• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Miniature American Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Miniature American Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank35
Reviews1
User Ratings
Compare the Miniature American Shepherd With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Miniature American Shepherd dog profile picture
OriginUnited States flagUnited States
Other Names
What other names does the Miniature American Shepherd have?
AmeriMini AmericanNorth American Shepherd
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Miniature American Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is a Miniature American Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do Miniature American Shepherd get?

What is the average size of a Miniature American Shepherd?

SmallMedium
Weight
How much does the Miniature American Shepherd weigh? How much should a Miniature American Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of a Miniature American Shepherd? How much does a full-grown Miniature American Shepherd weight?
15-35 pounds (6-16 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Miniature American Shepherd?
25 pounds (11 kg)
Height
How tall is the Miniature American Shepherd? Miniature American Shepherd height:
Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Miniature American Shepherd?
Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm)

Miniature American Shepherd Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Miniature American Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Miniature American Shepherd in the United States? How much money is a Miniature American Shepherd?

Where to buy a Miniature American Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$900-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Miniature American Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Miniature American Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Miniature American Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Miniature American Shepherd? How many Miniature American Shepherd are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Miniature American Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Miniature American Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Miniature American Shepherd? Is the Miniature American Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Miniature American Shepherd ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Miniature American Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Miniature American Shepherd?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is Miniature American Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Miniature American Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Miniature American Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Miniature American Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
EnergeticIntelligentLoyalDevoted
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Miniature American Shepherd sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Miniature American Shepherd a good family dog?
Average to High: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Ameri need? Miniature American Shepherd social needs:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Miniature American Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Miniature American Shepherd roam?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Miniature American Shepherd have high prey drive?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Miniature American Shepherd dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Miniature American Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Miniature American Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Ameri bark?
Low to Average: The Miniature American Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Miniature American Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Miniature American Shepherd in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Miniature American Shepherd indoors.

Miniature American Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't like moving from one place to another.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Miniature American Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave a Miniature American Shepherd alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Miniature American Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Miniature American Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Miniature American Shepherd? How much bite force does a Miniature American Shepherd have? How strong is a Miniature American Shepherd bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature American Shepherd bite force: Weak. The Miniature American Shepherd bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Miniature American Shepherd measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Miniature American Shepherd may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Miniature American Shepherd being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Miniature American Shepherd bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Miniature American Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Miniature American Shepherd can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Biting Potential
Do Miniature American Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Ameri? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Miniature American Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Miniature American Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Miniature American Shepherd do?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Miniature American Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Miniature American Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Miniature American Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Miniature American Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Miniature American Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Miniature American Shepherd see the vet?
Frequent
The Miniature American Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Miniature American Shepherd dogs live? How old can a Miniature American Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the Miniature American Shepherd? How many years can the oldest Miniature American Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Miniature American Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of a Miniature American Shepherd?

13-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature American Shepherd: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Miniature American Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Miniature American Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the Miniature American Shepherd?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Miniature American Shepherd need? How much exercise do Miniature American Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Miniature American Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Miniature American Shepherd dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Miniature American Shepherd breed need?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Miniature American Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Miniature American Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Miniature American Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Miniature American Shepherd? How much food should I feed my Miniature American Shepherd?
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Miniature American Shepherd risk for obesity:
Average: The Miniature American Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Miniature American Shepherd weight regularly.

Miniature American Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Miniature American Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Smooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Miniature American Shepherd coats?
Black Blue White Merle
Grooming
How to groom the Miniature American Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my Miniature American Shepherd to the groomer?
Easy to groom: The Miniature American Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Miniature American Shepherd is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Ameri? Do Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Miniature American Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give a Miniature American Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my Miniature American Shepherd every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Miniature American Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
No
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Miniature American Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Miniature American Shepherd drool?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Miniature American Shepherd could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Miniature American Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Miniature American Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Miniature American Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are Miniature American Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Miniature American Shepherd temperament with other people:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Miniature American Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Miniature American Shepherd temperament with children:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Miniature American Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Miniature American Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Miniature American Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Miniature American Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Miniature American Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Miniature American Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
No
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Are Miniature American Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Miniature American Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Miniature American Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Miniature American Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Ameri temperament with senior people? Are Miniature American Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Miniature American Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Miniature American Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Miniature American Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Miniature American Shepherd is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Miniature American Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Miniature American Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Miniature American Shepherd is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Miniature American Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Miniature American Shepherd is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Miniature American Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Miniature American Shepherd is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Miniature American Shepherd be a boat dog?

Not really

Miniature American Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Miniature American Shepherd be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Miniature American Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Miniature American Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Miniature American Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Miniature American Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Miniature American Shepherd breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Miniature American Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Miniature American Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the Miniature American Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Miniature American Shepherd have? How many puppies can a Miniature American Shepherd give birth to?
2-6 puppies

Miniature American Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is Miniature American Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Is Miniature American Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Miniature American Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
  • Grooming: Easy to groom: The Miniature American Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Miniature American Shepherd is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Child Friendly: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Miniature American Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
Cons
  • Health Issues: Miniature American Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Hypoallergenic: Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Mouthiness: Miniature American Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Miniature American Shepherd dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Adaptability: Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Office Friendly: Miniature American Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.

Miniature American Shepherd History

The Miniature American Shepherd is a breed developed in California which is similar in appearance to a miniature Australian Shepherd. Minis are brilliant, self-motivated workers and endearingly devoted and vivacious companion dogs who have an affinity for horses, despite their small size. The Miniature American Shepherd shares many physical traits with its forebear the Australian Shepherd only on a smaller scale.

 

Ancestry

The Miniature American Shepherd ‘ is a close relative of the Basque Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd (and of course its miniature version).

The Basque Shepherd Dog, unlike many modern breeds, such as the Miniature American or the Australian Shepherd was not carefully bred for specific qualities or attributes and was instead left to reproduce spontaneously without human involvement. Moreover, it is widely believed that the sheepdog is one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet. In fact, bones of what are assumed to be the ancestors of today's Basque Shepherd Dog have been discovered in Neolithic caves dating back 12,000 years. The species' more contemporary prominence may be seen in fresco paintings dating back to the 16th century.

It was uncommon for Basque shepherds to come to western America to work, some with their dogs. Because few Basque dogs accompanied their shepherds on their journeys, those that did were unavoidably bred with the local American dogs. The Australian Shepherd is said to have sprung from these dogs.

Australian Shepherd appeared around the time of the 1840s Gold Rush, as we know it now in the western United States, mainly in Colorado. The origins of its name are unknown, while some speculate that it has something to do with the merle coat color present in many cross-bred and other pedigrees in Australia.

Another hypothesis is that Spanish immigrants to the United States brought their native dogs with them, but took a convoluted route through Australia, thus the misnomer. The Aussie (as it is also frequently called in the region) has long been a popular farm dog in these areas due to its obedience and ability to herd a variety of livestock. Its intrinsic intelligence allows it to successfully herd cattle, sheep, and even farmed bunnies.

 

Chronology of breed development

The Miniature American Shepherd was created in the late 1960s in California by mating small, unregistered canines that were mistaken for Australian Shepherds. These dogs were bred with the intention of keeping their petite stature, energetic personality, and intelligence.

Although they have the heart to handle larger animals, such as sheep and goats, the breed has been employed for herding smaller stock such as sheep and goats. Their modest stature was regarded favorably since it allowed them to readily double as domestic pets.

Their intelligence, devotion, and stature made them a great travel companion for equestrians traveling to horse shows. As a result, their popularity grew throughout the country. The Miniature American Shepherd is now widely recognized in the United States and abroad. It's a breed with a distinct personality: a striking, adaptable tiny herding dog that's equally at home on a ranch or in the city.

The breed was first registered with the National Stock Dog Registry in 1980 and gained popularity permanently. Several organizations were established for the breed such as The Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA), which is the designated national parent club of the American Kennel Club.

Rate The Miniature American Shepherd Breed

Miniature American Shepherd Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Nia

    Feb 25, 2022, 6:53:40 AM: