Miniature Mas Type Australian Shepherd: Traits, Care, and More

The Miniature Mas Type Australian Shepherd is a unique and fascinating breed. They are a type of Australian Shepherd that is bred to be smaller in size.

These dogs typically weigh between 20-35 pounds and stand between 14-18 inches tall at the shoulder. They are known for their intelligence, energy, and loyalty.

Their intelligence and energy levels mean that they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. A daily walk and playtime should be a must for this breed.

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The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small but athletic dog, measuring between 13 and 18 inches tall.

Their strong and agile body is proportional to their clean-cut head and neck, giving them a look of speed and agility. They tend to have a natural bobtail, though it's often docked.

Their double coat is medium-to-long, can be straight or wavy, and often has moderate feathering, especially around the back of the legs. This coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Their most popular colors are black, blue merle, red merle, and red (liver), each with unique marbling, flecking, and blotching patterns.

Australian Shepherds come in a range of sizes, with medium-sized dogs measuring 18-23 inches tall and weighing up to 70 pounds.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is significantly smaller, measuring between 13 and 18 inches tall.

Their athletic build gives them a look of speed and agility, without being bulky.

The MAS has a clean-cut head and neck proportional to their body, with a level topline from the withers to the hip joint.

Many MAS dogs have a natural bobtail, but it's often docked.

Their double coat is medium-to-long, with a texture that can be straight or wavy.

Moderate feathering is common, especially around the back of the legs.

Some MAS dogs have a distinctive mane or frill around their neck.

The most popular colors are black, blue merle, red merle, and red (liver), but each dog's coat is unique due to marbling, flecking, and blotching.

Showioz is a breeder that has been involved with the Australian Shepherd breed for over 30 years, but recently started working with the Miniature American Shepherd breed in 2024.

They're based in Somerset, QLD, and have a litter planned for February 2026.

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small dog with a big personality, combining the intelligence and beauty of the Australian Shepherd in a smaller package.

This breeder shows dogs and has been a member since September 2002.

They're incredibly energetic, so Mini Aussies need owners who can take them out for long walks and runs every day. If their exercise needs aren't met, they'll become destructive.

They're wonderful with children and get along with other animals and everyone else they meet. Their social nature makes them a great addition to many families.

Mini Aussies are easy to train because they're intelligent and eager to please. They thrive on attention and interaction, so they need someone home most of the time.

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Australian Shepherds need a lot of exercise, about 90 minutes a day, to prevent pent-up energy and destructive behavior.

They should have an hour on the trail and a separate half-hour play session, but be careful not to over-exercise puppies, as it can cause growth abnormalities.

A good rule of thumb is to give them five minutes of exercise per day for each month of their life, so a six-month-old pup needs about 30 minutes.

These dogs are full of energy, but also small, so it's easy to overfeed them, so aim for 800-1200 calories per day.

If you leave them alone for several hours while you're at work, make sure they have a secure outdoor space to use, or they'll become frustrated and destructive.

Beware that they're intelligent enough to escape if you leave any holes in your security.

To keep them happy and engaged, teach them new tricks using positive reinforcement training, as they need to trust their people one hundred percent.

They'll master new skills and essential skills like house training very quickly, so be patient and consistent.

Socialize them from a young age to ensure they don't jump at or herd people and pets, and to keep their protective instincts in check.

They shed a lot, especially during the spring and fall shedding season, so brush them daily to manage their coat and remove debris.

They also need to be bathed regularly, probably on a weekly basis, depending on their lifestyle.

Additional reading: Training Australian Shepherd Puppies

Boargully is a reputable breeder of Miniature American Shepherds, having been a top performance breeder in 2024. They are also the original importers of AKC registered dogs to Australia.

Their breeding program focuses on temperament and type, with a commitment to genetic testing to ensure the health and well-being of their dogs. All their breeding dogs have undergone full genetic testing, including CDDY, NAD, Hip/elbow, and eyes.

Boargully breeds both show and agility prospects, but prioritize temperament over type. Their dogs are low drive and don't require excessive exercise, making them a great fit for active families or individuals.

Here are some key facts about Boargully's breeding program:

Boargully's breeding program is built on a foundation of hard work and dedication, with a focus on producing healthy, well-tempered dogs that excel in both the show ring and in everyday life.

The cost of a Miniature Australian Shepherd is a significant consideration. You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

This price range may seem steep, but it's essential to remember that you're investing in a high-quality companion that will bring joy and loyalty to your life.

The breeder's reputation and the puppy's bloodline can impact the price, so be sure to research and find a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

You need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of time with your Miniature Australian Shepherd. They need at least 90 minutes of exercise a day, split into two sessions.

This includes a 30-minute play session, which is essential for burning off their excess energy and preventing frustration. If they don't get enough exercise, they can become obnoxious and destructive.

You'll also need to commit to regular training sessions and daily grooming, which can add up to several hours a week. Don't worry, they're easy to train, but they do require an owner who can command their trust and attention.

Miniature Australian Shepherds are high maintenance dogs that need a lot of attention and interaction. They can be a handful for anyone who isn't confident in raising a canine.

Remember, they need at least 5 minutes of exercise per day for each month of their life, so a 6-month-old pup needs about 30 minutes of exercise.

The cost of being Australian can be steep, especially when it comes to owning a Miniature Australian Shepherd. You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Owning a Miniature Australian Shepherd requires a significant upfront investment, but it's essential to consider the long-term costs as well.

Getting started with your miniature Mas-type Australian Shepherd is an exciting time! You can begin by learning about the basics of dog sports through the "Intro to Dog Sports" section.

If you're interested in participating in dog sports with your miniature Mas-type Australian Shepherd, you'll need to enroll in a program that accepts mixed breed dogs, which can be done through "Canine Partners / Enroll Mixed Breed".

For more insights, see: Mini Aussie Border Collie Mix Puppies

Titles and abbreviations can seem overwhelming, but understanding them is crucial for tracking your dog's progress in dog sports.

To determine which sport is best for you and your miniature Mas-type Australian Shepherd, check out the "Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog?" section for guidance.

To get started in dog training, you'll want to follow the steps outlined in the "Get Started in Dog Training" section.

If you're interested in participating in dog sports from the comfort of your own home, you can explore the "Virtual Dog Sports & Events" section for more information.

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The Miniature Australian Shepherd's popularity took off in the 1960s when small Aussies started showing up in rodeo shows.

These dogs were bred to have the same energy and herding skills as their larger cousins, but were more portable and capable of living in urban areas.

Their performances on TV shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Wonderful World of Disney" further increased their popularity.

By the 1970s, there were enough Miniature Australian Shepherds to be recognized as a distinct group, earning them the name Miniature Australian Shepherd.

Their popularity as companion dogs and rodeo dogs has continued to grow, making them a beloved breed among many dog enthusiasts.

After World War II, Miniature Australian Shepherds gained popularity thanks to their performances in rodeos, even landing spots on popular TV shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Wonderful World of Disney".

They were trained by Jay Sisler and had the same energy and herding skills as their larger counterparts.

Small Australian Shepherds started showing up in rodeo shows in the 1960s, which inspired breeders to continue breeding them.

By the 1970s, there were enough of these mini Aussies to lead to them being called Miniature Australian Shepherds, to separate them from their bigger cousins.

Their portability and ability to live in urban areas made them a great fit for many families.

They're still beloved for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty today.

Australian Shepherd breeders weren't thrilled about the development of Mini Aussies.

They couldn't understand why there needed to be a smaller version of the breed, as it might negatively impact the standard Australian Shepherd.

The Mini Aussie breeders responded by pointing out that different-sized breeds can coexist, just like the Dachshund, which is a smaller breed that exists alongside others.

Australian Shepherd breeders were resistant to the idea of Mini Aussies because they believed it would dilute the breed's identity.

This resistance highlights the complex relationships between breeders and the breeds they create.

A different take: Australian Shepherd Herding Dog Breeds

The American aspect of Miniature American Shepherds is quite fascinating. They're a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd, with Spice, a Miniature American Shepherd, standing at 15 inches or 38.1 cm tall.

Spice's personality is described as spunky and fun, with a delightful temperament. This suggests that Miniature American Shepherds can make great companions for those who want a smaller but still energetic and playful dog.

If you're interested in Miniature American Shepherds, you might consider keeping an eye out for litters in the future, as Spice's breeder plans to campaign her for an Australian Title before her first litter in 2025.

Here are some key details about Spice's breeder and Miniature American Shepherds:

Australian Shepherds are incredibly energetic dogs that require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need owners who can take them out for long walks and runs every day to prevent destructive behavior.

They are wonderful with children and get along with other animals and people they meet.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent and easy to train because they are eager to please. They thrive on structure and clear communication.

These social dogs are prone to separation anxiety and need someone home most of the time to prevent anxiety issues.