Are you looking for a colorful, lively breed, almost the spitting image of an Australian Shepherd, but in a scaled-down model? If so, the Miniature American Shepherd (MAS) fits the bill. Despite its smaller size, this breed has enough strength and stamina to keep pace with any active lifestyle. As a bonus, the Miniature American Shepherd鈥檚 splashy coat guarantees to turn heads. Affectionate and loyal, this distinctive dog excels in other attributes that will definitely win you over.
They鈥檙e a Made in America Breed
The breed developed in California during the late 1960s from small Australian Shepherds. Initially, the breed鈥檚 name was Miniature Australian Shepherds, but it later changed to Miniature American Shepherd to reflect the MAS American heritage.
Miniature American Shepherds Like Horses
Equestrians brought small Miniature American Shepherds to horse shows as the breed鈥檚 intelligence, loyalty, and portable size made them ideal companions.
They鈥檙e a Colorful Breed
The Miniature American Shepherd comes in four colors: black, blue merle, red, and red merle. Their merle coat is an eye-popping kaleidoscope of marbled, darker colors against a lighter background. No two Merle MAS coats are alike.
Their Eye Color Is Unique
Their eyes can be the same or different colors鈥攂rown, blue, hazel, amber, or any combination, including flecks.
They鈥檙e Lively, Intelligent, and Eager to Please
Miniature American Shepherds are self-motivated dogs that can thrive if given appropriate mental and physical stimulation daily. They catch on quickly to new ideas, and accompanying you on a walk is a real treat for this breed.
They Herd Animals
With some nipping at heels, this breed herds small flocks of goats, sheep, and ducks. When it comes to larger animals like cows, Miniature American Shepherds will take them on, too.
They鈥檙e Reasonable Guardians
Miniature American Shepherds have strong guardian instincts. Sure, they鈥檒l bark to announce strangers at the door and to protect their families. But plenty of socialization and training can help deter them.
They Love All Dog Sports
It鈥檚 important for Miniature American Shepherds to get plenty of physical and mental exercise, making them a perfect match for a variety of dog sports. They鈥檙e versatile dogs that excel at obedience, agility, tracking, hiking, AKC Rally, and AKC Scent Work. Offer up a good game, and they鈥檒l quickly join in. They want to do anything you do.
They Know How to Relax
This breed requires more than average exercise but can still be adaptable to their family鈥檚 way of life. After a busy day, they鈥檙e content to settle down and be a lapdog indoors at night. With family members, Miniature American Shepherds are affectionate, loving, and sometimes cuddly, but with strangers? Not so much.
No Fussy Grooming Required
Their weather-resistant double coat is medium-length. The outer coat is longer than the soft undercoat. Give them a monthly bath and brush out their dense coat once a week or daily, if they鈥檙e shedding, and they鈥檙e good to go.