The American Miniature Shepherd belongs to the first group of this classification: group 1 is divided into 2 sections: shepherd dogs and cattle dogs. Group 1 includes breeds whose primary function was to help shepherds and lead livestock. They are obedient and independent dogs. They have good endurance and strong physical properties.

The American Miniature Shepherd is not to be considered as a truly distinct breed but rather as the miniature American version of the Australian Shepherd. Arriving from Australia to the United States during the 18th century with the Basque shepherds and their sheep, the American Miniature Shepherd or " little blue dog”, as he was nicknamed, has always had a reputation as an excellent livestock working dog. In order to further improve its qualities, the “ranchers” crossed it with other breeds of shepherd dogs such as the Border Collie, the Collie or the English Shepherd. In 1957, the first Australian Shepherds were registered with the International English Shepherd Registry and, twenty years later, people involved in the development of this breed created the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA). The first breed standard was formalized the same year. It was during the 1960s that a Californian woman acquired small Australian Shepherds. She then started a breeding program based on the crossing of close relatives (inbreeding) and the selection of individuals according to their size. The first were registered as Australian Shepherds and it was not until a few more years before the American Miniature Shepherd became a “breed”. With the recognition of the Australian Shepherd by the American Kennel Club and the AFSCA, the Miniature Shepherd was distinguished by a new name: North American Shepherd or North American Miniature Australian Shepherd. Indeed, until 1993, the American Miniature Shepherd competed under this name. It was that same year that the Australian Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club. As regulations prohibited a breed from competing in competitions under the same name as a breed already recognized by the American Kennel Club, this is how the American Miniature Shepherd was renamed. Since then, the American Miniature Shepherd has been very popular. It has the same qualities as its close relative the Australian Shepherd. Some breeders still sometimes cross these two breeds in order to diversify the genetics of the American Miniature Shepherd and thus avoid the risks of inbreeding but also to maintain its working instinct and its stable temperament.

The American Miniature Shepherd measures between 35 and 45 cm and weighs between 8 and 18 kg. Its appearance is balanced despite being slightly longer than it is tall. It is an agile dog. Its neck is of medium length, strong and curved at the top. His body is strong and muscular. Its back line is very horizontal and its chest broad and deep. His loins are strong and rise slightly backwards. Its tail is straight and naturally does not exceed 10 cm. Its limbs are straight and powerful. Its feet are oval and compact. The head of the American Miniature Shepherd is well defined, proportional to the body and strong. The upper part of the skull is flat or slightly rounded. Its length is equal to that of the muzzle which is rounded at its end. Its very expressive eyes are almond-shaped and moderate in size. They are neither protruding nor sunken. The pupils are dark. This breed allows a significant variation in eye colors regardless of coat color (e.g. browns, blues, ambers, greens, minnows or any variation/combination of these colors, including speckles and marbling). Its ears are set high, triangular and rounded at the tip, of medium size, they can be erect or hanging. Recognized coat colors in this breed are blue merle, red merle, solid red, and solid black, all with or without white and tan spots. The hair is of medium length except on the head, the outer surface of the ears, the front of the forelimbs and under the hocks where it is shorter. The back of the hind limbs are fringed, the mane and crop moderately thick. It is a water-resistant coat, straight or slightly wavy with an undercoat.

The American Miniature Shepherd is a robust dog whose lifespan is estimated at 12-13 years. Rarely ill, like all dogs, he requires regular maintenance (vaccination monitoring, deworming, brushing/grooming, sports activities, intellectual activities and good nutrition) in order to guarantee him the best living conditions. This breed is, however, prone to certain pathologies for which it is necessary to undergo genetic testing: hip dysplasia, hereditary canine eye diseases (cataract, Collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, multifocal retinopathy), degenerative myelopathy, hyperuricosuria or even drug sensitivity.

The American Miniature Shepherd is an attentive and lively dog capable of demonstrating both strength and endurance. Intelligent, he has a pronounced instinct for guarding and leading the herd. What can I say except that he is an exceptional companion! Even-tempered, he is good-natured and always enthusiastic. He is loyal and devoted to his family. At first contact, he can be reserved with strangers but never shy. Although authoritarian and determined in carrying out the work, he is not aggressive with humans or other animals. The education of the American Miniature Shepherd is made easier thanks to his obedient temperament and desire to please. to his master characteristic of this breed. It’s a real pleasure to teach him things because he’s so responsive! If he comes from a line with a good temperament, is well socialized from a very young age, and with some basic notions of obedience and above all a little daily exercise to ensure his mental balance, he will quickly be able to participate in different types of competitions or simply to fulfill its role as an ideal companion. Its size is perfect to easily take it with you. He does not particularly require large spaces to run and relax, but he is not a lap dog. Initially used as a shepherd dog, it remains very active and therefore requires daily physical exercise. His instincts may lead him to lead children and other animals “like sheep,” which can lead him down dangerous paths. It is therefore advisable to have a well-fenced garden to frame it.