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Breed Information
Informal Breed Standard of the NAMAS - The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd (a.k.a. the North American Shepherd or the Miniature Australian Shepherd) is the result of a breeding program that was begun in 1968 to produce a scaled-down version of the Australian Shepherd. The aim was to develop a small herder and guardian of the home, maintaining all of the qualities of the larger version except for size.
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The NAMAS stands 13 to 18 inches at the shoulder and weighs 15 to 30 pounds. |
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They are compact, well balanced, very athletic and alert without being hyperactive or "yappy". |
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The coat is moderate in length, straight or slightly wavy, with undercoat, and comes in blue merle, black, red merle and red, all with or without white markings and tan (copper) points. They require minimal grooming (brushing once a week or as required depending on their activities, and only occasional bathing), though some may experience a dramatic seasonal shed. They tend to have little "doggy odor". |
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The eyes may be brown, blue, amber or green, or any color combination including flecked or marbled, or one eye different than the other. |
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The tail will either be naturally bobbed or docked at an early age. |
Though there is a standard for these dogs, the variety in appearance and love-ability coaxes many people to want more than one! This breed needs regular exercise and is versatile, hardy and enthusiastic. They are sensitive and easily trained, and should be handled gently as a result of this. NAMAS are 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 "Mini Aussie" is a fun-loving dog, often excelling in agility, obedience, flyball, frisbee and other sports.
NAMAS have few common hereditary problems. Responsible breeders have parents x-rayed for hip problems (OFA registration is desirable) at least once at the age of two years+, and dogs should have an annual eye examination (CERF) to detect any eye problems. Most puppies have CERF results before they are sold, but since animal optometrists are not common and are sometimes difficult to reach at all times of the year, this may not always be the case. Please purchase your NAMAS from a reputable breeder!
The NAMAS is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but may earn titles through other dog clubs in the U.S., such as the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA).
For more information on the Breed Standard, please refer to the North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of the USA.
