The coat of the Miniature Australian Shepherd is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin

A breeding program to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd (North American Miniature Australian Shepherd) was begun in 1968 using small Australian Shepherds. Breeders bred them down in size to produce a smaller dog and today continue to strive to produce a mirror image of the Australian Shepherd in a size that fits well into today's lifestyle, without sacrificing instinct, ability or character.

The major club in the US is the Miniature Australian Club of the United States of America. MASCUSA, as the parent club, has petitioned the American Kennel Club for inclusion in AKC. The process of acceptance into AKC starts with registration into the AKC Foundation Stock Service. The Australian Shepherd Club of America has accepted the Miniature Australian Shepherd ONLY if the Miniature changes its name and has no reference of any kind to the Australian Shepherd or its history. A lot of Miniature Australian Shepherd owners are registering with AKC FSS. The AKC's official name is Miniature American Shepherd.