History
The Miniature American Shepherd is a small to medium-sized breed that was first recognized in California during the 1960s as a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. This breed is very active, intelligent, and, despite its small size, still an excellent herding dog.
They became especially popular among horseback riders attending horse shows because their intelligence, loyalty, and small size made them excellent travel companions, ideal for trips and comfortable on journeys.
The correct name for this breed is the "Miniature American Shepherd." However, they initially became known as Mini Australian Shepherds or Mini Aussies. This is because when they first appeared in the California rodeo scene in the 1960s, they were mistakenly attributed to being smaller Australian Shepherds.
It wasn’t until they joined the American Kennel Club Foundation Service Stock Service in 2011 that they were officially named Miniature American Shepherds. The breed gained full recognition from the AKC on July 1, 2015.

Characteristics
Miniature American Shepherds weigh only 9 to 18 kilograms.
Their stunning coat color variations and sharp intelligence quickly caught the public’s eye, and they are now one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA.
Like their larger relatives, the Miniature American Shepherd comes in a variety of colors, from tricolor to merle, and with a tail that can be natural or docked.
The Miniature American Shepherd is perfect for families who want an Australian Shepherd but are concerned about its size and are looking for something smaller for an apartment. However, it’s important to remember that this breed still has herding dog background and genetics, requiring both physical and mental exercise on a daily basis.
The breed is known to be great with children and particularly friendly to both family members and other animals. It is essential not to purchase this breed from unregulated breeding (puppies without certificates), as you risk inheriting diseases or unstable temperament that does not align with the breed’s characteristics.