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The miniature American shepherd is a small- to medium-size herding dog breed from the United States that has a medium-length double coat and resembles a smaller version of the Australian shepherd. These dogs grow to be between 20 and 40 pounds.

The mini American shepherd was bred down from the Aussie and still possesses the athleticism and intelligence of their larger cousins. These small dogs can be quite adventurous and adaptable, and they enjoy an active lifestyle. 

Learn all about the miniature American shepherd, from the breed’s history to their care needs and more.

Characteristics of the Miniature American Shepherd

The miniature American shepherd generally has a lively and loyal temperament. This is a friendly, playful breed that loves people and even other dogs. The dog's temperament also is marked by high intelligence and an ability to learn various tricks.

History of the Miniature American Shepherd

The creation of the miniature American shepherd breed is closely tied to that of its larger cousin, the Australian shepherd. Both breeds emerged in California in the 1960s. The predecessor of both breeds was a type of herding dog from the Pyrenees Mountains that came to the U.S. by way of Australia. California ranchers admired the dogs and referred to them as Australian shepherds, or Aussies.

Some people began purposely breeding smaller Aussies, and they became popular on the rodeo circuit. They had the stamina and herding skills of their larger counterparts but were more portable and suitable for indoor living.

By the mid-1970s, there was a consistent version of mini Aussie, as the dogs were called at the time. The name later was changed as people pursued a separate breed recognition. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 2015.

Miniature American Shepherd Care

The miniature American shepherd needs a lot of exercise every day. They also require proper training and socialization, in which they typically excel. And their grooming needs are fairly straightforward.

Exercise

These are smart, athletic dogs that need mental and physical challenges to keep them happy and healthy. Otherwise, they might develop problem behaviors, such as excessive barking and unwanted chewing. They prefer to be active with their humans rather than being left to their own devices.

Plan on at least one to two hours of exercise per day via:

• Walks
• Jogging
• Hikes
• Playtime
• Dog sports
• Agility
• Frisbee
• Herding
• Dock diving
• Puzzle toys
  

Grooming

The miniature American shepherd’s coat is fairly wash-and-wear. It needs no trimming or shaving. Brush it at least weekly to remove loose fur and prevent tangles. A couple times a year, often in the spring and fall, shedding will increase. During that time, brush at least a few times per week to keep up with the loose fur. 

Bathe your dog roughly every month, depending on how dirty they get. And check their nails to see whether they need trimming on a monthly basis. Also, be sure to look in their ears at least weekly for wax buildup, debris, and irritation. And aim to brush their teeth daily.

It’s also important to check this dog’s eyes regularly, as they’re susceptible to various problems. If you notice symptoms like discharge, redness, or cloudiness in the eyes, or if you realize that your dog is having trouble seeing, contact your veterinarian.

Training

These dogs are typically quite smart and eager to please, thus making them highly trainable. Start from as young of an age as possible with basic obedience to prevent bad habits, such as excessive barking, from forming. And always use positive training methods. 

In addition, start socializing your dog when they're a puppy with different people, other dogs, and in various locations. This will build their comfort and confidence, helping them grow into a well-mannered and adaptable companion.

Common Health Problems

Mini American shepherds are mostly a healthy dog breed. But they are still prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

• Eye issues: This breed can be susceptible to multiple eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (leads to blindness), collie eye anomaly (affects eye development and vision), cataracts (causes cloudiness of lens), and iris coloboma (hole in iris).
• Drug sensitivity: This is due to a mutation of the MDR1 gene, which is short for multidrug resistance.
• Hip dysplasia: This orthopedic problem affects the hips, impairing their function and stability. Dogs with this condition experience pain and mobility issues.
• Luxating patella: This problem causes the knee cap to slip out of place, resulting in pain and limping.  

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water available for your dog. And feed a nutritionally balanced canine diet. It’s common to feed two measured meals per day, but you should discuss both the type of food and quantity with your vet.

If your dog leads a very active lifestyle, they might need more calories. But you should always watch treats and other extra food, as even a pound of weight gain can be a lot for a small dog. And if your dog eats too quickly, a slow feeder bowl can be useful.

Discuss supplements for your dog with your vet. For example, they might recommend omega-3 fish oil if your dog has certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia or luxating patella.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Miniature American Shepherd

If you’re looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000, though this can vary widely.

The miniature American shepherd isn’t a very common breed, but it’s still worth checking local animal shelters and rescue organizations for a dog in need of a home.

For further information to help you find a mini American shepherd, check out:

• Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA
• Miniature American Shepherd Rescue
• Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America  

Miniature American Shepherd Overview

The miniature American shepherd has a lot of great qualities, from their affectionate personality to their intelligence and playfulness. These dogs make good family pets, but they require a lot when it comes to mental stimulation and exercise.

Pros of Miniature American Shepherds

• Portable size that's good for traveling
• Very affectionate
• Takes well to training
  

Cons of Miniature American Shepherds

• Needs lots of exercise
• Requires ample mental stimulation
• Can become a problem barker or destructive if bored
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before bringing home a mini American shepherd, do plenty of research to ensure the dog is right for your lifestyle. Talk to breed pet parents, rescue groups, reputable breeders, and veterinarians. And spend some time with the dogs if possible.

If you're interested in similar breeds, check out: 

• Australian Shepherd
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Border Collie

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!