The Miniature American Shepherd is a relatively new breed which wasn’t developed until 1968 when breeders from California, looking for a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd, started a breeding program. Initially, the breed was surrounded by controversy in regards as to whether it should be considered a new breed, independent from the Australian Shepherd, or only a size variant of it. It wasn’t until 2015 that the AKC finally granted recognition to the Mini American Shepherd and listed it as a separate breed with its own distinct traits and characteristics. These days, Mini American Shepherd is found in a wide variety of shows and sports, making it the perfect companion for families with children and very active adults who will enjoy its playfulness, intelligence, and willingness to learn.