The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog breed that is full of energy. They are loving, love to play, and have plenty of energy to keep themselves and you entertained. Here are a few more facts about Miniature Australian Shepherds:

1. The Miniature Australian Shepherd Originated in the United States

They may be called Miniature Australian Shepherds, but they actually originated in the United States. More specifically, they started showing up in California in the late 1960s.

They were called Miniature Australian Shepherds because the dogs they were crossed with in order to create the breed were thought to be smaller Australian Shepherds that were unregistered. Now, they are an established breed in their own right, are often called Miniature American Shepherds, and were recognized by the AKC in 2015 under that name.

2. They are Known by a Few Names

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is known by a few names. They are also called a Mini Aussie or a Miniature American Shepherd. They also are sometimes referred to by the abbreviation of their name – MAS.

These dogs gained popularity across the United States in the 1990s, but they didn’t enter the American Kennel Club Stock Service until 2011. Although they were registered with the National Stock Dog Registry as a Miniature Australian Shepherd for decades, the American Kennel Club recognized them as Miniature American Shepherds when they were first registered with the stock service.

3. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a Stocky Little Dog

Although not as drastic as the Dachshund, Mini Aussies do tend to be a little bit longer than they are tall. They tend to be 13-18 inches tall and weigh 20-40 pounds, which makes them a stocky little dog.

Though they may be a small dog breed, they tend to be a hardy dog that can handle working in a rustic setting as well as cuddling up with the family at home. This also makes them a good fit for several dog sports as they can more than handle the challenge.

4. They Love Their Families

The MAS absolutely adores their families. They love to play, enjoy attention, and have a lot of energy, so they tend to get along fabulously with children and other pets. After all, children make great playmates and are another source of attention and affection!

Because they are loyal and tend to bond closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They may be a little wary of strangers at first, but will be more than ready to play once they are introduced.

5. The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a Bundle of Energy

Mini Australian Shepherds are small herding dogs and they certainly have the energy level to match a working dog. Their high intelligence and working dog background means it’s important that they have a job to do and that they get bored easily. Plus, they are high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of activity to be happy and healthy.

Since they are sturdy little dogs, they tend to be able to handle whatever you throw at them. Your MAS might enjoy hiking with you, playing frisbee, training for dog sports, going on a trip to the dog park, and more. You can even try swimming with your dog to see if it’s something they enjoy.

Mini Aussies tend to be a good fit for single owners or families with children who can give them the attention, affection, and exercise they crave. These are just a few facts about Miniature American Shepherds.

If you think this dog breed could be the right one for you, learn a little bit more about them and then check out the available Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies. Who knows? You could end up finding your new best friend!