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title: "Miniature American Shepherd | Pedibase"
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+9
Dogs
# The Miniature American Shepherd: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United States
Small, lively and versatile shepherd, it combines the drive of a herding dog with a more compact size.
Size MediumLife expectancy 13–15 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €1,500 – €2,500
[Find a breeder 133](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=miniature-american-shepherd)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Excellent
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Good
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Versatility: He combines working dog abilities, family companion qualities and a partner for dog sports.
- Intelligence: His great learning ability makes training and mentally stimulating activities easier.
- Family attachment: He is loyal, close to his humans and generally very pleasant to live with in an involved household.
- High activity needs: He does not cope well with an overly sedentary life and needs real physical and mental exertion.
- Reserved with strangers: Without careful socialization, his natural wariness can become overwhelming in everyday life.
- Targeted health vigilance: The breed requires particular attention for the eyes and hips.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active families: He thrives with present people who enjoy outings, play and regular activities.
- Dog sports enthusiasts: His energy, liveliness and intelligence make him a good candidate for agility and other disciplines.
- Living in a house with outdoor space: A setting offering space makes it easier to express his natural need for movement.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary households: He may get bored and develop troublesome behaviors if he lacks activity.
- People with little availability: He needs interactions, training and regular presence to remain balanced.
- Small apartments without sustained outings: A small space without real daily exercise is not well suited to this energetic breed.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
40 cmMiniature American Shepherd
- Height at the withers
- 33–46 cm
- Weight
- 9–14 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, double, straight to wavy
- FCI group
- 1
- Origin
- United States
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Miniature American Shepherd in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Miniature American Shepherd was born in California at the end of the 1960s, when breeders selected from litters of Australian Shepherds the smallest individuals in order to preserve their working qualities in a smaller size. The breed then spread in the United States thanks to shows and its presence among horseback riding enthusiasts, before being structured by the MASCUSA club founded in 1990. It was recognized by the AKC in 2015 and then by the FCI on a provisional basis in 2019.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a body slightly longer than tall, firm and toned. Its head is balanced, as wide as it is long, with a moderately marked stop and a muzzle that tapers toward the tip. Its coat is medium-length, double, fairly full, coarse, straight to wavy and waterproof. The ears are triangular, set high and folded forward when it is attentive. The eyes, almond-shaped, can be brown, hazel, amber or even heterochromatic.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Dynamic, intelligent, attentive and versatile, the Miniature American Shepherd likes to please its owner and remains very attached to its family. Loyal and docile, it appreciates having a mission or a regular activity. It can be reserved towards strangers without being fearful or aggressive, and it generally gets along very well with children.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Easy to train Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
This dog needs to stay active and stimulated on a daily basis. Its past as a herding dog explains its taste for exercise, play and activities that engage its body as well as its mind. It is happier in a house with a garden or in the countryside, but can live in the city if its outings are long, regular and truly energy-burning.
Training
## Training and socialization
The Miniature American Shepherd is receptive to consistent, patient and positive training. Its intelligence and its desire to cooperate make learning easier, provided that you offer it varied and motivating sessions. Careful socialization from the youngest age and a sufficient level of activity are essential to obtain a well-balanced dog.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Miniature American Shepherd
The purchase price varies depending on the quality of the breeding, the pedigree, the health tests carried out and the bloodline. Beyond the acquisition cost, you should anticipate a regular budget for food, veterinary care, coat maintenance and accessories.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Miniature American Shepherd is overall a fairly sturdy dog when it lives in good conditions and benefits from regular veterinary follow-up. Its double coat protects it properly from cold and bad weather, but the breed has a known predisposition to certain ocular and joint conditions.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
A complete, balanced diet adapted to the age as well as to the activity level of the Miniature American Shepherd is the best basis for supporting its fitness, its musculature and the quality of its coat.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
Often called Mini Aussie in the United States, the Miniature American Shepherd was long confused with a small-sized Australian Shepherd before being recognized as a breed in its own right. In France, the breed is overseen by the French Association of the Miniature American Shepherd, affiliated with the Société Centrale Canine.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Miniature American Shepherd
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Miniature American Shepherd live in an apartment?
Yes, but it is not its ideal setting. It copes better with apartment living if its exercise, outing and mental stimulation needs are fully met every day.
### Is the Miniature American Shepherd suitable for a family with children?
Yes, it is generally very good with children when it is well socialized and properly exercised. Its playful temperament and closeness to its family make it a valued companion in an active household.
### Is the Miniature American Shepherd easy to train?
It learns quickly thanks to its intelligence and desire to cooperate. A positive, regular and consistent method generally produces very good results.
## Find a Miniature American Shepherd breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Miniature American Shepherd breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Miniature American Shepherd breeders in Normandy20](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/normandy) [Miniature American Shepherd breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine16](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Miniature American Shepherd breeders in Hauts-de-France16](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/hauts-de-france) [Miniature American Shepherd breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes15](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Miniature American Shepherd breeders in Île-de-France12](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/ile-de-france) [Miniature American Shepherd breeders in Brittany11](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/brittany) [Miniature American Shepherd breeders in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur9](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/provence-alpes-cote-dazur) [Miniature American Shepherd breeders in Occitanie9](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/occitanie)
### Miniature American Shepherd breeders by country
[133 breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd) [39 breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/germany) [23 breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/italy) [13 breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/denmark) [6 breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/spain) [4 breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/finland) [2 breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/austria) [2 breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in Hungary](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/hungary) [1 breeder of Miniature American Shepherd in Bulgaria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/bulgaria) [1 breeder of Miniature American Shepherd in Poland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd/poland)
[All breeders of Miniature American Shepherd in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd)
## Ready to welcome a Miniature American Shepherd?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-miniature-american-shepherd)
## Discover other breeds
[Australian Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd)
[Border Collie
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-collie)
[Kelpie
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kelpie)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
[Catalan Sheepdog
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