Frequently Asked Questions
Bringing home a puppy comes with a lot of questions. Below are some of the things we’re asked About most often.
If you’re researching Mini Australian Shepherd or Miniature American Shepherd puppies, you probably have a few questions. Below are some of the things families ask us most often about the breed, our program, and the process of bringing a Blue Buckaroo puppy home.
About the Mini Australian Shepherd Breed
The Miniature American Shepherd is the official AKC-recognized name for the breed. Many people still use the term “Mini Australian Shepherd” because the dogs are essentially a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd in both appearance and temperament. You’ll often hear both names used interchangeably, and most families searching for the breed recognize them as the same type of dog.
In most cases, yes. Mini Aussies are loyal, affectionate dogs that enjoy being involved in family life. That said, they are also intelligent working dogs and do best when both the puppy and the children are taught how to interact respectfully. Like any breed, supervision and clear boundaries go a long way in creating a great relationship between kids and dogs. That being said – if you are a young family with very small children, keep in mind that adding a puppy is much like adding another toddler to the household.
They do need regular exercise, but it’s not about constant stimulation. Mini Aussies thrive with a balance of physical activity and mental engagement. Walks, short training sessions, and interactive play go a long way. Just as important is teaching them how to settle and relax in the home. Aussies thrive on having jobs and mental challenges – whether that be helping you pickup toys or enjoying a good food puzzle.
They are considered moderate shedders. Their double coat sheds throughout the year and typically more heavily during seasonal coat changes in the spring and fall. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy. A healthy diet does help minimize shedding.
Our dogs are avid swimmers – in fact they may even try to “swim” in their water bowl LOL
The majority of our puppies mature out to approx 30lbs. We do have puppies that will mature as small as 15lbs and as large as 45 lbs depending on the cross. Our dogs all fall within the mini size range which is 14″ to 18″ at the shoulder.
Our Mini Aussie Breeding Program
Although we understand the desire to come visit, our “facility” is our home and farm. All of our puppies are raised and cared for by our whole family. The only time Blue Buckaroo puppy families come to our farm is to pick up their new puppy at 8 weeks of age.
We do not allow pre-visits for two reasons. Firstly, we run an extremely tight biosecurity program on our farm. We have to protect our puppies (your future puppy) and our adult dogs from potential life threatening disease like Parvo that can be spread by visitors.
Secondly, we cannot allow outside families who have not reserved a puppy into our home, for the safety of our family and dogs.
Thank you for your understanding.
Yes – please see the details here – Health Guarantee
Our puppies range in price from $1500 – 3000 depending on color / eye color / gender / size. Our tri color puppies are at the lower end of the price range and our merles at the top end. Our puppies are placed as pets, and we do not sell puppies with breeding rights.
Apart from our website, we have an @bluebuckarooaussies instagram page, a business Facebook page and we also have a dedicated Blue Buckaroo Families Facebook Group that you are welcome to join once I have spoken to you and chatted about our puppies and our program.
Our email, phone numbers and social media are listed on the Contact Us page.
Occasionally we will have one of our retired adults available. Most of our adults go to families that already have one of our puppies. We are very picky about where our beloved dogs retire.
Yes! Actually we prefer to chat with you to get a feel for what you are looking for and answer any questions you may have. You can also text any time. Do be patient with me as we are always in and out on the farm taking care of our animals. I promise to get back to you as soon as I can.
No, we do not ship our puppies for their own safety and for our peace of mind. Depending on our schedule it may be possible to meet at the Nashville TN or Huntsville AL airport where you can fly home with puppy at your feet in cabin. Flying with a puppy is quite simple. A soft carrier that can fit under the seat is required. Our puppies travel very well and most sleep during the plane ride. NOTE: Starting Feb 1st 2023 there will be a $ 250 fee for delivering to the airport. Delivery is subject to our availability – it is preferred that you drive out to our farm to pick up. We are approx 1 1/2 hrs from each of the airports. Many families choose to drive the entire trip and our puppies do great with that as well.
Our dogs are bred to the Miniature American Shepherd standard, though many families still refer to them as Mini Aussies. The goal in our program is balanced temperament, sound structure, and dogs that are capable companions for real life.
Yes – we offer our Puppy Academy program you can opt into for our available puppies.
We also partner with the amazing trainers at Baxter & Bella. They offer an incredible online puppy school. You will have one on one access to experts in the field! Visit their website to learn more. Use code BLUEBUCKAROO for a discount code of 25% for their lifetime membership! We also highly recommend you and your puppy attend a puppy school with your Aussie once they are old enough.
Choosing a Mini Aussie Puppy
The best puppy for your home isn’t always the one with the flashiest markings — temperament and energy level matter far more. Some puppies are naturally more easygoing, while others are more bold and driven. We spend a great deal of time observing each puppy’s personality and helping families choose a match that fits their lifestyle, activity level, and experience with dogs. Our goal is always to place puppies where they will thrive long-term.
Mini Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and learn quickly, which is both a blessing and a responsibility. They do best with consistent guidance, structure, and regular training from the beginning. Short daily training sessions, clear expectations, and mental challenges help keep their active minds engaged. Families who enjoy teaching and interacting with their dog usually find Aussies incredibly rewarding to train.
They can be, but it depends on the owner’s mindset. Aussies thrive with people who are willing to learn about training, leadership, and how dogs communicate. Their intelligence means they pick up good habits quickly — but they can also pick up bad ones just as fast if there are no boundaries. First-time owners who are committed to learning and providing structure often do very well with the breed.
Yes. While they do enjoy space to run, a large yard is not required if their physical and mental needs are being met. Regular walks, training sessions, games, and interactive play provide both exercise and mental stimulation. In many cases, a dog with a smaller yard but an engaged owner is far more fulfilled than one with a large yard but little interaction.
Puppy Reservations and Pick Order
Families can place an Advanced Litter Reservation to be part of our upcoming litters list, or reserve an available puppy on our Currently Available Puppies Page. Our website is updated daily. Always feel free to call and chat to see if a puppy you are interested in is a good fit for you and your family.
Families on the Advanced Reservation list receive the first opportunity to choose a puppy from each litter in the order reservations were received. When it is your turn, you can either select a puppy or pass and wait for the next litter.
Yes and No. Because we allow each of our families the freedom to PASS and roll their deposit over OR to pick out of the available puppies at their pick spot, we never know what spot number you will end up at with each litter pick. Sometimes many of the families at the beginning of the list choose to pass and we get close to the end of the list and are still picking – other times, we don’t even get close to the end of the list. It all depends on what color/gender/size combos are born and what the families ahead of you decide to do.
I know it is frustrating to not have a concrete answer, however, giving our families flexibility is important to allow families to wait for the best fit for their family.
We try to estimate based on our planned litters and average litter size as to wait time. Currently, our wait time depends on how particular you are – if you just really have to have a blue merle female with blue eyes and a black patch over one eye, then it may take a bit longer, however, it could be sooner for those families flexible with color/gender/size. Generally the wait is minimal – immediate to a few months.
Bringing Puppy Home
Puppies go home at or after 8 weeks of age once they are eating well independently, have begun their early training routines, and are ready for the transition to their new families.
Yes. Our puppies are introduced to early potty training using a doggy door and outdoor potty area. They are accustomed to leaving their sleeping area to go outside, which gives families a great head start when continuing training at home.
Absolutely. Our puppy families are always welcome to reach out with questions. We’re happy to help guide owners through the early stages of training, adjustment, and settling into life with their new puppy.
Meet Your Future Sidekick
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
If you’d like to see current litters or learn more about upcoming puppies, feel free to explore our available puppies or join our advanced reservation list.
