Miniature American Shepherd

Miniature American Shepherds are extremely intelligent and loving companions. This small herding breed was created in California during the 1960s, according to the Miniature American Shepherd Club of America (MASCA), by breeding the smallest Australian Shepherd. The goal was to create a dog breed that mimics the appearance, personality, and intellect of an Australian Shepherd, just in a smaller size.

A full-grown Miniature American Shepherd stands 13–18 inches tall and weighs 20–40 pounds. In comparison, Australian Shepherds are 18–23 inches tall and 40–65 pounds.

Caring for a Miniature American Shepherd

Miniature American Shepherds make great family dogs due to their affection, intellect, and good temperament around children and other pets.

They are athletic and have a lot of energy; because of this, Miniature American Shepherds need to be given jobs to stay active and prevent boredom. They enjoy going on runs, hikes, or long walks, as well as participating in dog sports where they can compete against other dogs. Because of their smarts and eagerness to please their family, Miniature American Shepherds are highly trainable and pick up cues quickly.

The Miniature American Shepherd’s double coat is medium in length and comes in a variety of colors, including black, red, and merle. Their fur sheds a lot and can become matted, so this breed needs frequent brushing with a slicker brush or dematting tool.

Miniature American Shepherd Health Issues

The average Miniature American Shepherd lifespan is 12–13 years, and they’re considered a generally healthy breed. However, like all dogs, the breed is known to have a few health issues.

It’s important to work with a responsible Miniature American Shepherd breeder who performs appropriate health screening for breeding dogs to ensure they will not pass down health issues to their puppies. Purchasing pet insurance for your puppy may also be a good investment.

Collie Eye Anomaly

Collie eye anomaly is a congenital eye disorder in which structures in the back of the eye do not develop properly. This condition can be detected by a veterinary ophthalmologist through a routine eye exam on Miniature American Shepherd puppies as young as six weeks of age. 

Some dogs with collie eye anomaly are asymptomatic, while others can go blind. There is currently no treatment. Reputable breeders will have their dogs’ eyes examined and/or be genetically tested for this condition to make sure that affected dogs are not bred.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy is a disease where the eye’s retina slowly degenerates, leading to blindness. This condition is usually diagnosed in Miniature American Shepherds when they are 3–9 years old. There is no cure for PRA, but blind dogs can still live long, happy lives with proper care.

Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudy lens within the eye. Small cataracts are only visible with the aid of an ophthalmoscope, while large cataracts can be easy to see (because the pupil will look completely white). Larger cataracts mean more significant vision loss.

Young Miniature American Shepherds can develop juvenile cataracts. Cataracts are usually hereditary, so ask breeders about eye screening for the parents. Surgery to remove the cataracts can restore eyesight.

Iris Coloboma

Another eye disorder in Miniature American Shepherds is an iris coloboma, a hole in the iris that is present at birth. A coloboma can vary in size, and dogs with large colobomas may be sensitive to light and squint on sunny days.

There is no cure, and treatment is not needed: This condition by itself isn’t painful and doesn’t progress.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop normally. This can cause pain and, eventually, arthritis. Hip dysplasia can develop in one or both hip joints.

Signs of hip dysplasia can often be managed with weight control, appropriate exercise, physical therapy, and pain-relief medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Symptoms can include:

• Slowness to rise from a lying position
• Lameness
• “Bunny-hopping” gait when running
• Reluctance to run, jump, or go up or down stairs

Joint supplements may be helpful for some dogs as part of a broader plan, but they are not a substitute for diagnosis, pain control, or surgical treatment when needed.

Reputable Miniature American Shepherd breeders make sure their dogs are screened for this genetic condition, so it’s best to purchase a puppy from a breeder who has had their dogs certified with an OFA or PennHIP evaluation.

Luxating Patella

A luxating patella is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of place, most often due to the shallow groove in the leg bone. Symptoms include:

• Skipping or hopping on a back leg
• Sudden limping that comes and goes
• Holding up one hind leg for a few steps
• Difficulty jumping or using stairs
• A bow-legged appearance, especially in puppies with more severe cases
• Clicking or popping around the knee

There are varying degrees of kneecap luxation, and the most severe requires orthopedic surgery. Miniature American Shepherds should be evaluated for patellar luxation before breeding or if they have rear leg lameness.

Multidrug-Resistant MDR1 Genetic Mutation

Miniature American Shepherds can carry the mutation in the MDR1 gene. This mutation can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening side effects to certain medications such as ivermectin, Galliprant, butorphanol, and some chemotherapy drugs.

All Miniature American Shepherds should be tested for this genetic mutation. If your dog is diagnosed, notify your veterinarian so certain medications are avoided.

What To Feed a Miniature American Shepherd

During the first 12 months of life, Miniature American Shepherd puppies should be fed a high-quality puppy food for medium-sized dogs that has balanced calories and minerals to allow for proper growth and development.

At one year of age, their diet should be slowly transitioned over five to seven days to an adult medium-breed dog formula. When a Miniature American Shepherd hits their senior years starting (around 8 years of age), it’s best to transition to a senior diet that contains joint support. You vet can help you choose the best dog food for your Miniature American Shepherd.

How To Feed a Miniature American Shepherd

Miniature American Shepherd dogs should be fed two meals a day—one in the morning and one in the evening. If your Miniature American Shepherd eats too quickly, a slow feeder bowl can help slow them down at mealtime.

How Much Should You Feed a Miniature American Shepherd?

It’s best to follow the feeding guidelines on dog food packaging, but your veterinarian can help determine the proper portion size to feed your Miniature American Shepherd. Your dog’s ideal body weight, activity level, and life stage are important factors in determining food portions.

Always measure the food for each meal to ensure you’re feeding the correct amount. Your Miniature American Shepherd’s daily diet should consist mostly of AAFCO-compliant dog food (90%), with only 10% of calories from high-quality treats.

Nutritional Tips for Miniature American Shepherds

Miniature American Shepherds should receive all essential nutrients in their AAFCO-approved dog food, so they shouldn’t need supplements. However, sometimes a veterinarian will recommend a supplement for your dog as needed.

If your Miniature American Shepherd has a luxating patella or hip dysplasia, your veterinarian may recommend a joint supplement as well as an omega-3 fish oil supplement. Never give your pup a supplement without veterinary guidance.

Behavior and Training Tips for Miniature American Shepherds

Miniature American Shepherd Personality and Temperament

This breed has a lot of energy and needs at least one hour (ideally two) of exercise every day. Along with physical activity, Miniature American Shepherds are happiest when their minds are engaged with activities like dog sports, jogging with their favorite human, or running freely in a fenced yard: A combination of both is best.

They are good with children and other pets but should be supervised initially when they are getting to know a new family member. Introducing your Miniature American Shepherd to another dog or to a cat should be done slowly and with proper supervision.

Miniature American Shepherd Behavior

Miniature American Shepherds are less likely to have behavioral issues if they participate in training classes and obedience classes when they are puppies. This breed can be known to bark, but early socialization, mental enrichment and positive reinforcement training can help keep your pup from barking excessively.

Their devotion to family can lead to separation anxiety when they’re left alone. It’s important to crate train Miniature American Shepherd puppies at an early age and provide interactive toys to keep their mind occupied when they’re left unattended.

Miniature American Shepherd Training

Miniature American Shepherds are intelligent and eager-to-please dogs, which makes them easy to train. But that doesn’t mean training is something to slack on: Puppies need early and consistent training with positive reinforcement that uses treats and praise as rewards for good behavior.

Enrolling your pup into a socialization class and/or puppy obedience class can help them grow up to be a well-behaved dog. 

Fun Activities for Miniature American Shepherds

• Tracking

• Rally

• Agility

• Frisbee

• Dock diving

• Herding

Miniature American Shepherd Grooming Guide

Miniature American Shepherds have a double coat. The outer layer consists of long fur, while the inner coat is thick for insulation. They shed a moderate amount year-round, and their fur needs to be brushed regularly to control shedding and prevent matting.

Skin Care

Miniature American Shepherds do not require special skin care and only need baths when they are dirty; make sure to use a shampoo formulated especially for dogs. Contact your vet if you notice changes in your dog’s skin.

Coat Care

The Miniature American Shepherd needs to be brushed a couple times a week to control shedding and minimize matting. This breed sheds year-round, with one or two heavy shedding seasons (in the spring and/or fall) every year, so consider investing in a pet hair vacuum. During this time, their coat should be brushed every day.

Eye Care

Because Miniature American Shepherds are at risk for several eye conditions, a veterinarian should give your dog an annual exam to screen for eye conditions. The vet may give you a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist if there is any injury or abnormality in one or both eyes.

Contact your vet if you notice changes in your dog’s eyes. Symptoms that something may be wrong include:

• Redness
• Discharge
• Cloudiness
• Changes in vision (i.e., bumping into things)

Ear Care

Miniature American Shepherds are not as prone to frequent ear infections as some other dog breeds. That said, they can occasionally develop infections. 

If your vet recommends it, cleaning your dog’s ears with an ear cleaner that contains a drying agent can help minimize ear infections.

If your vet gives the OK, clean their ears after a bath or other water activity, like if your dog goes for a swim.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Miniature American Shepherds are loving family dogs who can do well around other pets and children alike. They are also athletic, smart dogs who need exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. A bored Miniature American Shepherd can become destructive and bark excessively, so make sure you give your pup a job to do, like an interactive toy or a dog sport.

The perfect home for this breed has a large, fenced yard where they can run around with other dogs.  Even though Miniature American Shepherds are small, apartments are not ideal for them unless they participate in daily exercise, dog sports, or other outdoor activities that meet their needs.