Toy Aussies tend to be affectionate, loyal, and playful little lap dogs. They get along with children and other dogs. And, although they can be initially reserved with strangers, they tend to be friendly and open up quickly.

You should be able to expect something similar in a Toy Australian Shepherd Mix. The other parent breed could throw some other traits into the mix, so you do want to make sure you ask the breeder about them.

You can also meet the mother dog in person to get another idea of what temperament to expect. But, once you get your Toy Australian Shepherd Mix puppy home, it’s up to you to continue training and socialization to make sure they maintain a great temperament as they grow.

Due to their small size, the Toy Australian Shepherd is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. They are also sensitive to heat, as with any dog breed. And, because they are small, they are also sensitive to the cold. But, bundling up with some winter dog products will help them handle the cold.

Because they bond closely with their families, they do not like to spend a lot of time alone. As long as the other parent breed doesn’t introduce traits that could affect adaptability, your Toy Australian Shepherd Mix should also be a highly adaptable dog.

A mixed-breed dog can sometimes be healthier, but it’s not guaranteed. A Toy Australian Shepherd Mix can inherit the potential health conditions common to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds.

From the Toy Aussie side, the potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, blindness, or deafness. Deafness or blindness tends to be more common in puppies with the merle coat coloration, so testing sight and hearing for puppies with this coat is a good idea.

It’s also a good idea to test for the MDR1 gene. This is present in some herdings dogs and, should your Toy Aussie Mix inherit it, it can make them sensitive to certain medications.

Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, it’s important to ask the breeder about the other parent breed as well as the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about relevant health clearances or test results.

Toy Aussies tend to be highly intelligent, intuitive, and eager to please their owners. This makes them a great fit for dog owners of all experience levels including first-time dog owners.

As long as the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you should be able to expect the same in a Toy Australian Shepherd Mix. Puppy training classes can also still be a good idea as they often provide opportunities to socialize a puppy.

A mixed-breed dog can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a blend of both. Should a Toy Australian Shepherd Mix take after their Toy Aussie parent, they will have a medium-length coat that sheds moderately all year.

There may be some heavier shedding as seasons change, but brushing a few times a week and the occasional bath as needed is enough to keep a Toy Aussie coat looking great. The other parent breed could increase or decrease coat care requirements.

On top of coat care, you will also need to care for your Toy Australian Shepherd Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. But, if they grow quickly or aren’t wearing down as much on their own, you may need to cut your dog’s nails more often.

Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning your dog’s ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. You’re checking to make sure their ears are dry, clean, and free of debris or pests. If you see redness, irritation, excess wax, discolored discharge, or something else that is concerning, it’s time to visit the vet.

It’s also important to practice good dental care for dogs. Unfortunately, many dog owners overlook dental care, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. By brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, you can help prevent gum disease and other painful dental diseases later in life.

Toy Australian Shepherds have a moderate activity level. They are energetic, but they are small dogs that can tire out easily. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this small dog.

The other parent breed could result in a lower or higher activity level in a Toy Australian Shepherd Mix. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed will give you a good idea of what range to prepare for in a Toy Aussie Mix.

Toy Australian Shepherds usually stand 10-12 inches tall and weigh 7-20 pounds. The other parent breed could affect this, so it’s important to ask the breeder about them. Meeting the mother dog can also give you an idea of what size to expect in your Toy Australian Shepherd Mix.

A Toy Australian Shepherd generally lives 12-13 years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Toy Australian Shepherd Mix.