What is an American Shepherd ?
Is there an American Shepherd? This is certainly an honest question many folks ask since we became recognized in AKC as the Miniature American Shepherd. The short answer is no, there is no American Shepherd, as our larger ancestors are Australian Shepherds which are recognized as a separate breed with AKC, the American Kennel Club.
from AKC's website: www.akc.org/dog-breeds/miniature-american-shepherd/
About the Breed
The Miniature American Shepherd resembles a small Australian Shepherd. True herders in spite of their compact size, Minis are bright, self-motivated workers and endearingly loyal and lively companion dogs... The Miniature American Shepherd shares many physical traits with its forebear the Australian Shepherd only on a smaller scale. Females stand between 13 and 17 inches at the shoulder; males range from 14 to 18 inches. Despite their size, Minis are every inch a true herding dog: energetic, versatile, rugged, and extremely bright. The eye-catching coat comes in black, blue merle, red, and red merle. (The merle will exhibit in any amount marbling, flecks, or blotches.) Minis move with the smooth and agile step of a dog built for hard work on punishing terrain.
About the Breed
The Miniature American Shepherd resembles a small Australian Shepherd. True herders in spite of their compact size, Minis are bright, self-motivated workers and endearingly loyal and lively companion dogs... The Miniature American Shepherd shares many physical traits with its forebear the Australian Shepherd only on a smaller scale. Females stand between 13 and 17 inches at the shoulder; males range from 14 to 18 inches. Despite their size, Minis are every inch a true herding dog: energetic, versatile, rugged, and extremely bright. The eye-catching coat comes in black, blue merle, red, and red merle. (The merle will exhibit in any amount marbling, flecks, or blotches.) Minis move with the smooth and agile step of a dog built for hard work on punishing terrain.
