Miniature American Shepherd Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care & More!

The Miniature American Shepherd, also referred to as MAS, is a small sheepdog native to the United States. His exceptional agility, combined with his strength and endurance, allows him to work on a wide variety of terrains.

Breed Overview

This very versatile and energetic dog is an excellent athlete with great intelligence and a desire to please those to whom he is devoted. He is both a staunch companion and a docile worker, which is clearly noticeable by his attentive expression.

Miniature American Shepherd Characteristics

Miniature American Shepherd Puppies

If you want to find a healthy American Shepherd puppy, the best option is to look for ethical breeders who had a good reputation and long experience. These serious breeders do the screening tests for defects or genetic problems on the parents before breeding with the aim of producing good quality dogs to provide the maximum guarantees in terms of good health of the future puppies. And then there are those who do not perform any “or minimal” health tests on the parents before breeding and whose sole objective is to sell. Be wary of low prices for this dog breed, as they probably come from unethical or inexperienced breeders.

When you bring a miniature American Shepherd into your home, be ready to have a loyal and energetic dog by your side. They will require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to avoid boredom so be prepared to have enough time and energy to dedicate to your dog.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd is a remarkably intelligent working dog. Despite his small size, he has retained a strong instinct for herding. He is also an exceptional companion, versatile, and very easy to train. Although sometimes reserved with strangers, he is not shy. He is an energetic, enduring worker who adjusts his behavior and exhibits excitement appropriate to the task at hand. With his family, he is protective, devoted, and loyal.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

As a family pet, the Miniature American Shepherd is a real playmate, especially for children. He loves to learn tricks. He is a dog who also shows his owner a lot of affection, dedication, and is loyal to him. However, this little dog needs a family that is available and present because he hates being alone.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

If well socialized from an early age, the Miniature American Shepherd will be able to coexist with other pets. However, his instinct to “group” herds could sometimes make cohabitation difficult, especially for your cat! This is why you will have to manage your pup’s instincts well so that the cohabitation is more harmonious.

Things to Know When Owning a Miniature American Shepherd:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Miniature American Shepherd does not require a particular diet. It must be of good quality and suitable for his age, state of health, and exercise.

Exercise 🐕

Due to his origins as a sheepdog, the Miniature American Shepherd is always up for activities. He should be able to enjoy long walks where he can run and fret as he pleases because physical activity is essential for his overall well-being. While he is happier in the country, he is a dog who also adapts very well to city life, especially since he does not take up much space due to his small size.

Moreover, the Miniature American Shepherd excels in sports such as agility, flyball, obedience, herding, and he is also gifted at therapeutic work.

Training 🎾

The training of the Mini American Shepherd should be a breeze. Indeed, eager to learn and extremely intelligent, the Miniature American Shepherd Dog is every dog ​​owner’s dream. These dogs love to work, and training will be fun for them and for you if you make it exciting and rewarding. Using treats is a great way to keep your dog motivated and engaged. But, although rewards are the best way to be successful, be sure to use them in moderation and adjust their diet, if necessary, as your dog can become obese if he receives too many treats.

Dog sports are also a great way to train your puppy and allow him to exercise, mentally stimulate him, and get him to spend time with you. Your puppy will be in dog heaven when he can do it all at the same time!

Positive, consistent, and patient training will make things easier for you and your dog. The training sessions will be an essential asset to strengthen your bond with your adorable and brilliant pooch!

Grooming ✂️

The Mini American Shepherd, like the Australian Shepherd, is a so-called “self-cleaning” dog because its coat releases dirt relatively easily. It is still advisable to brush him at least once a week, and a little more frequently during the mounting period. Excess hair from the ears and legs can be trimmed with thinning scissors for better maintenance and a cleaner look. Inspecting your dog after each walk can help to detect a possible injury or the presence of ticks or other nasty critters.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Miniature American Shepherd can have certain conditions typical of the Australian Shepherd, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, or eye disorders, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Additionally, the Mini American Shepherd may be affected by Collie eye anomaly (CEA); in fact, CEA does not only affect the Collie but also related breeds. Also known as choroidal hypoplasia, this inherited condition causes abnormal development of the choroid (tissue found under the retina). Finally, puppies can also inherit degenerative myelopathy (DM), which affects older dogs, sometimes as early as 8 or 10 years old, but most often between 10 and 12 years old.

Male vs Female

The only noticeable difference between males and females is that the latter is slightly smaller than the males. The temperament and behavior of your dog, whether male or female, will depend above all on his education and his environment, as well as on the choice of whether or not to neuter him/her.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Miniature American Shepherd

1. He Has Been Recognized Internationally Only Recently

In 2011, the AKC (American Kennel Club) approved the creation of the Miniature American Shepherd and designated MASCUSA (Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA) as the official parent club for this new breed.

In 2014, France was the first country after the United States to recognize this breed. Then, in 2019, the miniature American shepherd was officially recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale).

2. He Can Be Born Without a Tail

According to the breed standard, the MAS traditionally has his tail cut off. However, about one in five puppies will be born naturally without a tail or with a very short one, called a bobtail.

3. He Is Small But Fast

The Mini American Shepherd runs faster than medium-sized dog breeds. Although there are no precise measurements, it is said that this little dog can run at a speed of 35 miles per hour.

Final Thoughts

The Miniature American Shepherd is a versatile dog, who knows how to be a very good companion, shine on dog sports grounds, and who has preserved the instinct of the herder. He is exceptionally beautiful, with his expressive face and magnificent fur. The Miniature American Shepherd also possesses other unique attributes, such as a loving and loyal temperament, high intelligence, and a desire to please his owner. In a nutshell, the MAS has all the qualities of the Australian Shepherd, without having his imposing size.

• You may also like to read: Male vs. Female Miniature American Shepherds: What Are the Differences?

Featured Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock