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About Miniature American Shepherd

While Miniature American Shepherds may be only half the size of their standard counterparts, they have at least the same amount of energy and intensity. These small herding dogs are up to 40 pounds of fun and capable of following adventurous lifestyles. They need quite a bit of exercise and mental stimulation, or are at risk of becoming high-strung and erratic. For active owners, a Miniature American Shepherd is a dream of a sporting companion, with the athleticism to keep up and the intellect to tackle new challenges. Early and continuous training is a must for this strong-willed breed that craves leadership and direction. When the day is done, though, they’re more than happy to ‘power down’ and hang out calmly by your side. Miniature American Shepherds aren’t high-maintenance when it comes to barking, but their double coat requires diligent upkeep and they shed a considerable amount. Adaptable, devoted, playful, and occasionally demanding, Miniature American Shepherds keep their owners laughing...and on their toes.

 

Origin: United States   Other Names: Miniature Australian Shepherd, Mini Aussie

Herding Group

Created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group.

The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals. A remarkable example is the low-set Corgi, perhaps one foot tall at the shoulders, that can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels. The vast majority of Herding dogs, as household pets, never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.

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General appearance

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small, athletic dog with a thick, medium length coat. Breeding smaller individuals of the standard-sized American Shepherd produces this unique breed, and like their larger counterparts, merle coats, light or two differently colored eyes, and bobbed tails can easily pick them out of a crowd.

 

Miniature American Shepherds are slightly longer than they are tall. Though they are lightweights, they are sturdily built. They have an evenly proportioned head equal to or slightly longer than the muzzle, which tapers to a rounded tip. They have triangular ears that sit high on the skull, and are either carried forward with a triangle fold, or held to the sides as a rose ear. Their gait is quick, smooth, and balanced. Their strength, sure footing, and agility allows them to work over a variety of terrain. When working, their double coat, which is medium in length and a little coarse, protects them from the elements by insulating against heat and cold. They can be found in merle colors (like red and blue), solid colors, and tricolor with white or tan markings.

Colors

This breed can be found in a variety of colors. You can check them out below.

Black and White

Size & Weight

Miniature American Shepherds are a small to medium-sized breed, standing 13-18 inches tall at the shoulders and weighing between 20-40 pounds.

Full Grown
Female 13 in. / 20 lbs.
Male 18 in. / 40 lbs.

Height is measured up to the shoulders.

Female Size Chart
Height Figure
Male Size Chart
6 ft. 4 ft. 2 ft.

Cost of Owning

The average cost of owning a Mini American Shepherd is $1000 per year
$300
Vet Care
$200
Grooming & Boarding
$200
Others
$300
Food & Treats

Characteristics

Size

Miniature American Shepherds are a small to medium-sized breed, standing 13-18 inches tall at the shoulders.

Tiny
Jumbo

Weight

Miniature American Shepherds are a small to medium-sized breed, weighing between 20-40 pounds.

Light
Heavy

Living space

Miniature American Shepherds are a good size for small spaces, provided they’re not confined at all times. They’ll need plenty of time outside the house, too.

City apartment
Ranch

Exercise

Although Miniature American Shepherds may be half-sized, their energy level certainly is not. The Miniature American Shepherd needs vigorous daily exercise and can keep up with any activity available.

Couch potato
Bring it on!

Personality

Miniature American Shepherds are fun loving and loyal within their close circle, but not overly friendly or social with everyone else. Early socialization will result in a dog that enjoys the company of new people and animals, instead of simply tolerating it.

Antisocial
Outgoing

Protection

The Miniature American Shepherd isn’t inclined to aggression, and their small size doesn’t particularly intimidate. However, they are watchful and can possess a guardian instinct.

None
Bodyguard

Behavior with kids

Miniature American Shepherds can make great companions for kids with their high energy levels and playful demeanor. They are prone to nipping and can take some acclimation to new people, so a supervised introduction would be the best idea.

Always monitor
Babysitter

Training

Miniature American Shepherds are stunning students. Like their larger forebears, they easily learn new commands and have a sixth sense for their owners’behaviors and wishes.

Headstrong
Obedient

Shedding

Miniature American Shepherds are normal shedders—but there’s a lot of hair to shed. Their double coat will ‘blow’ twice per year, and regular brushing will prevent a sudden onslaught of fur during this time.

Minimal
Abundant

Climate

Miniature American Shepherds have a double coat that allows them to be comfortable in a range of climates. With their fluffy insulation, neither heat nor cold bothers them too much.

Warm
Cold

Barking

In general, Miniature American Shepherds aren’t overly noisy. As well-trained pets, they bark on alert and can be asked to stop on command.

Mute
Loud

Temperament & Behavior

Energetic, athletic, intelligent, and devoted, the Miniature American Shepherd is a whole ‘lotta dog. They have a sixth sense about how to please their owners, although it may not be evident in their puppy years. They tend to mature around 2 years of age, when more agreeable traits, like watchfulness and contemplation start to emerge. They are extremely intuitive and intelligent, but can start making trouble if not provided with guidance.

 

Some Miniatures work in the field, although this is usually a recreational activity rather than a job. Because they’re herders through-and-through, they tend to nip and assert their will. These dogs shouldn’t be shy but tend to keep a close social circle. With practice they will warm up to strangers, and they typically look to their owners before responding to strange situations, people, and animals.

Barking: Understanding your dog

Miniature American Shepherds don’t belong to the barky, small dog club. Their guardian instincts will trigger them to alert you to any suspicious activity, and they can usually be trusted to sound the alarm only in a genuine emergency. Their bark is high and sharp, and during play, or when frustrated, they’ll issue short ‘yips’. They can result to coping with boredom or loneliness by barking, so make sure they’re getting enough exercise and attention to ease stress behaviors.

Training

Miniature American Shepherds can excel at just about anything with which they’re tasked. From a young age, they can learn commands, and should be house trained relatively easily. Training is critical for this intelligent breed—both for mental stimulation and obedience. Social grace and learning to follow the leader are themes to start working on from puppyhood. Miniature American Shepherds can be stubborn, and select negative enforcement techniques (like verbal correction), and a dedication to your way of doing things, is necessary to show them who’s the boss.

 

Even though this breed tops out at 40 pounds, they are strong and energetic. If walking on a lead is challenging, try using a walking harness to regain the advantage. While mechanical tricks are nice, there’s nothing better than obedience training that teaches your dog to follow your lead.

Habits and Exercise

Miniature American Shepherds have a high energy level and need to be exercised every day. They’re playful, and have a high prey drive, which means that they’ll chase anything that moves. Frisbee, fetch, or Flyball: if you’re game, so are they. The more often you take a Miniature American Shepherd walking, running, swimming, and cycling, the more likely you’ll be to have a relaxed, well behaved dog during the off-hours.

 

Even though Miniature American Shepherds are so energetic, they’re usually not hyperactive. These aren’t the dogs that will bolt the second they’re out of the yard or let off lead. Like some other working breeds, they tend to have an ‘invisible leash’ that causes them to run and explore within a limited distance. Even if they’re playing independently, they’ll want to play within eyesight of their people.

Energy Level

Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Energy Level

Nutrition

Miniature American Shepherds are energetic and active dogs, so they may require a bit more food than a more sedentary breed of dog. However, they can still become obese if overfed and under-exercised. Be sure to feed portion-controlled meals of a high quality balanced diet and avoid offering treats or table scraps in excess to keep your canine companion in great shape.

Daily Consumption

Adult Mini American Shepherds eat 2/3 to 1.5 cups of dry food per day

Daily Consumption

Preventive care

Some of the most commonly occurring health conditions in the Miniature American Shepherd involve their eyes. Most responsible breeders will perform genetic testing on their breeding animals to decrease the incidence of these conditions in future generations.

 

Like many other herding breeds, including Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, the Miniature American Shepherd has a relatively high incidence of a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1 gene). This gene mutation can predispose affected dogs to serious drug reactions with certain drugs, including several anti-parasitic drugs (i.e. ivermectin, moxidectin, milbemycin, etc.), chemotherapeutic drugs, and loperamide, among others. This gene mutation does not mean that these drugs must be avoided altogether, but rather that lower doses are typically necessary. There is a genetic blood test available to determine if an individual Miniature American Shepherd is affected.

Inherited health issues

The Miniature American Shepherd is a generally healthy breed. As with any breed, however, certain health conditions can arise at an increased frequency or occur as inherited conditions. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1 gene), Cataracts, Collie eye anomaly, Coloboma, Generalized progressive retinal atrophy, Persistent hyaloid artery, Microphthalmia and Persistent papillary membranes.

Life Span

On average, Miniature American Shepherds live to be about 12-13 years

Life Span

Did you know?

  • The Miniature American Shepherd is also known as the “Miniature Australian Shepherd” despite the breed being developed in the United States
  • Miniature American Shepherds are about half the size of their larger counterparts
  • Each eye can be a different color, typically brown, blue, green, or amber, and sometimes a combination.
  • Miniature American Shepherds are a true Californian dog. That’s where the breed was developed in the 1960s.

Coat and Grooming

With their thick, medium-length coat, Miniature American Shepherds have moderate grooming needs. They need to be brushed multiple times a week, using a coat rake in order to thin out the dead undercoat. Although completely shaving them is not recommended, as it can permanently damage their double coat and lead to skin irritation, they can be trimmed by an experienced groomer a few times per year to remove some length and manage feathering on the legs and hindquarters.

Coat length

Medium

Coat length

Grooming

Regular

Grooming

Shedding

Miniature American Shepherds shed a moderate amount. Their double coat can add up to a lot of shedding from time to time. Twice a year they can be expected to ‘blow their coat’when changing into summer and winter layers. Try a coat rake, pin brush, and slicker brush to keep the coat in shape and shedding to a minimum.

History

It’s believed that the ancestors of the Miniature American Shepherd actually originated in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, and arrived in North America with Basque herders in mid-19th century. In the United States, standard American Shepherds (then called Australian Shepherds) gained a reputation as hardy herders capable of wrangling all sorts of livestock, and entertaining at the rodeo to boot. During the 1960s, unregistered dogs that appeared to be small American Shepherds were bred to create a standard—with the idea of preserving their active character and intelligence within the smaller size. Recently the breed has been recognized by the AKC and enjoys popularity in the United States and abroad

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