The "Mini Aussie" is very intelligent and makes an exceptional companion. Versatile and easily trained, they perform assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. They can be somewhat reserved with strangers but should not exhibit shyness.
Sizes can range from 13 to 18 inches at the withers. Their most striking feature may be their typical colors, which are blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black and solid red (liver) all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points. Eyes are very expressive, showing attentiveness and intelligence. Color of eyes can be brown, blue, amber or any variation or combination, including flecks and marbling. Another identifying characteristic is his natural or docked bobtail.
The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd is recognized as a breed by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in the herding category. They can be registered with The North American Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of the U. S. A. (NAMASCUSA). The National Stock Dog Registry (a division of the International English Shepherd Registry, Inc.) was the first and official registry for Australian Shepherds and their miniature counterpart before the name was changed to North American Shepherd in 1993, after the Standard Aussie was accepted by the AKC.