What could be more fun than a 7-month old mini Australian Shepherd?

TWO, OF COURSE!

 These two GORGEOUS mini aussies are energetic, intelligent, and we're pretty sure what one doesn't think of, the other does. Partners in crime, for sure (but we suspect the beautiful Piper -- the blue-eyed beauty -- may be the instigator.

For those not familiar with the breed, there are three sizes of Australian Shepherds -- standard, mini, and toy. Standards (recognized by the American Kennel Club) range in size from 18-21 inches at the shoulder (females) and 20-23 inches at the shoulder (males), and weighing up to 60 pounds plus. Miniatures are really not that small and are around 18 inches tall (or smaller) at the shoulder and up to 40 pounds. Toys are up to 14" at the shoulder and weigh up to 17 pounds.

Regardless of size, Australian Shepherds are an American breed that was developed on ranches and farms out west. (Did you know that the only Aussies in Australia are actually descended from American dogs?)

But where did the aussie come from then? There are two theories, according to the United States Australian Shepherd Association. The first is that the stock from which todays Aussies are derived, came from Basque Shepherds, who -- in the 1800s - brought their dogs with them following the sheep and wool industry from the Basque region, to Australia and on to the wester part of the United States. The second theory is that the Aussie is a mix of collie breeds that came with European settlers who migrated to the western part of the country.

Regardless of where the Aussie came from, the breed is known for its intelligence, strong herding and guardian instincts, and for being great family dogs.