This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, June 2015 issue.
The Miniature American Shepherd makes an impressive show dog. The breed standard is clear. Finding a balanced, well-put-together dog or bitch that is close to the Miniature American Breed Standard to exhibit in the conformation ring is an obvious but very important task. However, turning that beautifully built, super-moving Mini into a brilliant show dog takes care and work. A show prospect must be exposed to many new people and show experiences in the formative months prior to show age. The special trust they have with their owners must be expanded to all humans, especially those who may handle or examine them.
Sure, it takes time for the young dog to mature, to develop balance with all those parts growing at different rates, and to grow a nice adult coat, but the comfort and safety they feel at home in known situations must be extended to many places. These super-intelligent herding dogs, capable of figuring out how to move multiple animals 10 to 100 times their size in unity, quickly and safely, are predisposed to think first in new situations. However, the more they are exposed to new experiences and new people, the quicker they adapt. So with bait training, dog classes, fun days at dog shows, walking around flea markets, asking people to go over your dog, and participating in conformation events prior to regular shows, these wonderful dogs quickly learn that life as a show dog is fun and full of rewards!
