not fully muscled.
• 18-24 months: Skeleton solidified, height/weight stabilized, habits formed.

Suitability as a Pet

While toy Australian shepherds make wonderful companions for dedicated owners, their needs must be seriously considered due to their specific traits:

• Best for active owners who can meet exercise needs through brisk walks, play and activities
• Homes with fenced yards are ideal but toys can adapt to apartments with sufficient stimulation
• Bond strongly to one person but enjoy attention from all family members
• Get along best as only dogs or with confident, well-trained canine playmates
• Do not do well left alone for long periods - seperation anxiety possible
• Regular grooming and allergy testing is a must for owners as well

With an owner committed to satisfying a toy Aussie both physically and mentally, this unique breed can shine as a beloved housemate.