Miniature American Shepherds
(aka Miniature Australian Shepherds)
(aka Miniature Australian Shepherds)
Official Breed Standard Available on KUSA's website:
http://www.kusa.co.za/index.php/documents/breed-standards/herding-group/1881-miniature-american-shepherd
http://www.kusa.co.za/index.php/documents/breed-standards/herding-group/1881-miniature-american-shepherd
Breed Introduction
The origin of the Miniature American Shepherd (previously known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd) is essentially the same as that of the Australian Shepherd. A breeding program to develop the Mini Aussies was begun in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds. Breeders today continue to strive to produce a mirror image of the Australian Shepherd in a size that fits well into today's lifestyle, without sacrificing instinct, ability or character. After establishing the breed in the The American Kennel Clubs Foundation Stock Service Registry the breed was moved into the herding group of the main AKC registry on 1 July 2015.
In October 2015 the first Miniature American Shepherds were registered with SA's main registering body KUSA.
Description
The Miniature American Shepherd has a medium-length coat which can be straight or slightly wavy and is moderate in length. Their coat comes in a basic red or black tri-color and then the unusual blue or red merle, all with white marking and or tan to rich copper trim. The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white. There is usually generous feathering on the back of the legs, and a mane and frill around the neck. Hair on the head, front of the forelegs and on the outside of the ears is shorter than the rest of the coat. The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
The hindquarters are the same length as the forequarters. The top of the skull is quite flat and clean cut. The feet are oval and compact. The lips do not hang over the lower jaw.
Temperament
Miniature Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent companions that are great with active families. Always the devoted friend and guardian. Very lively, agile, and attentive, they are eager to please with a sixth sense about what their owner wants. Mini Aussies are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without enough mental and physical exercise. They need a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. They excel in most competitive dog disciplines for eg. Obedience, Agility, Dog Jumping, Flyball, Dog Dancing and Sheep Dog Trials. They need lots of socializing as puppies to avoid them becoming wary and suspicious of strangers. They are from the herding group so many have a very high herding instinct and will attempt to herd anything that moves. This breed is not usually dog aggressive but as all dogs they should be socialized with as many other puppies and dogs as possible while growing up. You should always be your dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader and remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals.
Size
Height: 33-46cm Weight: 9-18kg
Health problems
The gene for the beautiful merle coloration also carries a blind/deaf factor. This only occurs in merle to merle crosses. Most merle Mini Aussies are the product of a merle to solid breeding (heterozygous) and these merles are not at risk for any health problems due to their coloration.
Life Expectancy
About 12-13 years.
The origin of the Miniature American Shepherd (previously known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd) is essentially the same as that of the Australian Shepherd. A breeding program to develop the Mini Aussies was begun in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds. Breeders today continue to strive to produce a mirror image of the Australian Shepherd in a size that fits well into today's lifestyle, without sacrificing instinct, ability or character. After establishing the breed in the The American Kennel Clubs Foundation Stock Service Registry the breed was moved into the herding group of the main AKC registry on 1 July 2015.
In October 2015 the first Miniature American Shepherds were registered with SA's main registering body KUSA.
Description
The Miniature American Shepherd has a medium-length coat which can be straight or slightly wavy and is moderate in length. Their coat comes in a basic red or black tri-color and then the unusual blue or red merle, all with white marking and or tan to rich copper trim. The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white. There is usually generous feathering on the back of the legs, and a mane and frill around the neck. Hair on the head, front of the forelegs and on the outside of the ears is shorter than the rest of the coat. The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
The hindquarters are the same length as the forequarters. The top of the skull is quite flat and clean cut. The feet are oval and compact. The lips do not hang over the lower jaw.
Temperament
Miniature Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent companions that are great with active families. Always the devoted friend and guardian. Very lively, agile, and attentive, they are eager to please with a sixth sense about what their owner wants. Mini Aussies are highly intelligent and easy to train. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without enough mental and physical exercise. They need a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. They excel in most competitive dog disciplines for eg. Obedience, Agility, Dog Jumping, Flyball, Dog Dancing and Sheep Dog Trials. They need lots of socializing as puppies to avoid them becoming wary and suspicious of strangers. They are from the herding group so many have a very high herding instinct and will attempt to herd anything that moves. This breed is not usually dog aggressive but as all dogs they should be socialized with as many other puppies and dogs as possible while growing up. You should always be your dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader and remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals.
Size
Height: 33-46cm Weight: 9-18kg
Health problems
The gene for the beautiful merle coloration also carries a blind/deaf factor. This only occurs in merle to merle crosses. Most merle Mini Aussies are the product of a merle to solid breeding (heterozygous) and these merles are not at risk for any health problems due to their coloration.
Life Expectancy
About 12-13 years.