The History

A Highly Debated Breed History

For decades, the breed status of the Miniature Australian Shepherd has been one of the most debated topics in the dog world. The very first miniature Aussie shepherd was registered with the National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR) — the founding registry for the breed. Since then, other registries have formed and each has taken a different stance on how to classify the toy Australian Shepherd.

The AKC Registry Split

The American Kennel Club (AKC), the United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA), and the North American Miniature Shepherd Club of the USA (NAMASCUSA) agreed to split the Australian Shepherd into two separate breeds. Under the AKC, the smaller version of the Australian Shepherd is now classified as the Miniature American Shepherd — a distinct breed from the Miniature Australian Shepherd.

As of June 27, 2012, the AKC approved the Miniature American Shepherd for entry into the miscellaneous class, allowing it to compete in AKC conformation events. This was a significant turning point that formalized the breed split.

What Rocky Top Kennels Breeds

Rocky Top Kennels breeds true Miniature Australian Shepherds, registered with the National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR). Our dogs carry the genetics, athletic ability, and working temperament of the original Mini Aussie bloodlines that Cindy has been developing since 1986.

Our puppies are registerable with the NSDR, American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR), and AKC. We believe in honoring the heritage of the breed while producing healthy, show-quality dogs that make exceptional family companions and working ranch dogs. See our available puppies to learn more.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureMini Australian ShepherdMini American Shepherd
Primary RegistryNSDR (National Stock Dog Registry)AKC (American Kennel Club)
AKC StatusRegistered as Mini American ShepherdFully recognized breed
OriginDeveloped from full-size Australian ShepherdsSplit from Mini Aussie lineage in 2012
Size14–18" (Mini) / under 14" (Toy)14–18" (same range)
TemperamentHerding instinct, athletic, intelligent, loyalSimilar traits, slight variation by bloodline
Show EligibilityNSDR, ASDR, ASCA showsAKC conformation events
Rocky Top Breeds?✅ YesNot specifically

The Timeline

Early History

First Mini Aussie Registered with NSDR

The very first miniature Australian Shepherd is registered with the National Stock Dog Registry, establishing the breed's official foundation.

1986

Rocky Top Kennels Begins Breeding

Cindy Johnson begins breeding Miniature and Toy Australian Shepherds in Creston, CA, focusing on show quality, health, and working ability.

2012 — June 27

AKC Approves Miniature American Shepherd

The AKC, USASA, and NAMASCUSA formally split the breed. The smaller Australian Shepherd is reclassified as the "Miniature American Shepherd" under AKC and enters the miscellaneous class.

Present

Rocky Top Kennels Continues Breeding True Mini Aussies

Rocky Top remains committed to the original NSDR-registered Miniature Australian Shepherd bloodlines while maintaining AKC and ASDR dual registration for our puppy families.

Frequently Asked Questions

They share the same origin and are very similar in appearance and temperament. The difference is largely administrative — which registry you use and how you classify the breed. Rocky Top dogs can be registered under either classification depending on which registry matters most to you.
The NSDR is the founding registry for the Miniature Australian Shepherd and honors the breed's true heritage as a working herding dog. We believe in preserving that lineage while also making our dogs accessible through AKC registration for families who prefer it.
The answer is yes. Our dogs our show quality and certified for AKC working dog trials and ASCA working trials. See our available puppies for more on show-quality lines.