The Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd (MAS), is a small herding breed that is one of the newer breeds today.  A smaller version of the Australian Shepherd, the MAS has actually been around since the 1960s when people in California began using undersized dogs of that breed as well as small, unregistered dogs who resembled Australian Shepherds. The goal was to create a dog with the activity level and intelligence of the Australian Shepherd but in a smaller package.

By 1980, breeders were listing their dogs with the National Stock Dog Registry. The national club for the breed, founded in 1990, is the Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA. The American Kennel Club began registering the breed with its Foundation Stock Service in 2011 and recognized the MAS as a member of the Herding Group in July 2015.

According to the American Kennel Club, (Copyright 2018; retrieved 04/04/2018), Miniature American Shepherds are identified by the following characteristics:

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small size herding dog that originated in the United States. He is slightly longer than tall with bone that is moderate and in proportion to body size and height without extremes. Movement is smooth, easy, and balanced. Exceptional agility combined with strength and stamina allows for working over a variety of terrain. This highly versatile, energetic dog makes an excellent athlete with superior intelligence and a willingness to please those to whom he is devoted. He is both a loyal companion and a biddable worker, which is evident in his watchful expression. The double coat of medium length and coarseness may be solid in color or merled, with or without white and/or tan (copper) markings. He traditionally has a docked or natural bobtail.

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 36 of 192