Miniature Australian Shepherd

The Miniature Australian Shepherd, frequently abbreviated MAS, is a small herding dog that was developed in California during the late 1960s from small-size Australian Shepherds working the U.S. rodeo circuit.

The breed was first registered with the National Stock Dog Registry in 1983. They have been used for herding smaller livestock such as sheep and goats, although they have the intelligence and courage to herd cattle.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd became especially popular with equestrians traveling to horse shows and their popularity spread across the United States. They are one of the few breeds that is as equally at home on a ranch in California as in a Manhattan apartment.

Weight: 20-31 lbs (9.1-14.1 kg)
Height: Male: 14–18 in (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 in (33–43 cm)
Coat: Smooth, tight and sleek.
Color: Black, Blue Merle, Red, Red Merle (with or without tan and/or white markings).
Litter size: 2-6 puppies.
Life span: 13-15 years

Temperament: Agile, Athletic, Spirited, Intelligent.

Health: May be susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-prcd), hereditary cataracts, iris coloboma, micropthalmia, multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1), hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy.

Special Interest:
• Also known as the Miniature American Shepherd.

Classifications:
AKC: Herding
UKC: Herding
FCI:Group 1, Section 1 #367 (provisional)

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