Dallas on Dallas Road

- Miniature Australian Shepherd -


Throughout the history of the Aussie, small (under 18") dogs can be seen in historical photographs - in fact, many breed experts believe that the original Aussie was selectively bred larger as sheep ranching decreased and cattle ranching increased. Cattle ranchers preferred a larger dog to work the larger stock. Some Aussie owners have continued to prefer a smaller sized Aussie, while others prefer the larger.

In 1968 Doris Cordova, a horse woman in Norco, California, began a breeding program specifically to produce very small Australian Shepherds, most famously Cordova's Spike. Spike was placed with Bill and Sally Kennedy, also of Norco, California, to continue to develop a line of miniature Aussies under the B/S kennel name. Another horseman, Chas Lasater of Valhalla Kennels, soon joined the ranks of mini breeders. In the 1980s fanciers formed member clubs (North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of the USA and the Miniature Australian Shepherd Association) and registries to promote the smaller dogs in particular.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_Australian_Shepherd