Miniature American ShepherdCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed was developed in California in the late 1960s by breeding small Australian Shepherds. The aim was to keep their small size, active nature and intelligence. It was first registered in 1980 under the name “Miniature Australian Shepherd”.

By the early 1990s it had become popular throughout America. The first breed club was founded in 1990, and in May 2011 the breed entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service under the name Miniature American Shepherd. Wikipedia says the AKC recognised it in 2015 as its 186th breed, and the FCI accepted it in September 2019.

How the breed developed

• Late 1960s – Small Australian Shepherds are bred in California.
• 1980 – First registration, as the “Miniature Australian Shepherd”.
• 1990 – The first breed club is founded.
• 2015 – The AKC recognises the breed.
• September 2019 – The FCI provisionally accepts the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC says it shares many physical traits with its ancestor, the Australian Shepherd, only on a smaller scale. Despite its size, it is a true herding dog: energetic, versatile, sturdy and very clever.

General appearance

The coat is of medium texture, straight or wavy, weather-resistant and of medium length; the undercoat varies with the climate. The hair is short on the head and the front of the legs, with moderate feathering on the backs of the legs. It has a moderate mane, more abundant in males.

The recognised colours, in no order of preference, are black, blue merle, red, liver, and red or liver merle. Merle may appear in any amount, as marbling or patches. There may be tan and white markings.

The standard describes it as intelligent, primarily a working dog, with strong herding and guarding instincts. It is an exceptional, versatile companion, easy to train, that does its job with style and enthusiasm. It is reserved with strangers, but not shy.

The AKC says that, being intelligent and eager to please, it is very easy to train and reaches its full potential when it learns at least basic obedience. Early socialisation and puppy classes are recommended.

Tips for effective training

• Start early. Socialisation and puppy classes.
• Give it a job. It has a great need for mental activity.
• Use rewards. It is eager to please.
• Try dog sports. It excels at agility, flyball and herding.

The AKC says it is active and athletic, needs a moderate amount of exercise and adapts well to family life. It can also live in town if it gets enough exercise, and it enjoys outings that keep both mind and body busy.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits active families.
• It can also live in town, with plenty of exercise.
• Do not let it get bored.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it has a double coat, with a longer topcoat and a woolly undercoat, which sheds quite a lot, especially once or twice a year. It is brushed weekly, and daily during the shedding season.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Other care

• Tell the vet the result of the MDR1 test.
• Go for regular check-ups and parasite treatments.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• “Mini Aussie”. It was first registered as the Miniature Australian Shepherd.
• Breed number 186. Wikipedia says it was the 186th breed recognised by the AKC.
• No order of colours. The standard does not prefer any colour.
• Created in California. The breed appeared in the late 1960s.
• Good at everything. It excels at herding, agility, obedience and flyball.

Is it a small Australian Shepherd?

It descends from small Australian Shepherds, but it is now a separate breed.

How big does it get?

Males measure 35.5–46 cm and females 33–43.5 cm; the AKC gives 9–18 kg.

Is it good with children?

The AKC gives it top marks for being good with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–13 years.