Blog

Key Characteristics

AKC Group: Herding
Height: 13–18 inches
Weight: 15–35 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12–16 years

Miniature American Shepherds are small herding dogs who look like small Australian Shepherds. They have almond-shaped eyes in a variety of colors, and one eye may be a different color from the other. Their tails are either naturally short or docked, and they have high-set triangular ears that hang over toward the front.

The medium-length double coat is weather resistant and can be black, blue merle, red or red merle. These dogs may also have white markings or tan points on the coat, so having more than one color is not uncommon.

• Where They Came From

Some unregistered dogs who were found in California in the 1960s were thought to be Australian Shepherds, but they were much smaller than Aussies. The dogs were bred to keep their small size and temperament. They were originally called mini Aussies and are sometimes still referred to by that name today.

The Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA, Inc. was formed in 1990. The American Kennel Club (AKC) added the breed to its Foundation Stock Service in 2011, and in 2015, the breed was awarded its Herding Group designation.
These dogs love an active lifestyle.

•  How Friendly Are They?

Mini American Shepherds are protective, loyal, intelligent and versatile. They are comfortable on a farm herding livestock or in the city as a companion pet. Because of their intelligence, they are easy to train.

Mini Shepherds can be wary of strangers, so training and socialization is recommended. Because of their instincts, they may try to herd other animals and young children.

Activities that combine mental and physical stimulation and exercise would be best for this smart and agile breed.

Is This the Right Dog for You?

•