The
Miniature Australian Shepherd is a smaller version of the standard
Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd, contrary to it's name, was
actually developed in the western states of America through the late 1800's to
early 1900's. It is thought that they are predominantly descended from the
Basque herding dogs popular at that time, but early breeders, breeding strictly
for a working dog, also crossed to other herding dogs to give us the Aussies we
know today.
Australian
Shepherds have varied greatly in size throughout their history with many "small
standards" being seen through the decades and in historical photos. The
miniature Australian Shepherd was and still is developed directly from the
Australian Shepherd.
In 1968 a horse woman in Norco, California, began a breeding program specifically to produce very small Australian Shepherds. Her name was Doris Cordova, and the most well known dog from her kennel was Cordova's Spike. Spike was placed with Bill and Sally Kennedy, also of Norco, California, to continue to develop a line of miniature Aussies under the B/S kennel name. Another horseman, Charles Lassater of Valhalla Kennels soon joined the ranks of mini breeders. Cordova, Lassater and the Kennedy's together attempted to form the first parent club for the miniature. Although the club never quite got off the ground, their stated purpose for developing the miniatures was to produce an Australian Shepherd, under 17" who had the heart, intelligence and drive to work stock, and yet be small enough to travel easily to stock shows and be an in-the-house dog.
Today a dog is registered as a Miniature Australian Shepherd
Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America if at least one of its parents is
also a registered miniature Australian Shepherd. The other parent may be a MAS
or an Australian Shepherd. The mini Aussie is still being developed to produce
type and consistency and it is sometimes necessary to cross into Australian
Shepherd lines to maintain a healthy genetic diversity while preserving the
smaller stature.
The miniature Australian Shepherd is recognized by the American Rare Breeds Association (ARBA), the International All Breed Canine Association and the Canine Kennel Club. The miniature Australian Shepherd is not recognized by the AKC either as a size variety of the Australian Shepherd or as a separate breed.
The mini Aussie has a character and temperament equal to that of the original Aussie. They are extremely intelligent, eager to please and full of wiggles and smiles. They are very loving and "almost human." The MAS is reserved with strangers making him an exceptional family guardian, but warms up quickly when the stranger is accepted by his people. Care should be taken in early socialization and obedience; as a herding dog they may attempt to herd everything in sight, including small children and other pets. While not a "busy" dog who is in constant motion, they are an active dog who require daily mental and physical stimulation, and do require an owner whose energy and activity level matches or exceeds their own!
