About Miniature American Shepherds

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small Australian Shepherd (Aussie). The breed was known as the Mini Australian Shepherd (mini Aussie) before it was recognized by the AKC. The only difference between a Miniature American Shepherd and a Mini Australian Shepherd (mini Aussie) is that a Miniature American Shepherd is registered with AKC and/or UKC as a Miniature American Shepherd, and a Mini Australian Shepherd (mini Aussie) is not. The Miniature American Shepherd breed is currently in the AKC FSS program and will reach full recognition with AKC in July, 2015. The breed is in the CDHPR program and will reach full recognition with UKC in January, 2015.

Miniature American Shepherds range in size from 13-18" tall at the shoulder, although some puppies grow to be slightly outside of that range. They usually mature to weigh between 20 and 40lbs. They are very energetic, eager to please, athletic, and intelligent dogs that need a job. This job can be learning new tricks, learning a sport, herding, or any other creative thing that you can teach them to do. If they are not given a job, they tend to find their own, such as chasing cats, counter surfing, barking at everything that moves outside, and destroying toys. They are generally not couch potatoes and need to be stimulated both physically and mentally to be their happiest, calmest selves.

Miniature American Shepherds are fiercely loyal and will follow you wherever you go, so forget trips to the bathroom alone. Tripping over them as they insist on being your shadow is common, but they forgive easily. It is common for them to be wary of strangers and protective of their owners. They were originally bred to be farm dogs, so this is to be expected. It is best to socialize them a lot as puppies so that they don't become shy or over protective. They are great family dogs, but may herd children if they are bored and not taught that they shouldn't.

Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and athleticism make them fantastic obedience, agility, frisbee, and flyball dogs. The possibilities are endless on what these little dogs can do.