Miniature American Shepherds

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, September 2013 issue.

Miniature American Shepherds

Are you looking for a companion, a “close” companion? Their loyalty and attachment to their people makes them wonderful family companions. In fact, don’t plan on ever going to the bathroom alone again! An owner should also expect “help” around the house, reserve with strangers and an avid jumper. The Miniature American Shepherd will happily play the clown until it gets a smile and a hug. With a great sense of humor, some even smile back at you! Looking for a dog that likes to do stuff, lots of stuff? The Miniature American Shepherd is highly food motivated and easily trained. In addition to herding, for which they were bred, they make excellent agility competitors, athletic disc dogs, attentive obedience and rally competitors, incredible trick dogs and compassionate therapy dogs. You will see them at flyball, treiball, and freestyle competitions as well as dock diving and swimming. Their keen noses allow them to excel in nosework and tracking which makes them also perfect for search and rescue work as well as cadaver dog work. Whatever activity floats your boat, you’ll have your trusty dog by your side.

What Are They Like?

Potential owners should realize that this active, intelligent dog will need both exercise and training. Highly recommended to outsmart your pooch, or they will train you. If they are given nothing to do, they’ll make stuff up! While they are not hyper-active, they do require a daily outlet for their energy. Often, this need presents itself as a “case of the zoomies”. Not to worry, two or three times around the house before bed should do it. Or 20 minutes with your Chuckit®! Tis small, athletic, herding breed has moderate bone and slightly rectangular proportions. Movement is smooth, easy and balanced. Exceptional agility combined with strength and stamina allows for working over a variety of terrain. Tis versatile, energetic dog makes an excellent athlete with superior intelligence and a willingness to please. He is both a loyal companion and a biddable worker. They are most content when they have job (or two), whether it be a dog sport, volunteer work, learning tricks or herding. Settling in as adults between 13 and 18 inches tall and weighing roughly 20 to 35 lbs., the Mini has a natural bob or docked tail. The coloring offers variety and individuality. With no order of preference, the recognized colors are black, blue merle, red (liver) and red merle. The merle will exhibit in any amount of marbling, flecks or blotches.

Each color may also have patches of copper on the legs, face and under the tail area. White may appear on the feet and lower legs, face, chest and around the neck. How were they developed? The Miniature American Shepherd has been in existence since the 60s. They were formerly known as a Miniature Australian Shepherds/Mini Aussies and for a short time in the 90’s the North American Shepherd. MASCUSA was loosely formed in 1989 and Incorporated in 1993 as a Parent Club and Registry. In 2010 AKC approved the split of the Australian Shepherd Breed, by Phenotype. Much like the Norfolk and Norwich Terrier were created by a split into two breeds by ear set, the Australian Shepherd breed was split by size. The AKC Board of Directors approved MASCUSA as the Parent Breed Club for the newly named breed, the Miniature American Shepherd. These little dogs have all the great qualities of the larger counterpart, but in a smaller package.

Do I Really Want One?

This is not the dog for you if:

• You live a sedentary lifestyle.
• You want instant, unquestioning obedience – this dog will question your judgment, and possibly outsmart you sometimes.
• You or your children do not like being herded. Training is sometimes required to curb natural instinct and reserve.
• You do not like in your face kisses and hugs or a bundle of fur sitting in your lap or on your chest.
• You don’t want a dog that sheds. On the upside, a few times a year you can pick up fuzz balls the size of bunnies, and not have to vacuum.

How do I Pick the Right Dog?

It may take some effort to find a Miniature American Shepherd and picking the right puppy is about finding the one that fits with the lifestyle of the buyer. Every puppy is the “pick of the litter” for the right owner. The breeder knows the temperament of every puppy best, allow them to direct you to the “One”. Buyers should ask the breeder for a minimum of OFA hip certifications and eye clearances on the parents, before adopting a puppy. See the AKC website for breed listing in Canine Health Information Center-CHIC. They are moderately long-lived, 12 to 15 yrs. Shedding and grooming is also moderate. Visit www.mascusa.org for a breeder listing.