Canis lupus familiaris
Miniature American Shepherd
Featured photominiature-american-shepherd.jpgThe Miniature American Shepherd is a small herding dog developed in the United States during the late 1960s from small, unregistered Australian Shepherd-type dogs purchased at rodeos in California. Bred to maintain the Australian Shepherd's merle coloring, herding ability, and willing temperament in a smaller, more versatile package, the breed became popular with equestrians, rodeo performers, and families seeking an active small dog. The AKC recognised it in 2015. Males stand 36–46 cm and females 33–43 cm.
Quick facts
- AKC group
- Herding
- Origin country
- United States
- Origin period
- Late 20th century
- Coat type
- Double
- Coat colors
- Blue Merle, Red Merle, Red, Black
- Average lifespan
- 12-13 years
- Recognition
- AKC 2015 · UKC 2011
Origin
The Miniature American Shepherd's development began in the late 1960s when California breeder Doris Cordova attended rodeos and purchased small Australian Shepherd-type dogs that were smaller than the breed standard. Cordova selectively bred these dogs for compact size while retaining the Australian Shepherd's characteristic merle colouring, herding drive, and biddable temperament. The breed became popular with rodeo performers and horse people who wanted a herding dog small enough to travel in an RV but capable enough to work livestock. Other California breeders joined the effort in the 1970s–1980s to establish a consistent, registrable type.
Recognition
The Miniature American Shepherd Society of the USA was founded to establish a breed standard and pursue recognition. The breed was initially promoted as the Miniature Australian Shepherd; after negotiations with Australian Shepherd parent clubs (who objected to the name), it was renamed the Miniature American Shepherd to acknowledge its independent American development. The UKC recognised it in 2011 under the current name. The AKC admitted the breed to the Miscellaneous Class in 2012 and granted full Herding Group recognition in 2015.
Standard
The AKC standard describes a small, attentive, active herding dog with a slightly longer body than height and a moderate, slightly rounded head. The coat is medium length with a wavy or straight outer coat over a dense undercoat; moderate feathering on the back of the legs and tail. Recognised colours are blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid red, and solid black, all with or without white markings and copper tan points. Natural bobtails and full tails are both acceptable. Males stand 36–46 cm; females 33–43 cm.
Sources & further reading (3)
- kennel-club-registry — accessed 2026-05-07
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-07
- breed-club — accessed 2026-05-07
Frequently asked questions
What AKC group does the Miniature American Shepherd belong to?
The AKC places the Miniature American Shepherd in the Herding Group. The breed was developed from small Australian Shepherd-type stock specifically to retain herding ability in a compact body. Its instinct to herd, its double coat, and its merle coloring all reflect its Australian Shepherd ancestry. The MAS competes in AKC herding trials alongside larger herding breeds.
How is the Miniature American Shepherd different from the Australian Shepherd?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a scaled-down version of the Australian Shepherd, standing 33–46 cm compared to the Aussie's 46–58 cm. The MAS was developed in California from small unregistered Australian Shepherd-type dogs in the late 1960s. The two breeds share the same merle coloring, coat type, and general herding instincts, but the MAS is a formally distinct AKC breed since 2015. The name was changed from Miniature Australian Shepherd to Miniature American Shepherd at the request of Australian Shepherd breed clubs.
When was the Miniature American Shepherd recognised by the AKC?
The AKC granted full recognition to the Miniature American Shepherd in 2015, placing it in the Herding Group. The breed entered the Miscellaneous Class in 2012. The UKC had recognised it since 2011. The breed was developed in California from the late 1960s by Doris Cordova and other breeders who selected for compact size from Australian Shepherd-type rodeo dogs.
