Breed Info

Origin and Purpose

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small size herding dog that originated in the United States.  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.

 

General Appearance

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.  The double coat of medium length and coarseness may be solid in colour or merled, with or without white and/or tan (copper) markings.  He traditionally has a docked or natural bobtail.

 

Temperament

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.

 

These are herding dogs and need to be substantial enough to work all day but not so overdone that they tire under their own weight.  He is a solidly built dog with moderate bone substance.  Males:  Masculine without coarseness;  Females:  Feminine without slight of bone.

Males:  14-18 inches;  Females  13-17 inches

 

Well balanced, slightly longer than tall; medium (moderate) size and bone; lithe and agile.  Coat of moderate length and coarseness.   Straight to wavy and weather resistant; undercoat varies in quantity in various climates.  Short and smooth fur is on the head, ears, front of forelegs and below the hocks;  moderately feathered back of forelegs and britches.   There is a moderate mane and frill which is more pronounced in males.

 

MAS have a large variation of colours with base colours of black, blue merle, red, red merle with or without white and tan markings; with 16 colours possible.  This also provides a variety of eye colours – blue, brown, amber or any combo including flecks and marbling in one or both eyes.

 

An emerging breed first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015.  Miscellaneous class in the Canadian Kennel Club in 2018 and fully recognized in 2022.