What to look for in Toy or Mini Aussie and the breeder

I answered an email today from someone wanting a Toy or small Mini Aussie puppy that was mostly white with black and brown spots and it had to have blue eyes but ti had to be a working Aussie. They said they saw one on another site that was $800.00. I took the opportunity to try to educate this person. After giving it some thought, I think I should share this everyone, especially breeders of Toy and Miniature Australian Shepherds. So take a minute and read this maybe you can learn something from it as well. Maybe you can teach me something as well.
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First lets talk about blue eyes. Blue eyes in either a tri or a merle are light sensitive, and are not the most desirable trait for working dogs. The more time they spend out in bright sunlight, the more the UV rays damage the eye. A brown eyed dog will out last a blue eyed dog in conditions for a working dog by 2 to 5 years, depending on the amount of time spent in the sun. Blue eyes are popular with fanciers of the breed, but are often rejected by serious stock dog owners who buy them to work for a living. Blue eyed dogs often squint to see diminishing their field of vision.

 

Because of the fanciers, blue eyes cost more. Let's talk about merles first. A brown eyed, blue merle puppy may start at $750.00. The prices goes up and down on a sliding scale from there, based on size, sex, markings and conformation. Blue eyed blue merles may start at $1,000.00, and are priced on that same scale. A perfect blue eyed blue merle female puppy that will be about 12 to 13 inches in height may start at $2,000.00. Tri puppies may start at $500.00, and are priced on the same criteria. The exception to the rule here is that a tri with one blue eye may start at $1,000.00; 2 blue eyes may start at $2,000. It doesn't matter if it is a red tri or black tri.

 

Next lets talk about the amount of white on any size Aussie. This is an exert from the breed standard: markings: on all colors, areas surrounding ears and eyes dominated by color other than white; white is acceptable on neck (either in part or as a full collar) chest, legs, muzzle, under-parts, blaze on head and white extension from under-part up to four inches, measuring from a horizontal line at the elbow; white on head should not be predominate, eyes must be fully surrounded by color and pigment; hairline of white collar should not exceed the point of the withers.  There is good reason for this, as an excessive white Aussie can be both deaf and blind. The color of the dog does not make it work better. That is a matter of personal preference. It is kind of like owning the most beautiful paint horse in the world with perfect markings that you can't ride.

 

The dogs should all be registered, had hip x-rays, and are cared for far beyond what is required by USDA inspected kennels. The dog should be purchased under a contract, that guarantees you the dog will be healthy, unless you do something to injure them, or exposed them to something without the proper vaccinations. Your breeder should be able to tell, though cannot guarantee, if the dog will be a working dog, or a couch potato. This will help to insure your happiness with your new love.