The Miniature American Shepherd strongly resembles the Australian Shepherd, but... smaller. This pint-sized herder is noted for high intelligence, trainability, willingness to work, and loyalty. This dog’s agility and size makes the breed ideal for herding smaller livestock, such as goats or sheep, though they also have a strong affinity for horses.
They weigh 20-40 pounds and stand 14-18 inches tall, with females being about an inch shorter. Their life expectancy is 12-13 years. Their coats can be wavy or straight, and are of medium length; undercoats vary with the climate. They are typically black, blue merle, red merle, or liver in color, and shed a moderate amount. Tails are traditionally docked or natural bobtail.
The Miniature American Shepherd’s small size makes them ideal apartment dogs so long as their owners provide them with enough stimulation and exercise.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
