Prepare for unexpected vet bills
When you combine two of the most renowned hunting dogs -- the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Yorkshire Terrier -- you get a tiny, protective pup who is always on the lookout for trouble! Mini Yorkshire Aussies have double the hunting gene in them since both of the purebred parents were bred for hunting. The two were combined to create a breed that is just "pawfect" for companionship and a lookout, and these mini pups take their jobs very seriously!
Their small size of 8 to 18 inches and anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds means that their family needs to be on the lookout, too. While the Mini Yorkshire Aussie wants to run towards the danger, you need to keep them from being picked up by predators, especially in their older years when the deafness these breeds are prone to starts to kick in.
Trouble is never too far behind with your Mini Yorkshire Aussie, especially if you don't keep them busy! They are active little pups and will find ways to entertain themselves if you aren't doing it for them. Try some of these activities but be sure to keep them busy in smaller bursts. Their excitement will often outweigh their physical abilities, causing health problems, if you don't rein them in!
Mini Yorkshire Aussies are quite playful and smart, and they have lots of energy. Finding ways to keep them mentally and physically stimulated is important, but you have to be aware and be careful of their physical limitations.
These types of dogs are prone to conditions such as portosystemic shunt, tracheal collapse, hip dysplasia, retinal dysplasia, and patellar luxation. These are all big words that say you must never use neck leashes on them, be careful of stairs and anything that can hurt their hips and knees, and watch for folds and clumps around the eye and signs of potential deafness.
But even with all of these limitations, there are still many activities you can do to keep Fido busy! Try a simple game of hide and seek for starters!
Dog puzzle toys are now all the rage since they have been recommended as a way to mentally stimulate even the most playful of pups. These interactive toys entertain your dog, making them focus on the task at hand in order to get to the reward inside. Each puzzle can take anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour to solve, and meanwhile, your pup is getting enough stimulation to satisfy their hunting side! The best part is that each toy can be created to match your dog's ability, starting at beginner level and continuing to move up along with Fido's expertise.