The Miniature Australian Shepherd
TEMPERAMENT
Miniature Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent companions for adults and children alike. A devoted friend and guardian. Very lively, agile, and attentive, they are eager to please with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Miniature Australian Shepherds 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. Socialize them well when they are a puppy to avoid them becoming suspicious of strangers. A fine companion, it also enjoys working small stock. They are quiet workers. This breed is not usually dog aggressive.
HEIGHT (National Stock Dog Registry Guidelines)
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Miniature Australian Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay with a small yard when adequately exercised. Their play drive in general tends to be moderate to high which makes they good for an active family. This breed will do well in cold climates.
GROOMING
The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. They shed their undercoat twice a year and would therefore not be recommended for people allergic to pet hair and/or pet dander.
ORIGIN
A breeding program to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd (North American Miniature Australian Shepherd) was begun in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds by a rancher in Norco, California. In 2012, AKC acknowledged the breed, but changed its name for its registry to Miniature American Shepherd. 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.
Miniature Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent companions for adults and children alike. A devoted friend and guardian. Very lively, agile, and attentive, they are eager to please with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Miniature Australian Shepherds 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. Socialize them well when they are a puppy to avoid them becoming suspicious of strangers. A fine companion, it also enjoys working small stock. They are quiet workers. This breed is not usually dog aggressive.
HEIGHT (National Stock Dog Registry Guidelines)
- Toy - Height: 14 inches & Under, Approximate 12 to 17 lbs
- Miniature - Height: 15-18 inches, Approximately 20 to 35 lbs
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Miniature Australian Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay with a small yard when adequately exercised. Their play drive in general tends to be moderate to high which makes they good for an active family. This breed will do well in cold climates.
GROOMING
The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. They shed their undercoat twice a year and would therefore not be recommended for people allergic to pet hair and/or pet dander.
ORIGIN
A breeding program to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd (North American Miniature Australian Shepherd) was begun in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds by a rancher in Norco, California. In 2012, AKC acknowledged the breed, but changed its name for its registry to Miniature American Shepherd. 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.