FAQ about Miniature Australian Shepherds
Are Miniature Australian Shepherds cross breeds?
Absolutely not! Miniature Australian Shepherds are exactly as the name implies - small Australian Shepherds
There are no other breeds crossed into the lines of Mini Aussies - they are pure Aussie! Minaiture Australian Shepherds often have a 6 generation or more pedigree which can be traced right back to the foundation Miniature Australian Shepherds and/or the foundation Australian Shepherd dogs.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd originiated from and developed purely out of Australian Shepherd bloodlines that have consistently produced small dogs.
In the 1960's a breeding programme was set up to preserve the natural smaller size trait found in some Australian Shepherds.They became officially recognised in the 1980's. More information about the breeds history can be found on our "about the breed" page and via the links on our "links" page.
Smaller sized Australian Shepherds have always existed throughout the breeds history - this can be proved from historical photographs, records and registries.
The smaller lines gained the "miniature" label when breed enthusiasts set up a breeding programme to preserve the smaller size trait in the breed. The "miniature" applies only to size when compared with the Australian Shepherd, and should not imply diminished working ability or a "toy" size.
Some small standard sized Australian Shepherds have also been bred into some Miniature Australian Shepherd lines to diversify and improve the gene pool. Some Miniature Australian Shepherds used to be dual registered and shown as Australian Shepherds.
Minaiture Australian Shepherds were already established and officially recognised as such prior to the AKC and KC recognition of the Australian Shepherd.
Both Miniature Australian Shepherd and Australian Shepherds were both registered under the NDSR (the original registry for Australian Shepherds) as such and competed alongside each other prior to AKC recognition.
Miniature Australian Shepherds have not been bred down for size or bred to be different from the smaller size variety that has always existed throughout the history of the Australian Shepherd.
The ONLY difference between the Miniature Australian Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd is the size. They share the same history, same type, temperament, working ability etc. Miniature Australian Shepherds are Australian Shepherds whose size or parents size enables them to belong to an additional/alternative registry and a national breed club in America.
We agree with the MASCA statement that Miniature Australian Shepherds are a size variety of the Australian Shepherd - not a different breed.
Why breed Miniatures? Whats wrong with Australian Shepherds?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with Australian Shepherds! In fact, the Mini Aussies are Australian Shepherds and likewise make excellent stock, show and performance dogs as well as companions. Mini Aussies have no advantage nor disadvantage over the Aussie. I have loved and owned both sizes but i personally prefer the size of the Miniatures. Many Mini Aussie breeders in America also breed and show Australain Shepherds and many AKC/ASCA Australian Shepherd judges also judge the Miniature Australian Shepherds at conformation events. Some people prefer the size of Australian Shepherds and some people prefer the smaller sized Miniature Australian Shepherds.
Are Miniature Australian Shepherds recognised in the USA?
Yes they are officially registered and recognised in the USA but not by the AKC.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is still classified as a rare breed in America and are not recognised by the AKC. Other examples of well known breeds which are unrecognised by the AKC but still established & popular are; the Australian Kelpie, Japanese Spitz and another new breed to the UK - the English Shepherd. All of these breeds and many more can still prove their pedigrees, are purebred, have breed clubs and are registered in America but under rare breed registries such as the American Rare Breeds Association as opposed to the AKC.
Mini Aussies are recognised by the NDSR (National Dog Stock Registry), ARBA (American Rare Breeds Association), Rarities, North American Kennel Club, International All Breeds Canine Association, CKC (Continental Kennel Club) and by the two breed clubs; MASCA (Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America) and NAMASCUSA ("North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of United States of America").
When will the Miniature Australian Shepherds gain AKC recognition?
I dont know when or even if the Mini Aussies will become AKC recognised therefore if you are looking for a breed show dog in the UK then dont get a Miniature Australian Shepherd. Many Mini Aussie breeders and enthusiasts are very proud of the Mini Aussie rare breed status and for a variety of reasons they are against gaining AKC recognition. When Australian Shepherds gained AKC recognition their parent club the ASCA was against it. There are many different show venues and kennel clubs in America not just the AKC - Mini Aussies can still breed show under other organisations without being a AKC recognised breed. The stance of the MASCA concerning AKC recognition is that they feel AKC recognition would be a benefit but only if registered as a variety of the Australian Shepherd not under a different breed name. At this present time, because of AKC rules, it does not seem possible to gain recognition as a variety. Other groups may seek AKC recognition for the Miniature Australian Shepherd under a different breed name but we will continue to register our dogs with the MASCA and support their founding mission that the Miniature Australian Shepherd is nothing more than a size variety of the Australian Shepherd.
What will Miniature Australian Shepherds be registered as in the UK?
This depends on each dogs pedigree and what registries they are already registered under in other countries so I can only answer this question for Dunnellon Mini Aussies that I personally own or breed.
Dunnellon Miniature Australian Shepherds that we breed are all registered on the Kennel Clubs Activities register as Australian Shepherds.
They will not be registered on the Kennel Clubs breed register. They will be eligible to compete in ABC Agility classes.
The Kennel Club does not currently recognise the Miniature Australian Shepherd as a size variety so they could not be recorded as such. Our Miniature Australian Shepherds are not crossbreeds so registering them as such would have been false. Miniature Australian Shepherds are Australian Shepherds - just of a smaller size. In neither the KC/AKC/ASCA breed standards is there a size disqualification in the Australian Shepherd therefore if an Australian Shepherd is under the breed standard (as Miniature Australian Shepherds are) then it is still eligible to be registered as an Australian Shepherd.
We wish to thank the Kennel Club for their time and consideration in the matter of registering Miniature Australian Shepherds under their organisation in the UK. After discussing the matter at senior level and throughout the Kennel Club, and after viewing my dogs pedigree, the Kennel Club have decided that they are in no doubt that my dogs are descended from Australian Shepherds, therefore they are willing for me to use that breed name on their Kennel Club activities registration. They will NOT be registered on the KC's breed register and cannot be breed shown in the UK.
We have been granted the kennel name affix "Dunnellon" by the Kennel Club
We breed register our Mini Aussies under the NSDR & MASCA.
CHARACTER AND SUITABILITY QUESTIONS
What are their temperaments like?
They are not a suitable breed for someone that just wants a dog to look nice. Mini Aussies are very intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation and exercise. They have just as much drive and energy as any size of Australian Shepherd. They are a working breed and thrive on any type of activity - they love nothing more than going on long walks and getting very muddy! Unlike some other working breeds they do have an "off switch" and they dont need to be active all the time to be happy. The breed is affectionately nicknamed the "Velcro dog" and this is very true as they love companionship & affection.
What size will your puppies grow to?
We aim to breed within the MASCA breed standard which is 14" - 18"
Do your Miniature Australian Shepherds have tails?
Rizzo tail was docked in USA prior to the new docking laws/restrictions in the UK. In accordance to UK law we do not and will not dock any of our puppies tails. Just like with the Australian Shepherd, Miniature Australian Shepherds do sometimes have natural bobtails. Rizzos sire was a natural bobtail. Whether her puppies are born with a natural bobtail or not is dependent as to which genes they inherit. The litter of puppies we had this year all have beautiful long tails - all with a white tip on the end!
Do Mini Aussies make good family dogs?
Yes. Mini Aussies become incredibly faithful to their people and are usually very affectionate dogs. They love, and need to be involved in, family activities. They are affectionately nicknamed the "Velcro" dog as they just love being with people.These dogs are generally tender with children, good with other pets, and easily trained. Because of its strong herding background, mini Aussies often do best in active families who are willing to spend time providing obedience training, exercise and will permit the dog to be part of the family. Because Mini Aussies tend to be extremely loyal to their families, not all should be expected to be outgoing toward strangers. Early socialization is very important for the proper development of a Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy.
What Health issues are of concern in the Mini Aussie?
In general, Mini Aussies are a healthy breed but they do experience a few health issues that should be considered. The most common problems currently recognized in the Aussie and mini Aussie are various hereditary eye anomalies and Hip Dysplasia. Click for More Information.
Do Mini Aussies respond well to obedience training?
Yes. Mini Aussies are a herding breed, which historically was used to aid ranchers working livestock in a variety of situations. Their natural instinct remains strong, and mini Aussies are well known for their intellect, eagerness to please and trainability. Mini Aussies respond wonderfully to obedience training and it is highly recommended to help direct their natural herding ability and inquisitive minds. If our dogs are anything to go by Mini Aussies LOVE their food so they are very keen to train for treats!
Can you recommend any books to read for people thinking of owning a Mini Aussie?
We recommend "All About Aussies" by Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor. It is a fantastic and very interesting reference book that is well worth investing in. There is even a whole chapter devoted to Miniature Australian Shepherds in the latest version of this book (3rd edition) but the whole book is relevant and covers a wide range of issues.
About the two main registries that Dunnellon Mini Aussies are registered with: NSDR They are registered by the NSDR (National Dog Stock Registry) which was the original registry for the Australian Shepherd (since 1956). When the Australian Shepherd became AKC recognized it was the NSDR registry that was used to prove a dog’s registration/pedigree enabling them to enter into AKC. Until AKC’s recognition of this breed both the smaller and large size variations of the Australian Shepherds were registered by the NSDR and dogs belonging to both the Australian Shepherd national breed clubs showed in conformation and performance along side each other. The Miniature Australian Shepherds were recognised and registered as such with the NSDR before the Australian Shepherd gained AKC recognition. MASCA The MASCA (Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America) promotes a purebred size variety and accepts Australian Shepherd registrations from only established kennel clubs/national breed clubs in North America which keep a proper registration book. MASCA has a strong following in America, has affiliate clubs throughout the country; conducts regional and National Specialities with qualified, certified AKC/ASCA judges and it has over 2097 litters registered. These litters within MASCA have both health and lineage requirements which are more stringent than either the original NSDR, AKC or both ASCA and USASA. We are very proud to be a MASCA registered breeder with our kennel name "Dunnellon".
Any further Questions regarding Mini Aussies then please feel free to contact us
