The Mini Aussie Ear

SEMI-PRICK- these are relatively rare, but quite acceptable

ROSE- these are common, and acceptable

BUTTON/TRIANGLE- It is unknown what the correct term for the ear is, but button is fairly accurate. These ears are generally the most desirable, indicative of correct weight and size.

HOUND- It looks very similar to the button, but notice the slight lift in the button ears' example, that small lift differs from a true hound ear. This ear set is unacceptable.

PRICK- It's straight, it's stiff, it's unacceptable.
(Summer has a Prick ear, she is still very cute though. It is unacceptable for AKC show and registration)

Eye Sight

This is a special type of Aussie most don't come split. Split meaning a variation of pigment coloring in the eyes and color. The right half is brown and it has a solid brown eye, the left side has a geometric split eye of white and brown. No known breeding tests have been performed to date to determine the heritability or lack of heritability of this trait.

They could also have something called "eye shine" where at the back of the eye is a layer of reflective pigment called the choroid area. The mirror like layer allows the dogs to see very well even in dim light. (Summer has this. Her eye sight is amazing, she could see a crumb from across the room) Eyes lacking in the pigment give the illusion of being red.

Solid Eye colors and Odd Eyes: Green eyes are most often seen in red and red merles

Others can have an intense wolf yellow. Dogs with this normally are not sensitive to bright lights.
The presence of this pigment pattern in a nonmerle suggests that some other factor is involved in producing it. Aussie eyes can be any color, and this is within the normal range of variation. It is a very unusual and fascinating variation that is very eye catching when it occurs. (Summer sometimes has this happen, her eyes are so striking)

Temperament.. Non Existent!

Children and Mini's: Mini Aussies get along with children of all ages from toddler to adult. They are very active and have to be kept busy. They will love to play with kids. (Summer is always going to her toy box and grabbing some toy trying to get someone to play with her. Her favorite toy would have to be "Willy" its a simple stuffed toy, with broken squeakers.) You may think that with Mini's who are only about 15 pounds you might have to tell the children to keep easy with them, you don't since they are made to heard they can handle some rough housing. They are very compliant and love to please you. They will do their best to listen and respond to commands even from the youngest children.
Other dogs and Aussies: They are not normally an aggressive dog and will be very comfortable with cats and even the smaller pets. You do want to try to get them around the other pets in the house at a younger age. Aussie's are a great companion for other breeds of dogs, even those who seem to be a tad dominant. (Summer again is exactly how a Australian Shepherd should be. She loves her friends Maddie, Lucky, and Tiger. Since she wasn't around Rusty as a puppy she has some issues with him. I'm sure in time she will get along with him too. She loves the cats she has grown up around but the ones that walk in front of her yard she doesn't take to kindly to!)
Mini Aussie's as Watchdogs: Yes, Mini Aussies are small but they still make a pretty good watch dog. They will bark whenever someone they don't know approaches. They are not like the Yappy little dog breeds they can be taught to bark or to stop barking on command. (Summer is still working on that talent! She will learn)
Mini Aussie's and Being Alone: Wouldn't suggest it. They love to be the center of attention in the family and love to stay busy with the family. I would not recommend them for family's where they will have to leave the dog alone for hours at a time. They need to be constantly loved. (Summer again is exactly like this, when we do have to leave her at home she hops on the couch and looks out the window and just waits for us. She loves her mama (Leann) and she always has to have her eye on one of the family to be calm. She does like sometimes on rare occasions to be alone and just have quiet time.)
They love to be the center of attention and will stay in their puppy like behavior until they are very old senior dogs.
When not being challenged the Aussie will turn their energy and natural curiosity into more destructive behaviors such as chewing and finding out how to get into areas in the house where they are not supposed to be. ( I have never had any problems with Summer and this problem.) Right now were trying to shake and lay down.)

Important:
NEVER FORCE THE DOG TO INTERACT IT CAN LEAD TO DIS-TRUST IN STRANGERS AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS. Early socialization will help this.

Bobbed/Docked Tails

The Australian Shepherd is noted as the very first bobbed tail breed.
In America Aussies natural state of orgin bobbing a tail was the safest thing to do. They are herding dogs and with a tail it would get in the way.
Docking is along the same lines as Bobbing. It is done for cosmetic purposes.
In the end the reason why they do this to the tails is to prevent injury to the tail while moving through thick brush. It could cause infection.
Some countries have banned bobbing tails saying "it is an unjustified mutilation of animals."
I personally don't see how when all the Bob does is protect the dog from necessary harm. It doesn't even hurt them, because when it is done they are to little to know what is going on.

Aussie Colors

When i Aussie is full grown they range from 13'' to 18'' tall.
"Miniature Australian Shepherds are like snow flakes, none of them look the same. Which makes them a great dog to own."
They come in different colors including blue merle, red merle, black or tri colored. Most come with a copper/tan and white trim. (including my little summer).
If you think their fur colors are strange their eyes are even more. They may be normal colors like blue, brown or might be black or red tri colored. Some may even have two different colored eyes, for example one brown and one black.
Its cute to see them wag their butts at you. The reason why i say butts is because they don't normally come with tails. Most when they are born are bobbed, some longer ones are docked.