About Miniature Australian Shepherds

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is similar is looks and temperament to the Savannah as a youngster Australian Shepherd, and is descended from the same breed mixes that produced the Aussie. The Australian Shepherd, contrary to it's name, was actually developed in the western states of America through the late 1800's to early 1900's. It is thought that they are predominantly descended from the Basque herding dogs popular at that time, but early breeders, breeding strictly for a working dog, crossed to many other herding dogs of various breeds to give us the Aussies we know today.

Australian Shepherds have varied greatly in size throughout their history with many small Aussies being seen through the decades and in historical photos. The Miniature Australian Shepherd was developed from very small NSDR registered Australian Shepherds. These small versions of the Australian Shepherd were not registered into the Australian Shepherd parent clubs and subsequently did not contribute to the continued development of the Australian Shepherd, but appear instead as the foundation dogs of the Miniature Australian Shepherd.

Today a dog is registered as a Miniature Australian Shepherd with the North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of the USA (NAMASCUSA) if at least one of its parents is also a registered Miniature Australian Shepherd. The other parent may be a MAS or an Australian Shepherd. The Mini Aussie is still being developed to produce type and consistency and it is sometimes necessary to cross into Australian Shepherd lines to maintain a healthy genetic diversity while preserving the smaller stature. Savi herding

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is recognized by the American Rare Breeds Association (ARBA), the International All Breed Canine Association and the Canine Kennel Club. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is not recognized by the AKC either as a size variety of the Australian Shepherd or as a separate breed.

The Mini Aussie has a character and temperament equal to that of the original Aussie. They are extremely intelligent, eager to please and full of wiggles and smiles. They are very loving and "almost human." The MAS is reserved with strangers making him an exceptional family guardian, but warms up quickly when the stranger is accepted by his people. Care should be taken in early socialization and obedience; as a herding dog they may attempt to herd everything in sight, including small children and other pets. While not a "busy" dog who is in constant motion, they are an active dog who require daily mental and physical stimulation, and do require an owner whose energy and activity level matches or exceeds their own!


	The Miniature Australian Shepherd is similar is looks and temperament to the Australian Shepherd, and is descended from the same breed mixes that produced the Aussie. The Australian Shepherd, contrary to it's name, was actually developed in the western states of America through the late 1800's to early 1900's. It is thought that they are predominantly descended from the Basque herding dogs popular at that time, but early breeders, breeding strictly for a working dog, crossed to many other herding dogs of various breeds to give us the Aussies we know today. Australian Shepherds have varied greatly in size throughout their history with many small Aussies being seen through the decades and in historical photos. The Miniature Australian Shepherd was developed from very small NSDR registered Australian Shepherds. These small versions of the Australian Shepherd were not registered into the Australian Shepherd parent clubs and subsequently did not contribute to the continued development of the Australian Shepherd, but appear instead as the foundation dogs of the Miniature Australian Shepherd. Today a dog is registered as a Miniature Australian Shepherd with the North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of the USA (NAMASCUSA) if at least one of its parents is also a registered Miniature Australian Shepherd. The other parent may be a MAS or an Australian Shepherd. The Mini Aussie is still being developed to produce type and consistency and it is sometimes necessary to cross into Australian Shepherd lines to maintain a healthy genetic diversity while preserving the smaller stature. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is recognized by the American Rare Breeds Association (ARBA), the International All Breed Canine Association and the Canine Kennel Club. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is not recognized by the AKC either as a size variety of the Australian Shepherd or as a separate breed. The Mini Aussie has a character and temperament equal to that of the original Aussie. They are extremely intelligent, eager to please and full of wiggles and smiles. They are very loving and "almost human." The MAS is reserved with strangers making him an exceptional family guardian, but warms up quickly when the stranger is accepted by his people. Care should be taken in early socialization and obedience; as a herding dog they may attempt to herd everything in sight, including small children and other pets. While not a "busy" dog who is in constant motion, they are an active dog who require daily mental and physical stimulation, and do require an owner whose energy and activity level matches or exceeds their own!

	Click the Breed Standard link above for a discussion and explanation of the NAMASCUSA Breed Standard
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