Overview
The Miniature American Shepherd was bred down from small Australian Shepherds in the United States in the 1960s and recognised as its own breed in 2015. It has the same bobbed or natural tail, merle and tri colours and medium-length coat as the Aussie, on a dog roughly knee-high. Numbers in the UK are growing, mostly among active owners.
The brain is full size. These are quick, sensitive, eager-to-please dogs that excel at agility and obedience and need an outlet for all of it. Under-stimulated, they bark, spin and herd the cat.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a half a day across two walks is a sensible target, with off-lead running and some structured games in at least one. They are small enough to tire with a good game of fetch and clever enough to need the training to go with it.
The coat is thick and the dog can overheat on a warm day. Carry water and shorten summer walks.
On the walk
- Herding: Nipping at heels and circling other dogs or children is common. Interrupt early and give the dog a toy or a task instead.
- Recall: Usually very good, as the breed is biddable and bonded to its handler. Keep it sharp with rewards.
- Other dogs: Friendly and playful, good in a group. Watch for a tendency to try to manage the others or to be overwhelmed by very large dogs.
- Noise: Vocal when excited and sometimes wary of loud or sudden things. Keep early walks calm and reward quiet.
Tips for professional walkers
- Bring a ball or tug toy and build fetch into every walk.
- Teach a few tricks on the move; the dog loves the engagement and it burns mental energy.
- Check the coat for burrs and ticks after walks through long grass.
- Ask about merle-related hearing or vision issues before relying on voice cues at a distance.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog have any hearing or sight loss, as can happen with double merles?
- Does it herd or nip, and how do you redirect it?
- Which sports or training does the dog do, and what cues should you use?