The Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd, North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, Miniature American Shepherd, and/or Toy Australian Shepherd breeds are not recognized as a variety of Australian Shepherd by ASCA. The club considers such dogs to be distinct and separate breeds and will not accept them in to its registry.

“Our bylaws state that ASCA’s purpose is: ‘To encourage members and breeders to accept one breed standard for the Australian Shepherd as approved by the Club as the only standard of excellence by which Australian Shepherds shall be judged.’ It is the mission of this club ASCA and the mission of its members to preserve the breed rather than change it.”

“To accept one breed standard for the Australian Shepherd as approved by the Club as the only standard of excellence by which Australian Shepherds shall be judged.’ It is the mission of this club ASCA and the mission of its members to preserve the breed rather than change it.”