Those mini's and what we think of them

The Australian Shepherd Club of America's (ASCA)
Official Statement on Miniature and/or Toy Australian Shepherds

The Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd, North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, and/or Toy Australian Shepherd breeds are not recognized as a variety of Australian Shepherd by the Australian Shepherd Club of America.  ASCA considers such dogs to be a distinct and separate breed and will not accept them into its registry. 

Our bylaws state that ASCA's purpose is "To encourage members and breeders to accept one breed standard for the Australian Shepherd as approved by the Club as the only standard of excellence by which Australian Shepherds shall be judged."  It is the mission of this club and the mission of its members to preserve the breed rather than change it. 

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Those interested in the Australian Shepherd should be aware there are no size varieties of Australian Shepherds.  There is no officially recognized Australian Shepherd variety such as "Standard", "Mini/Miniature", or "Toy" Australian Shepherd.  Advertisers of Standard, Miniature, or Toy varieties of Australian Shepherds are simply employing marketing terminologies to facilitate the sale of animals to the unsuspecting public that are, in reality, just dramatically smaller than the norm.  Responsible, reputable Australian Shepherd breeders who care about protecting this unique American breed of stock dog do not promote the sale of Standard, Miniature, or Toy varieties of Australian Shepherds.  This is a marketing ploy to sell faulty, undersized pups for increased prices.