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Miniature American Shepherd breed guide
The American Kennel Club says the Miniature American Shepherd resembles a small Australian Shepherd and is a true herder in spite of its compact size: a bright, self-motivated worker and endearingly loyal, lively companion with an affinity for horses.
It comes in black, blue merle, red or red merle.
Temperament
Miniature American Shepherds are every inch a true herding dog: energetic, versatile, rugged and extremely bright, with a smooth, agile step. They are intelligent and willing to please, highly trainable and at their best when given a job as a companion.
Early socialization and training classes help a young one grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion.
Lifespan
Miniature American Shepherds live 12 to 13 years. Responsible breeders test their stock for health conditions and share information with other dedicated breeders to work together for breed health.
Care
The double coat has a longer outer layer and a wooly undercoat and sheds a fair amount, more in the shedding seasons that come once or twice a year. Weekly brushing, daily in season, removes dirt and loose hair.
Moderate exercise keeps them content. They fit themselves to their family's way of life. They do well as city dogs when owners provide sufficient exercise. They enjoy outings that occupy mind and body.
History
In the 1960s small Australian Shepherds found working the US rodeo circuit were selectively bred to reduce their size further and the new breed was first called the Miniature Australian Shepherd.
The Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA says they became especially popular with equestrians traveling to horse shows because their intelligence, loyalty and size made them an excellent travel companion.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |