The Miniature American Shepherd is a herding dog with a roots from the Australian Shepherd. It is a compact dog with a strong work ethic. As such, they have been lauded by enthusiasts as an excellent choice for dogs sports such as herding, agility and flyball. Recently, the Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA), have been working to help create a new breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. The AKC provides this service to allow breeds to continue to develop while providing them with the security of a reliable and reputable avenue to maintain their records.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. He traditionally has a docked or natural bobtail.
Temperament
Intelligent, willing to please, and devoted, the Miniature American Shepherd is a herding dog that can be an excellent family pet. Owners must devote time to socialization and training to direct the breeds strong working instincts and drive. They are naturally wary of strangers but should not be shy, and they are able to adjust their demeanor to given situations, whether work or play. The breed responds well to obedience training and has a natural sensitivity that makes it a good choice for therapy work and search and rescue.The Miniature American Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. An exceptional companion, he is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. Although reserved with strangers, he does not exhibit shyness. He is a resilient and persistent worker, who adjusts his demeanor and arousal appropriately to the task at hand. With his family he is protective, good natured, devoted and loyal.
Size and Proportion
Males: 14–18 inches; Females: 13–17 inches; 20–40 pounds (weight range approximate/not specified in AKC standard)
Measuring from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks and from the highest point of the shoulder blade to the ground, he is slightly longer than tall. Solidly built with moderate bone in proportion to body height and size.
Color and Coat
Black, blue merle, red, red merle, with or without tan and/or white markings in specified areas. The nose and lips should be will colored black on blues merles and blacks, liver on red merles and reds.
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. Untrimmed whiskers are preferred. Severe Fault: Non-typical coats.The Miniature American Shepherd has medium length weather resistant double coat. It can be straight or wavy in texture.
