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Miniature American Shepherd

The intelligent and downright adorable Miniature American Shepherd captures trophies in agility and obedience and captures hearts at home. These good-natured dogs are affectionate companions ideal for active families.

Weight

20–35 lb

Height

14–18 in

Lifespan

12–13 yr

Breed Group

Herding

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Miniature American Shepherd Traits

General Appearance

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small herding dog developed in the United States. These are natural athletes with solid builds, and strength and stamina to spare.

Coat and Coloring

Miniature American Shepherds are a double-coated breed with a unique trait: the texture of the undercoat's hair varies depending on the climate.

Their outer coats are medium length and texture, and straight to wavy in appearance.

The hair is short and smooth on their heads and front of legs; the backs of the forelegs and breeches have moderate feathering. Miniature American Shepherds have moderate manes and frills that are more pronounced in males.

The breed comes in several coat colors: black, blue merle, red, and red merle. The merle can be present in any amount, marbling, flecks, or blotches.

Distinctive Physical Traits

Miniature American Shepherds have solid bodies with firm, level backs and full, deep chests. Their almond-shaped eyes may be brown, blue, hazel, amber, or other color variations and often include flecks and marbling.

Miniature American Shepherds have triangular, moderate size, ears set high on their heads, and naturally bobbed or docked tails.

Miniature American Shepherd Temperament

Miniature American Shepherds are working dogs with strong herding and guarding instincts. These dogs are reserved with strangers and make excellent watchdogs. Their strong herding tendencies could lead them to herd children or other pets.

The breed makes good-natured, loyal companions adaptable to various living situations from apartments to wide open spaces—as long as they get sufficient exercise.

Miniature American Shepherd History

Once known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd, these smart dogs developed through the selective breeding of small Australian Shepherds to further reduce their size.

These dogs, now known as Miniature American Shepherds, worked on the rodeo circuit herding sheep and goats. They've now become popular four-legged companions.

The American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service included the Miniature American Shepherd in 2011, and the AKC fully recognized the breed in 2015.

Miniature American Shepherd Care

Nutrition

Feed Miniature American Shepherds a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and consider a diet formulated for active breeds. Portion out their food with a measuring cup and limiting treats to no more than 10 percent of their daily calories can help keep them fit and trim.

Grooming

Miniature American Shepherds have waterproof double coats that require regular grooming. Brush them at least once a week to remove dead hair and, during spring and fall when these dogs blow their coats, brush them with an undercoat rake daily. Keep their ears clean, and their nails trimmed.

Like all breeds, Australian Shepherds benefit from a regular dental care routine that includes at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings.

Exercise

Because of their athleticism, Miniature American Shepherds require regular exercise.

In addition to frequent walks, hiking, swimming, and trips to the dog park, these smart, agile dogs excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally, and herding. Play games like fetch or offer puzzle toys to provide mental stimulation, too.

Training

These intelligent, eager to please dogs are highly trainable. A consistent training program and early socialization can help them grow into well-mannered companions.

Focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based training. Repetitive activities could cause Miniature American Shepherds to lose interest in training, so fast-paced games and activities are best to keep them engaged (and help burn off energy).

Miniature American Shepherd Genetic Health Conditions

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy 1 (CMR1) is an eye disorder that can cause retinal decay which may impact vision, but very rarely results in blindness.
Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Risk

Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) is a skeletal disorder characterized by shortened limbs and abnormal early degeneration of the spinal discs, or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which predisposes to disc herniation.
Cone Degeneration (Discovered in the Alaskan Malamute)

Cone Degeneration (CD), also called "day-blindness" is an inherited eye disorder causing light-sensitivity (photophobia) and an inability to see in bright light.
Hyperuricosuria

Hyperuricosuria (HUU) is a condition that predisposes affected dogs to the formation of urinary stones, such as kidney or bladder stones.
MDR1 Medication Sensitivity

The MDR1 gene variant causes a defect to a drug pumping protein that plays an important role in limiting drug absorption and distribution (particularly to the brain). Dogs with the MDR1 variant may have severe adverse reactions to some commonly used medications.
Startle Disease (Discovered in the Miniature American Shepherd)

Startle Disease, also known as inherited hyperekplexia, is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by sudden and exaggerated startle responses to unexpected sensory stimuli, such as touch or sound. The associated genetic variant has been identified in the Miniature American Shepherd.

Knowing if your Miniature American Shepherd is a carrier or at-risk for these conditions can help you and your veterinarian plan for your pup’s lifelong care. With Wisdom Panel™ Premium, you can get results for over 200 genetic health tests.

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