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Location: Wyoming Years Breeding: 20 MASCUSA Member: Yes Program Type: Small Breeder 1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in breeding Miniature American Shepherds? I have been in dogs professionally for over 50 years. I showed obedience and trained in Schutzhund. My aunt was an Aussie breeder and got me involved with Aussies. About the time I got my first female Aussie I got involved in movie work. She did a bunch of things but most notably she did the Walt Disney movie Flight of the Navigator. She was maybe 16″. I also rescued Aussies from shelters, trained and adopted them to new homes. (~200 in a year) At that time, I noticed how big the Aussies were getting. I ran into the minis at a show where I met Lynn Gray, Judy Linder and Karen Keller to name a few. I explored showing and soon began breeding to produce my own show dogs. I understand from rescuing overpopulation of the breed, so I have limited breeding. I am super selective on who and when I breed. This is a fun thing for me and will continue to be. In the past, I was a horse show judge, so I learned an eye for structure and movability which I use for my dogs. When I look at my minis, I want to see an Australian Shepherd in a smaller package with Aussie structure, movement and temperament. 2. What drew you to the Miniature American Shepherd breed, and what do you love most about them? I wanted an Aussie in a smaller package like they were years ago. I love their temperament and loyalty. 3. How do you approach the breeding process to ensure the health and well-being of your dogs? I used to be a vet tech, so I keep a close eye on each one and I keep up with the health requirements for the breed. As a small breeder, I breed maybe 1 litter a year. Temperament is assessed as part of my breeding program by rating adult dogs’ personality traits. The evaluation uses a scale with categories A, B, and C, where “A” is the highest. Each category is defined by specific criteria. This rating is applied when evaluating a breeding pair for temperament improvement. I developed the scale based on years of experience with Australian Shepherds, including evaluation and training responses. 4. What are the most important qualities you look for in a Miniature American Shepherd when considering breeding? I look at temperament first. If I can’t get past the attitude, I don’t breed that dog. If that is good, I look at bone, head type, movement and many details of the structure. 5. What challenges have you faced as a breeder, and how have you overcome them? I restarted my breeding program several times until I was satisfied with the results. My new approach has attracted repeat customers over many years, and the pups I retained led to dogs with excellent temperament and show quality. 6. Can you describe your kennel’s environment and…

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…