Mini Yorkshire Aussie -- Miniature American Shepherd X Yorkshire Terrier

		Mini Yorkshire Aussie
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A. <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Mini Yorkshire Aussie

The Mini Yorkshire Aussie is a hybrid of the Miniature American Shepherd and the Yorkshire Terrier. The Australian side of this hybrid has an interesting history that may not even have originated in Australia. This hybrid mix is a compact version of two purebred dogs that were both bred for hunting activities of different kinds, yes, even that adorable little Yorkie was originally a hunter. And, these two hunting breeds have been combined to create a loving and protective family companion.

History of the Mini Yorkshire Aussie

The Mini Yorkshire Aussie, a mix of Miniature American Shepherd and Yorkshire Terrier, is a more recent hybrid with little information available on the hybrid itself. To get an idea of the breed's history, we'll need to look at the histories of the parent breeds.

	A little of the Miniature American Shepherd
	In the 1960s, a Californian woman became very interested in several small Australians she received from the rodeo circuit. Amazed by their compact size, she teamed up with a veterinarian to set up a breeding program that resulted in litters containing Australian puppies of both larger and smaller sizes. This eventually intrigued the professional breeding communities, and more effort went into developing the “mini” Aussie we see today. However, recognition as a separate and distinct breed was a longer and more difficult road ahead for Mini Aussie enthusiasts. After much deliberation and discussion about the name and breed standards, it wasn't until 2015 that the AKC recognized the Mini version, but not without a name change to Miniature American Shepherd Dog. As a result, you may find a Mini Yorkshire Aussie that's the result of breeding a Miniature American Shepherd with a Yorkshire Terrier, but rest assured, it's the same sweet, intelligent, cuddly hybrid.

	Standard of the Miniature American Shepherd
	A little of the Yorkshire Terrier
	Originating in Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century, this then-larger version was bred to hunt and eliminate rats and other vermin that infested garment factories. The breed traces its origins back to the Waterside Terrier, Manchester Terrier and Paisley Terrier, and was initially generally owned by the working class, particularly those whose trade was weaving. Some believe that other breeds may also have contributed to the development of the Yorkie: Maltese, Skye Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Black and Tan English Rough Terrier, Leeds Terrier and Clydesdale Terriers, the latter two now extinct. This small dog breed has been a member of the English Kennel Club since its creation in 1873, arriving in the U.S.A. in the 19th century to become an extremely popular “portable puppy” to this day. The Yorkshire Terrier was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and has been the darling of thousands ever since.

	Standard of the Yorkshire Terrier

Appearance of the Mini Yorkshire Aussie

Your Mini Yorkshire Aussie is a mix of Miniature American Shepherd and Yorkshire Terrier and, as such, can take on the appearance traits of one or both parent breeds. Your hybrid pet can measure from 20.5 to 46 centimeters in height at the withers and weigh from 2 to 18 kilos, depending on which parent breed dominates the biological pool. Your pet may have a small, compact body or medium, proportionate bone structure, eyes proportionate to the size of the head and dark brown, blue, hazel or amber in color. Ears can be medium-sized, triangular in shape and set high on the head with a fold, or small, V-shaped ears set high on the head and held erect. The muzzle is often of medium length, with a scissor bite. The dog's paws are likely to be small and compact, with thick pads and arched toes. The tail is of medium length, if not docked, may hang in a gentle curve or be carried straight. The coat may be medium-textured, straight to wavy, of medium length and weather-resistant, or it may be glossy, silky and fine-textured and of moderate length. Your hybrid's colors could be black, blue merle, red (liver), red merle or black and tan.

Temperament of the Mini Yorkshire Aussie

Your Mini Yorkshire Aussie hybrid is an excellent member of the furry family. Some of the terms used to describe the temperament of these breeds are: alert, energetic, gentle, courageous, independent, intelligent, loyal, loving, playful, protective, calm, social and outgoing. It can also be said that this hybrid can be quite entertaining, the cute, cuddly playfulness capturing the heart of anyone who has one. This hybrid is affectionate with its human family, and the Australian side helps make it better with children, the family cat and other dogs. The hybrid is friendly with strangers but will probably be wary of them until he's comfortable with the safety of the human family. Early socialization will help modify some of these traits. Both parent breeds contribute to high levels of intelligence, but this high level of intelligence is accompanied by a moderate level of trainability and independence. It's essential that you establish, at the start of training, who's in charge, as both breeds can be dominant. Both breed parents also contribute to higher energy levels, so be prepared to adapt and maintain an appropriate exercise program that challenges both the physical and the mental, as no pet parent wants to deal with the annoying destructive behaviors that can accompany boredom and being. left alone for long periods.

Needs and activities of the Mini Yorkshire Aussie

Your Mini Yorkshire Aussie is a moderately active hybrid, getting high energy levels from both sides of the biological equations. Long daily walks, playing and letting off steam in the dog park or fenced backyard, retrieving and Frisbee games, dirt dog games, agility and obedience training are excellent ways to keep your pet properly exercised and occupied. He doesn't like to be left for long periods as he likes to be close to his beloved human family. Due to the activity levels of the Australian side, he may not be the best choice for apartments or condos, unless you are totally committed to providing him with proper daily exercise. The Yorkie side contributes to a higher level of barking, so this should also be taken into consideration if you live in an apartment or condo where noise is limited. This hybrid can live in both urban and rural settings in an apartment or condo, with the above consideration, or a family home with or without a fenced yard. Depending on which parent breed has the most influence in the biological mix, your hybrid family member may or may not tolerate extreme temperatures, but will tend to be happier and healthier in moderate climatic zones.

Maintenance of the Mini Yorkshire Aussie

Your Mini Yorkshire Aussie is a hybrid mix of Miniature American Shepherd and Yorkshire Terrier and is considered to be in the moderate to high maintenance category. Both parent breeds are moderate in the shedding category, making only the Yorkie side hypoallergenic, which doesn't make it the best breed to have in your home if you have a family member with respiratory problems or asthma. Your dog should be brushed several times a week to remove hair and debris and to distribute the oils throughout the coat. Bathing is recommended only when necessary so that these same oils are not washed away, compromising the weather resistance of the Australian side. Weekly ear checks and cleaning without inserting anything into the ear canal will help reduce the risk of infection, and while you're checking the ears, check the toenails too. Toenail trimming should be carried out as needed, unless your dog is able to keep them worn in his daily physical activities. Dental examinations and cleanings are recommended, along with home tooth brushing two to three times, if not daily per week to reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease and the accompanying tooth loss. Slime potential is low, as is the olfactory potential of this hybrid.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 04 May 2024; Hits: 326

Mini Yorkshire Aussie -- Miniature American Shepherd X Yorkshire Terrier