GROUP 5 - WORKING DOGS

Brief History
The Miniature American Shepherd originated in the USA in the 1980s – from small Australian Shepherds which worked on the rodeo circuit.  Resembling an Australian Shepherd, these dogs were selectively bred to further reduce their size.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 11 to 13 years.

Temperament
The Miniature American Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog with strong herding and guardian instincts.  A versatile and easily trainable breed, and although reserved with strangers, should not exhibit shyness. 

General Breed Description
The breed is highly versatile, energetic and eager to please.  He is slightly longer than high and has a double coat of medium length and coarseness, which may be a solid colour or merled, with or without white and/or tan markings.  Recognised colours are black, blue merle, red and red merle. The breed can have a full length tail or be a natural bobtail. Miniature Australian Shepherds are loyal companions and biddable workers and are good natured and devoted to their family. 

Coat and Care Requirements
Coat is not of high maintenance, but regular grooming – especially when changing/dropping coat – will keep this breed looking at their best. A bath is only occasionally required and nails should be kept trimmed if necessary.

Size
Height : Males 35 to 45 cms, Females 33 to 43 cms.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. Hip scoring and eye testing are recommended.

Suitability
A small herding breed, highly intelligent and biddable, the breed is often trained for dog sports such as herding, agility, obedience, canine freestyle and flyball, and is equally suitable as a loved family pet.  Early training and socialisation are recommended as for every breed. A recent addition to the Dog World in Australia, the Miniature American Shepherd is still quite rare here.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership. Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/235