Temperament and care ratings
The American Kennel Club rates every breed from 1 to 5 on the traits below. They describe how the breed tends to be, not a promise about one dog.
Coat: Double coat, medium.
A Miniature American Shepherd suits
- A family with young children (rated 5 of 5 with kids)
- A home that changes often, or apartment life (adaptability 4 of 5)
- A first-time owner who wants an eager learner (trainability 5 of 5)
- Runners, hikers and active households (energy 5 of 5)
Think twice if
- You are out most of the day: energy is rated 5 of 5
- You can't offer daily training or puzzle games (mental stimulation needs 5 of 5)
What the ratings mean day to day
An energy score of 5 and mental stimulation needs of 5 mean plenty of daily exercise plus training games or puzzle feeders. With barking at 3 of 5 and a watchdog score of 3, expect some barking at the door. Grooming at 3 of 5 means weekly brushing.
Popularity
In 2020 it ranked 31.
Breeds with a similar profile
Closest matches across all 14 trait ratings:
Compare: Miniature American Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer · Miniature American Shepherd vs Vizsla · Miniature American Shepherd vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Frequently asked questions
Are Miniature American Shepherds good with kids?
The AKC rates the Miniature American Shepherd 5 out of 5 for being good with young children. That is the top score.
Do Miniature American Shepherds shed a lot?
Shedding is rated 3 out of 5 (moderate), and coat grooming 3 out of 5.
Are Miniature American Shepherds easy to train?
Trainability is rated 5 out of 5 and mental stimulation needs 5 out of 5.
How much energy does a Miniature American Shepherd have?
Energy is rated 5 out of 5 and playfulness 4 out of 5.
Ratings: American Kennel Club breed pages, compiled February 2022 (AKC Miniature American Shepherd page). 2025 ranking: AKC, published August 2026. How we check.