Miniature American Shepherd

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

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.

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.

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.