Miniature Australian Shepherd

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of dog developed by selectively breeding small Australian Shepherds. more...

The breed is rapidly increasing in popularity among those interested in a compact dog of strong work ethic. It is especially popular in dog agility, and does well in other dog sports including herding, obedience, frisbee, and many other activities.

Appearance

The Miniature Aussie ranges in height from 14 to 18 inches (35 to 46 cm) at the withers and weighs between 20 and 40 pounds (9 to 18 kg). Coat colors are the same as those for Australian Shepherds.

Temperament

Miniature Australian Shepherds are eager to work, which makes training and interacting with them a pleasure, but their intelligence and drive require obedience training and plenty of interesting activity. Because they are herding dogs, they make good guard dogs and excellent companion dogs for those who provide an adequate outlet for the Mini Aussie physical and mental energy.

History

The history of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as that of the Australian Shepherd until approximately the 1960s. Thereafter, fanciers formed member clubs and registries to promote the dog as a separate breed.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has been recognized as a separate breed by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) and the National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR). Dogs that are registered with the Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America (MASCA), North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of the USA (NAMASCUSA), and NSDR may be registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC) as Australian Shepherds only. The UKC does not recognize the Miniature Australian Shepherd breed or a size variety of the Australian Shepherd.

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