I have "standard" aussies, and actually I don't have a problem with "mini's" IF the breeder is a responsible one. I have a couple of friends who have 'toy' aussies and the concensus is correct, they do not look like "toy aussies" to me, they are more "snipey" in the nose and resemble whatever they were crossed with/ pom/chihuaha whatever,,they did not look like a "toy" version of an aussie.
With that said, I also agree, there are many "standard" aussie breeders that have small aussies..The aussie "size" standard is not that set in stone when it comes to size, they are looking for the overall package, but I'm sure a 14" standard sized aussie would not do well in the show ring (and personally I've never seen one in the conformation ring) but they do happen.
I have a couple of friends who have all gotten mini's from a really nice breeder up canada/maine way, (I think tucker and I have discussed her before) and let me tell ya,,these dogs are not couch potatoes. They are not "crossed" with shelties or whatever, (which I've seen alot of mini's that are also snipey/sheltie-ish looking) .
And while many don't want to say it, there are ALOT of Standard aussie breeders(and responsible ones!!) breeding to mini's to get some new "blood" going.
I don't consider the "mini's" a designer breed, and sure I think there are alot of not so responsible breeders of them out there , as with ANY breed, but I do see alot of responsible ones who while keeping that smaller package, breeding for size alone isn't their "goal"..
I do like my standard asca/akc reg'd aussies tho, just easier to do all venues of whatever I wish to compete in, and so much diversity out there when it comes to finding a dog. The toy's, no I wouldn't be interested in one.
The mini's,,someday if I was in the market, I would probably be interested if it was what I was looking for.
Just my opinion
Diane