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Location: Utah Years In The Breed: 20+ MASCUSA Member: Yes Program Type: Preservation Breeder 1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in breeding Miniature American Shepherds? I started in Australian Shepherds at the age of 11. Originally Aussies were smaller, I believe over the years with AKC recognition they have been bred up in size, bone and coat. I have been involved with MAS long before AKC recognition, I am a petite girl and I felt like the MAS that I breed is more true to the Aussies I grew up with. I have maintained true AKC/ASCA Australian Shepherd lineage in my MAS.  2. What drew you to the Miniature American Shepherd breed, and what do you love most about them? Their brains! Such smart dogs, they have a wicked sense of humor. Of course they also are beautiful to look at as well. Every one of them is unique. 3. How do you approach the breeding process to ensure the health and well-being of your dogs? Logically, with research and study. Too many breeders focus on things that do not matter in the long run. A clear DNA breed panel is not an indication of health. Eye Caer, OFA, and longevity is far more an indicator of health. Generations of passing eyes and OFA is more important to me than DNA results.  4. What are the most important qualities you look for in a Miniature American Shepherd when considering breeding? Sound structure, movement and type. Color is only the icing on the cake. DNA results to attempt to avoid producing affected dogs. OFA results, of not only the potential parents, but generations back.  5. What challenges have you faced as a breeder, and how have you overcome them? The frustration of this being a “color” breed and pet buyers only wanting merles or blue eyes. Or of breeders not educating themselves on the breed standard, not understanding the importance of proper movement. (If it doesn’t move correctly, it isn’t built correctly). The breed is suffering so badly from over popularity. Overcoming it?? I just stay in my own lane and do what I feel is best for the breed and for my program. Letting others learn from their own mistakes is best.  6. Can you describe your kennel’s environment and how you ensure that your dogs are well-socialized? Handling a lot as newborns, exposing them to things such as the dremel, the dryer, other dogs and cats. My grandchildren are an amazing asset.  7. How do you select prospective owners for your puppies? What qualities do you look for? I require a phone interview to gauge their potential environment. Getting to know their individual needs is important for both the puppy and the buyer. Forming a relationship to be a constant resource for them is invaluable.  8. What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a breeder of Miniature American Shepherds? FIND A MENTOR. Attend AKC shows, read the breed standard, find…

MASCUSA Honorary Member – Jeanine Perron of Taycin From Karen Keller-Ross of Timeless Miniature American Shepherds, Granddaughter “Jeanine Perron, Vice President of this club, MASCUSA when it first formed, passed away peacefully 11/10/23 with her daughter, Cindy Taylor at her side and her stuffed doggie from her grandson in her arms. Though she no longer remembered anyone a dog in her arms still brought a smile to her face. Jeanine loved our breed. She knew structure & would tell you like it was no matter what. Also known by many as Grandma, she will be greatly missed.“ From Kathy Munson of Destiny Aussies: “I first met Jeanine back in 1988-ish. At the time, I had mini Aussies (MAS) and she had Aussies, but she had her heart set on moving into Mini Australian Shepherds. What started as a simple connection between two breeders quickly turned into a long and meaningful friendship. We worked together in the most natural way—she used a female I’d bred as her foundation – and I used her stud dogs. It was never complicated between us; we both just wanted to build strong, healthy, well-minded dogs. She did exactly that. Her approach to breeding was always pragmatic, steady, and thoughtful—not overly emotional, just deeply committed to the dogs and the work. That’s probably why she became so successful and why her bloodlines still show up in many of today’s Mini American Shepherds. Her influence truly carried forward. But beyond the breeding programs and pedigrees, she became a friend. Someone I could talk dogs with for hours, someone who understood the ups and downs of the breeding world, someone who cared in her own grounded, quiet way. She left a mark on the breed, yes, but she also left a mark on the people who knew her—me included. She will be missed, not only for the dogs she produced, but for the steady presence she was in our dog community. I’m grateful our paths crossed all those years ago. Rest easy, my friend. Your legacy lives on in every pup that carries a piece of your work.” Pictured from Left to Right: Cindy Taylor (Daughter), Jeanine Perron, Lucille Harris, and Kathy Munson (formerly Crosswhite)