Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small herding dog developed from the smallest Australian Shepherds — a full working dog at roughly half the size.

History

It was bred in California from the 1960s from undersized Australian Shepherds, originally for riders who wanted a herding dog that travelled easily to horse shows. It was recognised under its current name in the 2010s, deliberately separating it from the Australian Shepherd rather than treating it as a size variety.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bright, devoted and highly trainable, with the herding instinct fully intact — it will work stock, and it will work children and other pets if nothing else is available.

Care and training

It needs far more exercise and mental work than its size suggests; this is not a small dog that suits a quiet home. It excels at agility and obedience. The medium double coat sheds and needs regular brushing.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, inherited eye conditions and the drug sensitivity carried by many collie-type breeds, which breeders test for and vets need to know about. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts are in the panel.