How to Identify a Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd is a popular small-sized herding breed. [1] Originally called the Miniature Australian Shepherd, they were the product of selectively breeding smaller Australian Shepherds for size reduction. [2] Miniature American Shepherds share traits with other herding breeds, but they do have some unique traits of their own. By recognizing the breed's key traits, this wikiHow will help you identify a Miniature American Shepherd.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Structure

  1. Miniature American Shepherds are fairly small dogs, only weighing 20–40 pounds (9.1–18.1 kg). Males have a height of 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), while females are slightly smaller, standing at 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) tall. [3]
  2. A Miniature American Shepherd's head is clean-cut with a flat or slightly round crown that is equal in length and width. The head is overall in proportion to the body and has a moderate and defined stop. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. The ears of a Miniature American Shepherd are triangular and high-set. They are moderately sized rose ears, breaking forward, over, or to the side when the dog is at attention. [5]
  4. Miniature American Shepherds have almond-shaped, obliquely set eyes. The eyes are in proportion to the head and do not protrude or sink in. They may be brown, blue, hazel, amber, or any combination of these in color, and each eye may be a different color. The eyes may have marbling or flecks. Black and blue merle dogs have black eye rims, while red and red merle dogs have liver eye rims. [6]
  5. A Miniature American Shepherd's muzzle is equal in length to the crown and is medium in width and depth. It gradually tapers to a rounded tip, and it appears slightly oblique to the crown when viewed from the side. The nose of a black or blue merle dog has black pigmentation, while the nose of a red or red merle dog has liver pigmentation, though it is possible for the nose to not be fully pigmented. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. [7]
  6. Miniature American Shepherds have compact, oval-shaped paws. The paw pads are resilient and thick, and the toes are arched and close-knit with short but strong nails of any combination of colors. Any dewclaws are typically removed. [8]
  7. A Miniature American Shepherd's tail is typically docked if not a natural bobtail, though the tail may be kept at its natural length. Docked tails are 3 inches (7.6 cm) or less in length and straight, while undocked tails hang with a slight curve when the dog is at rest or carried raised with an accentuated curve when the dog is moving or excited. [9]
  8. Miniature American Shepherds are overall proportionate, solidly built, and moderately boned. They have a slightly arched neck, a deep chest, strong and straight legs, well-sprung ribs, and a firm and level back. They walk with a free, smooth, easy stride of balance and agility. [10]
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Coat

  1. Miniature American Shepherds have coats that are medium in length and texture and vary from straight to wavy. The coat is weather-resistant with an undercoat that varies based on the climate. The head and front of the legs are covered in short, smooth hair, while the backs of the forelegs and the breeches are moderately feathered. They also have a moderate frill and mane, more noticeable on male dogs. [11]
  2. A Miniature American Shepherd may have one of four base coat colors: black, blue merle, red or liver, or red merle. The dog's undercoat may be a bit lighter than the topcoat in color. [12]
    • Merle Miniature American Shepherds have coats with any amount of blotches, flecks, or marbling on a blue or red background. [13]
  3. Miniature American Shepherds may potentially have tan and/or white markings. Note that it's possible to see one without tan or white markings and that these markings are not necessarily symmetrical. [14]
    • Tan markings, if present, may appear on the paws, legs, chest, underside of the neck, muzzle, face, underside of the ears, underline of the body, breeches, around the eyes, and under the base of the tail. They may vary from a creamy beige to a dark rust color. [15]
    • White markings, if present, may appear as solid white markings or ticking and do not dominate over the base color. [16]
    Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Considering Temperament

  1. As herding dogs, Miniature American Shepherds naturally have an abundance of energy so they can keep up with their jobs. They do best with activities that challenge both their minds and bodies to use up their energy. [17]
  2. Miniature American Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, which makes them both adaptable and quick problem solvers. They are fast learners and enjoy completing tasks to both feel accomplished and please their owners. [18]

    Did you know? Their intelligence, along with their loyalty and small size, likely contributed to the popularity of the Miniature American Shepherd because these traits made them ideal traveling companions for horse shows. [19]

  3. Especially if bored, Miniature American Shepherds may be prone to barking. It is important to train them from an early age to only bark when necessary. [20]
  4. Miniature American Shepherds may act aloof toward strangers and potentially become defensive around them. With frequent and proper socialization, this can be prevented from becoming an issue. [21]
  5. Due to gentleness, Miniature American Shepherds can get along well with children and other pets. Though some may chase cats and other small animals, most typically do well with even them, especially if they are raised together from a young age, because of their gentle nature. [22]
    Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Consider DNA testing if you wish to identify your own dog's breed. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Miniature American Shepherd.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Do Hairstyles for Curly Hair
      How to
      Make Sourdough Starter
      How to
      Make Thanksgiving Dinner for Two
      How to
      Style Shoulder Length Hair
      How to
      Make a Healthy Lunch
      How to
      Cook Egusi Soup
      How to
      Cook Ribs in the Oven
      How to
      Dress Modestly for a Mormon Church (for Females)
      How to
      Prepare a Raised Bed Garden
      How to
      Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose
      How to
      Make Chia Seed Pudding
      How to
      Plan Easter Games for a Children's Easter Party
      How to
      Do a Natural Everyday Makeup Look in 10 Minutes
      How to
      Make Microwaveable Rice Krispies Treats
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-american-shepherd/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-american-shepherd/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-american-shepherd/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/MiniatureAmericanShepherd.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/miniature-american-shepherd/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/miniature-american-shepherd/
      10. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-american-shepherd/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/miniature-american-shepherd/
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/miniature-american-shepherd/
      13. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/miniature-american-shepherd/

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,299 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement