Miniature American Shepherd Breed Magazine - Showsight

THE MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERD

by MASCUSA BREED STANDARD EVALUATION & EDUCATION COMMITTEE

A lthough new in its breed name, the Miniature Ameri- can Shepherd is no stranger across this Nation as well as into Canada and Europe. It was formerly known as the Miniature Australian Shep- herd and also called the North American Shepherd. In 1990, MASCUSA, Min- iature Australian Shepherd Club of the USA, was formed as the parent club to preserve, promote and protect this lovely breed, eventually bringing them into the fold of the American Kennel Club. Since we were entering into AKC as a new breed, what better time to give our dogs an honest name. Th e club

membership as a whole selected the name Miniature American Shepherd for a breed that truly originated in the United States. So, often you will see the phrase, “Proud to be an American” used to express the pride we have in the accomplishments of this breed. Th e first impression is that of a small sized herding dog that is slightly longer than tall. Th e word moderate seems to be a key word no matter what individual piece of the dog is being evaluated. Our dogs need to have strength and stamina to do their jobs but the word strength is never to be confused with a bulky, heavy muscled body style. Th is highly versatile, energetic

dog makes an excellent athlete. He has superior intelligence and a willingness to please those to whom he is devoted. Th e size range for dogs is 14 inches up to and including 18 inches at the top of the withers. Bitches are slightly smaller at 13 inches up to and including 17 inches. Although there is a consider- able variance between the bottom and top measurements, the prime consider- ation should be given to the exhibit that most closely meets the breed standard. Th ere is NO preference in size within the allowed range. Th e breed is neither exaggerated nor extreme in any way, exhibiting

268 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J UNE 2015

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