Frequently Asked Questions
Do you allow house visits?
While we’d love to meet all of our potential puppy parents, we prioritize the safety and health of our puppies (and our human family!). For this reason, we do not allow house visits. However, we offer virtual meet-and-greets via Zoom or FaceTime, where you can meet the puppies and ask any questions you might have. And of course, we provide plenty of photos and videos to make sure you can see their adorable personalities shine!
What’s the difference between a Toy Australian Shepherd, a Mini Australian Shepherd, and a Miniature American Shepherd?
Great question! Toy Aussies and Mini Aussies are both recognized by the American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR) as sizes of the Australian Shepherd, with Toys generally being 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder and Minis around 14-18 inches. A Miniature American Shepherd (MAS) is a different breed, developed from Mini Aussies, but recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as its own breed. The biggest difference is that MAS are an AKC breed, while Mini Aussies and Toy Aussies are size variations of ASDR Australian Shepherds. The AKC does not recognize Toy or Mini Aussies; however, many ASDR Toy and Mini Aussies – including ours! – are dual registered as AKC Mini Americans. Bottom line: all three are smart, energetic, and loving herding dogs, just in slightly different packages!
How much are Toy Aussie puppies from Tater Tails?
Prices for our Toy Australian Shepherd puppies can vary, but typically they range from $2,500 to $3,000. This includes their first set of vaccinations, microchipping, health screening, and a little go-home package with some of their favorite things. Please note that these are pet prices under a spay/neuter contract, with limited ASDR (and/or AKC when available) registration. Breeding rights may be offered on a case-by-case basis.
Do you dock tails on your puppies?
Nope, never! All of our Toy Aussie puppies keep their tails, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We love the look of their natural waggy tails, and we believe firmly that keeping their natural tails is the right thing to do – it’s something that sets us apart.
How big will a Toy Aussie get, and when will my Toy Aussie be full grown?
Toy Australian Shepherds typically grow to be between 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 12-17 pounds, but some can be a little smaller or larger. They usually reach their full height by about 9-10 months, but they’ll continue to fill out and build muscle (and coat!) until they’re about a year to 18 months old.
When can I take my puppy home?
Our puppies are ready to go to their forever homes between 8-10 weeks of age. This gives them time to develop properly, socialize with their littermates, and get a great start in life. We’ll make sure they’re fully weaned and have received their first set of vaccinations before they leave, and they’ll have had a solid foundation in socialization.
How do I reserve a puppy?
If you’re ready to commit to a lifelong best friend, you can submit an application! Once your application is approved, we require a $200 non-refundable deposit, which will go toward the total cost of your puppy. Deposits are accepted once puppies are born, and we work with you to find the perfect match for your family.
Do you ship puppies?
Although we prefer to meet our puppy buyers in person, we understand that not everyone can make it to Massachusetts for pickup. Many families choose to fly in to pick up their puppy, and we can even meet you at the airport (Boston Logan) for added convenience! We can also recommend a trusted third-party “flight nanny” to transport your puppy in-cabin to your local airport. Costs vary for this service, but two recent trips were in the $600-$700 ballpark. This fee is paid directly to the flight nanny service. We do not ship puppies in cargo.
Additional questions? Just ask! Contact us and we’ll get back to you ASAP.