The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
The Miniature American Shepherd is a small size herding dog that originated in the United States. He is slightly longer than tall with bone that is moderate and in proportion to body size and height without extremes. Movement is smooth, easy, and balanced. Exceptional agility combined with strength and stamina allows for working over a variety of terrain. This highly versatile, energetic dog makes an excellent athlete with superior intelligence and a willingness to please those to whom he is devoted. He is both a loyal companion and a biddable worker, which is evident in his watchful expression. The double coat of medium length and coarseness may be solid in color or merled, with or without white and/or tan (copper) markings. He traditionally has a docked or natural bobtail.
The head is clean-cut, dry, and in proportion to the body. Expression- Alert, attentive and intelligent. May express a reserved look and/or be watchful of strangers. Eyes – The eyes are set obliquely, almond shaped, neither protruding nor sunken and in proportion to the head. Acceptable in all coat colors, one or both eyes may be brown, blue, hazel, amber or any color combination thereof, including flecks and marbling. The eye rims of the reds and red merles have full red (liver) pigmentation. The eye rims of the blacks and blue merles have full black pigmentation. <strong>Ears – Are triangular, of moderate size, set high on the head. At full attention they break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. Severe Fault – Prick ears and ears that hang with no lift.
The overall structure gives an impression of depth and strength without bulkiness. Neck – The neck is firm, clean, and in proportion to the body. It is of medium length and slightly arched at the crest, fitting well into the shoulders. Topline – The back is firm and level from the withers to the hip joint when standing or moving. Loin – The loin is strong and broad when viewed from the top. Croup – The croup is moderately sloped. Body – The body is firm and well conditioned.
The forequarters are well conditioned and balanced with the hindquarters. Shoulders – Shoulder blades (scapula) are long, flat, fairly close set at the withers, and well laid back. Upper arm – The upper arm (humerus) is equal in length to the shoulder blade and meets the shoulder blade at an approximate right angle. The forelegs drop straight and perpendicular to the ground. Elbow – The elbow joint is equidistant from the ground to the withers. Viewed from the side, the elbow should be directly under the withers. The elbows should be close to the ribs without looseness.
Width of hindquarters is approximately equal to the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. Angulation – The angulation of the pelvis and upper thigh (femur) mirrors the angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm, forming an approximate right angle. Stifle – Stifles are clearly defined. Hock – The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear.
Moderation is the overall impression of the coat. Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant, and of medium length. The undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head and front of the legs. The backs of forelegs and breeches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. Hair may be trimmed on the ears, feet, back of hocks, pasterns, and tail, otherwise he is to be shown in a natural coat.
The Miniature American Shepherd shares many physical traits with its forebear the Australian Shepherd—only on a smaller scale. Females stand between 13 and 17 inches at the shoulder; males range from 14 to 18 inches. Despite their size, Minis are every inch a true herding dog: energetic, versatile, rugged, and extremely bright. The eye-catching coat comes in black, blue merle, red, and red merle. (The merle will exhibit in any amount marbling, flecks, or blotches.) Minis move with the smooth and agile step of a dog built for hard work on punishing terrain.
The Miniature American Shepherd should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Miniature American Shepherd has a double coat, with a longer outer coat and a wooly undercoat. The breed sheds a fair amount, even more so during shedding season, which can occur once or twice a year. Weekly brushing—daily during shedding season—will help to remove dirt and loose hairs and keep the dog looking his best. Mats or tangles can be worked out with a slicker brush or metal comb. As with all breeds, the nails should be trimmed regularly, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort.
Miniature American Shepherds are active and athletic, and they need a moderate amount of exercise but are also very adaptable to their family’s way of life. They do well as city dogs as long as owners provide sufficient exercise. They enjoy outings with their people that will occupy both their mind and body. They enjoy and excel in many canine events, including obedience, agility, and tracking.
As with all breeds, early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended and help to ensure that the dog grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. Intelligent and willing to please, the Miniature American Shepherd is highly trainable and will reach his best potential as a companion when taught at least basic obedience.
Miniature American Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders test their stock for health conditions, communicating with other dedicated breeders to work together for breed health and preservation of the breed’s unique qualities. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life.
Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:
The Miniature American Shepherd is a small size herding dog that originated in the United States. He is slightly longer than tall with bone that is moderate and in proportion to body size and height without extremes. Movement is smooth, easy, and balanced. Exceptional agility combined with strength and stamina allows for working over a variety of terrain. This highly versatile, energetic dog makes an excellent athlete with superior intelligence and a willingness to please those to whom he is devoted. He is both a loyal companion and a biddable worker, which is evident in his watchful expression. The double coat of medium length and coarseness may be solid in color or merled, with or without white and/or tan (copper) markings. He traditionally has a docked or natural bobtail.
The head is clean-cut, dry, and in proportion to the body. Expression- Alert, attentive and intelligent. May express a reserved look and/or be watchful of strangers. Eyes – The eyes are set obliquely, almond shaped, neither protruding nor sunken and in proportion to the head. Acceptable in all coat colors, one or both eyes may be brown, blue, hazel, amber or any color combination thereof, including flecks and marbling. The eye rims of the reds and red merles have full red (liver) pigmentation. The eye rims of the blacks and blue merles have full black pigmentation. <strong>Ears – Are triangular, of moderate size, set high on the head. At full attention they break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. Severe Fault – Prick ears and ears that hang with no lift.
The overall structure gives an impression of depth and strength without bulkiness. Neck – The neck is firm, clean, and in proportion to the body. It is of medium length and slightly arched at the crest, fitting well into the shoulders. Topline – The back is firm and level from the withers to the hip joint when standing or moving. Loin – The loin is strong and broad when viewed from the top. Croup – The croup is moderately sloped. Body – The body is firm and well conditioned.
The forequarters are well conditioned and balanced with the hindquarters. Shoulders – Shoulder blades (scapula) are long, flat, fairly close set at the withers, and well laid back. Upper arm – The upper arm (humerus) is equal in length to the shoulder blade and meets the shoulder blade at an approximate right angle. The forelegs drop straight and perpendicular to the ground. Elbow – The elbow joint is equidistant from the ground to the withers. Viewed from the side, the elbow should be directly under the withers. The elbows should be close to the ribs without looseness.
Width of hindquarters is approximately equal to the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. Angulation – The angulation of the pelvis and upper thigh (femur) mirrors the angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm, forming an approximate right angle. Stifle – Stifles are clearly defined. Hock – The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear.
Moderation is the overall impression of the coat. Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant, and of medium length. The undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head and front of the legs. The backs of forelegs and breeches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. Hair may be trimmed on the ears, feet, back of hocks, pasterns, and tail, otherwise he is to be shown in a natural coat.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| BLACK | Check Mark For Standard Color | 007 |
| BLUE MERLE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 050 |
| RED | Check Mark For Standard Color | 140 |
| RED MERLE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 276 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| TAN POINTS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 029 |
| WHITE MARKINGS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 014 |
| WHITE MARKINGS, TAN POINTS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 030 |
