Miniature American Shepherd facts for kids
Blue Merle Miniature American Shepherd in the grass
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| Other names | Miniature Australian Shepherd Berger Miniature Américain Miniatur Amerikanischer Schäferhund Pastor Miniatura Americano |
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| Common nicknames | Mini American, MAS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Origin | United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Miniature American Shepherd, often called MAS, is a small herding dog. These dogs are very smart and eager to please. They are great at many dog sports. This includes herding, agility, and obedience. They also do well in canine freestyle and flyball.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Miniature American Shepherd in 2015. It was their 186th recognized breed. Later, in September 2019, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) also accepted the breed.
Contents
History of the Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd breed started in California in the late 1960s. People bred small dogs that looked like Australian Shepherds. Their goal was to keep the dogs small, active, and smart.
How the Breed Got Its Name
The breed was first registered in 1983. Back then, it was called the Miniature Australian Shepherd. By the early 1990s, these small dogs became very popular across the country. Different clubs helped promote them.
The first main club for the breed, MASCUSA, started in 1990. In 2011, the breed joined the AKC. At that time, its name changed to Miniature American Shepherd. MASCUSA is now the official club for the breed with the AKC.
What These Dogs Were Used For
Miniature American Shepherds were first used to herd smaller animals. This included sheep and goats. But they are brave enough to work with larger animals too. Their small size was a big plus. It meant they could also be great family pets.
They became very popular with people who traveled to horse shows. Their intelligence, loyalty, and size made them perfect travel buddies. This helped them become well-known everywhere. Today, the Miniature American Shepherd is popular in the U.S. and around the world. They are versatile herding dogs. They fit in well on a farm or in a city home.
Miniature American Shepherd Characteristics
Miniature American Shepherds have special traits. These traits make them unique. They are known for their body, coat, and personality.
Body Structure and Size
The Miniature American Shepherd is a small dog. Males are usually 14 to 18 inches (36–46 cm) tall. Females are a bit smaller, from 13 to 17 inches (33–43 cm) tall. Their bodies are strong but not bulky. Their head and neck fit well with their body size.
Their back is level from their shoulders to their hips. Their tail can be natural, short, or docked. If docked, it should not be longer than three inches.
Coat Colors and Markings
These dogs have a medium-length double coat. It can be straight or wavy. They have some longer hair on the backs of their legs. Both males and females have a moderate "mane" around their neck. This mane is usually thicker on males. Their undercoat changes depending on the weather.
The recognized coat colors are black, blue merle, red merle, and red (liver). Merle coats have patches of different shades. Tan markings are allowed around the eyes and face. They can also be on the feet, legs, chest, and muzzle. White markings are allowed on the muzzle, cheeks, and head. They can also have a white collar, belly, chest, and legs. White markings should not cover more than 25% of the ear. Too much white outside these areas can disqualify a dog from shows.
Temperament and Personality
The Miniature American Shepherd is a very smart working dog. They have strong instincts for herding. They are easy to train and love to work. They are also very protective and loyal to their families.
These dogs are not shy or aggressive. Any aggressive behavior is not allowed in the breed standard. They are known for being friendly and devoted companions.
