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Miniature Australian Shepherds show great variety in their eye colour. Dogs may have two green eyes, one green eye and one blue eye, a blue eye and a brown eye, two brown eyes, or two icy blue eyes. They may even have a green eye and a brown eye.

Miniature American Shepherd

I care not for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it. – Abraham Lincoln

Miniature American Shepherd puppies Canada

English Farm Kennels
Miniature American Shepherd puppies

The ideal Miniature American Shepherd is the mirror image of the Australian Shepherd in a smaller package.

These dogs were developed in California in the late 1960s by breeding small Australian Shepherds. Originally developed to herd and guard their flocks, their smaller size make them perfectly suited to our growing urbanization, as well as making them fine travelling companions.

Miniature American Shepherds have also been used in search and rescue work.

This breed was formerly known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd. In Canada, the breed is currently listed, awaiting full CKC recognition.

Photos displayed courtesy of Shelley English, English Farm Kennels, Ontario

The Miniature American Shepherd’s height is 14 to 18 inches (35.5 to 45.7 cm) at the shoulder for males and 13 to 17 inches (33 to 43.2 cm) for the females. They have a medium-length coat an undercoat the thickness of which depends on the climate.

This dog’s colouring is highly individual. The coat may be blue merle, red merle, black, and red (liver) all with or without copper/tan and/or white trim. The merle coats may have any amount of marbling, flecks, or blotches. Their almond shaped eyes may be the same colour or two different colours. One or both of the eyes may be blue, brown, hazel amber or marbled. The tail may be docked or undocked.

These Shepherds have all the attributes of the Australian Shepherd with the added advantages of smaller size. As working dogs, they are happiest if they have something to do. They are seen in the conformation and obedience rings and are active in agility, flyball, canine freestyle, and various kinds of therapy work, as well as working small stock.

Miniature American Shepherd Adult Canada

“Bailey” and her puppy, “Jynx”

Miniature Australian Shepherd Adult Canada

“Bailey” and her puppies

Similar in respect to their forebears, individual dogs may vary in degrees of their activity level, and herding instinct. In general, they are very athletic with a very keen, intelligent mind and require both physical and mental stimulation.

They are sensitive, easily trained, loyal, and extremely devoted to their owners. These Shepherds are good with children and other pets. They will go to great lengths to please. However, they can be reserved with strangers and make good watch and guard dogs as they are naturally protective of their people.

Early training and socialization is important. As with other herding dogs, they may instinctively herd children and other small pets. They are enthusiastic and focused on their work so exercise is critical to maintaining their health and mental well-being. 

Miniature American Shepherds typically live for 13 to 15 years.

 

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