The Australian Shepherd was developed to be a moderate sized, intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and endurance.  For the most part Aussie are high energy dogs who need a purpose in their lives-a job as it were.  Owners must be committed to giving these dogs the time and the attention they require through play time and training.  As with any dog, undirected energy can result in destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing.   Running, jumping, and rough-housing are all a part of being a normal Aussie.  For more specific information here are a few excellent sites for Breed information, including the Breed Standard.

AKC has approved the Miniature American Shepherd as a new breed. This breed was created by splitting the AKC Australian Shepherd into two separately recognized breeds, and changing the name of the Mini Aussie to the Miniature American Shepherd thus providing a new home in the AKC for the previously unrecognized Miniature Australian Shepherd.  The Miniature American Shepherd is currently recognized for performance events with AKC and should be fully recognized in the herding group by 2014.

MASCUSA (formerly NAMASCUSA) has become the parent club for the Miniature American Shepherd in AKC.  MASCUSA will continue to provide the best representation of the breed in the future and is in the process of planning new and exciting opportunities for it's members and their dogs.  NAMASCUSA will continue to conduct business as a registry for the Miniature Australian Shepherd during this transitional period and will act as a passageway into the AKC for those who choose to go.

Historically the Miniature American Shepherd a result of a breeding program that was begun in the late1960's to produce a scaled-down version of the Australian Shepherd AKA Miniature Australian Shepherd.  The aim was to develop an Australian Shepherd under 17" who had the heart, intelligence and drive to work stock, and yet be small enough to travel easily to stock shows and be a "house" dog. He is slightly longer than tall with bone that is moderate and in proportion to body size and height without extremes. Movement is smooth, easy and balanced. Unusual agility combined with strength and stamina allows for working over a variety of terrain. This highly versatile, energetic dog makes an excellent athlete with superior intelligence and a willingness to please those he loves. He is both a loyal companion and a biddable worker, which is evident in his watchful expression. The double coat of medium length and coarseness may be solid in color or merled. He has a docked or natural bobtail.

The Miniature American Shepherd like the Australian Shepherd requires regular exercise and are versatile, hardy and enthusiastic. They are sensitive and easily trained, and should be handled gently as a result of this they are known to be good guardians of the home, confident, possessing varying degrees of herding instincts, and are entirely devoted to their masters. They need affection from their families but are not overbearing. They typically get along well with other dogs and pets as well as people, including children, though they may be reserved at first. The Aussie is a fun-loving dog, often excelling in agility, obedience, flyball, Frisbee and other sports.

At this time Mini's are fully recognized by these select organizations including the International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA), Canine Kennel Club (CKC), Canine Rarities, the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR), American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR).