Information gathered by "Lynn Fremuth" <Kalikynos@comcast.net>

Mini/toys are nothing but mutts.(period)

For all you listers out there new to the wonderful world of Aussies, this is directly from ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America)

"The Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd, North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, and/or Toy Australian Shepherd breeds are not recognized as a variety of Australian Shepherd by ASCA.  The club considers such dogs to be a distinct and separate breed and will not accept them into its registry.

"Those interested in the Australian Shepherd should be aware there are no size varieties of Australian Shepherds. There is no officially recognized Australian Shepherd variety such as "Standard," "Mini/Miniature," or "Toy" Australian Shepherd."

AND FROM
The United States Australian Shepherd Association

"Statement concerning the Miniature Australian Shepherd, and the Toy Australian Shepherd.

Recently there has been a rise in the movement to breed miniature and toy versions of the Australian Shepherd.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Toy Australian Shepherd are not recognized or considered varieties of the Australian Shepherd by this organization, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, Inc. (USASA), or by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Since these dogs are not AKC registered, they cannot be verified by USASA as purebred, and therefore are not considered Australian Shepherds by this organization.

The USASA does not support the purposeful breeding of Miniature Australian Shepherds and Toy Australian Shepherds, and expects all members who have breeding programs to breed to the USASA/AKC recognized standard of excellence. The USASA further expects all members to be ever vigilant in the preservation and protection of the Australian Shepherd."

AND FROM the web sites of ASCA Affiliate clubs and Breeders; "Advertisers of Standard, Miniature, and Toy Varieties of Australian Shepherds are simply employing marketing terminologies to facilitate the sale of animals to the unsuspecting public that are, in reality, just dramatically smaller than the norm.

Responsible, reputable Australian Shepherd breeders who care about protecting this unique, American breed of stock dog do not promote the sale of Standard or Miniature or Toy Varieties of Australian Shepherds. This is a marketing ploy to sell faulty, undersized pups for increased prices."