More about the Breed

 Miniature American Shepherds (MAS) are natural herding dogs, bred to work and flourish when challenged to do so both mentally and physically. Those considering adding one to the family should be prepared to ensure they’re kept active and stimulated. These intelligent and versatile dogs learn quickly and are perfect companions for all types of families.

Families with children looking at getting a MAS should be prepared to educate themselves and their dog in how to live together. Training is key to ensuring your new dog learns the right way to behave and to keep the herding desire at bay. Generally, these dogs are medium to high energy, and are very intelligent.

It's important to note that medium to high energy does not mean this dog doesn’t know how to ‘potato’. All of mine are loud, boisterous and happy to stay active but quickly flip an off switch in the house, often sleeping on the backs of couches or at your feet. That same energy level is also not synonymous with being overjoyed with meeting new people. All my dogs take their time to welcome visitors but take cues from us. If we’re ok, they’re soon ok with new people visiting and you’d never know they weren’t sure of you because ‘look, a new bestie’!

 General Appearance

A Miniature American Shepherd is slightly longer than tall with bone that is moderated and in proportion to body size and height without extremes. Movement is smooth, easy and balanced. The double coat of medium length and coarseness may be solid in colour or merle, with or without white and/or tan (copper) markings. They traditionally have a docked or natural bobtail.

Temperament

This is an intelligent, primarily working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. An exceptional companion, they are versatile and easily trained, performing assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. Although reserved with strangers, they do not exhibit shyness. They are a resilient and persistent worker, who adjusts their demeanor and arousal appropriately to the task at hand. With their family they are protective, good natured, devoted and loyal.

Size

Size: Height for dogs is 14 inches (35.5 cm) up to and including 18 inches (45.7 cm) at the top of the withers. Height for bitches is 13 inches (33 cm) up to and including 17 inches (43.2 cm) at the top of the withers. The minimum heights set forth in this breed standard shall not apply to dogs or bitches under six months of age.

Proportion: Measuring from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks and from the highest point of the shoulder blade to the ground, they are slightly longer than tall.

More information can be found HERE on the Canadian Kennel Club website.

 The Miniature American Shepherd, more widely known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd, was first developed in the late 1960's in California. Smaller size Australian Shepherds were bred with the goal of maintaining the look and temperament of the Australian Shepherd, but in a smaller size.

The breed was first registered as the Miniature Australian Shepherd with the National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR) in 1980. By the early 1990's, the breed had gained nationwide popularity. Several clubs promoted these small dogs, registering, and showing them within various rare-breed organizations. The first parent club and breed registry MASCUSA was formed in 1990 and incorporated in 1993. The breed entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service in May of 2011 as the Miniature American Shepherd. The Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA) is the designated national parent club of the AKC.

The breed has been used to herd smaller stock such as goats and sheep, though they have the heart to tackle larger stock as well. Their small size was favorable, as they could also double easily as a household pet. They became especially popular among equestrians travelling to horse shows, as their intelligence, loyalty, and size make them an excellent travel companion. As others discovered these traits, the breeds popularity spread across the country. Today, the Miniature American Shepherd is established across Canada, the United States and internationally.