Board Bulletin
07/24/14
For Immediate Release

 IT'S OFFICIAL!





Congratulations!!!!

The AKC Board approved the Miniature American Shepherd to move into the Herding Group effective July 1, 2015.

Sincerely,
Mari-Beth O'Neill
AVP Sport Services

Official AKC History of the Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd was developed in California during the late 1960's with the breeding of small, unregistered dogs that were thought to be Australian Shepherds. These dogs were bred with a goal of maintaining their small size, active character and intelligence.

The breed was first registered with the National Stock Dog Registry in 1980 and was originally called the Miniature Australian Shepherd. By the early 1990's, they had attained nationwide popularity. Several clubs promoted these small dogs, as they were registered and shown with various rare-breed organizations. The first parent breed club and registry, MASCUSA, was formed in 1990 and incorporated in 1993. The breed entered the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the Miniature American Shepherd in May 2011. The Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA) is the designated national parent club of the American Kennel Club.

The breed has been used for herding smaller stock such as sheep and goats, although they have the heart to tackle larger stock as well. Their small size was looked upon with favor, as they could more easily double as a household pet. They became especially popular with equestrians traveling to horse shows, as their intelligence, loyalty, and size made them an excellent travel companion. In this way their popularity spread across the country. Today, the Miniature American Shepherd is established across the U.S. and internationally. It is a breed with a unique identity - an eye catching, versatile little herding dog, equally at home on a ranch or in the city.

The Miniature American Shepherd is a herding dog to be designated to the Herding Group in the American Kennel Club.

Multi CH MercyMe Dressed For Success BACK IN ACTION!!

After months of healing from a shoulder injury due to playing Frisbee, Calvin is back in full swing.

Calvin won (4) Best of Breed, (2) 1st Herding Group, (1) Reserve Best In Show;
(4) Best Of Breed Bred-By Exhibitor, (4) 1st Herding Group Bred-By Exhibitor, (1) Best In Show Bred-By Exhibitor.

MercyMe Aussies
www.MercyMeAussies.com
AKC Miniature American Shepherds
Miniature Australian Shepherds
Toy Australian Shepherds

!Congratulations Again Little Mara!
ALTA MARA DAUGHTER OF THE NILE (aka: Mara)

Mara won (4) Best of Breed Toy Aussie on Saturday and Sunday March 22-23, 2014 at the International All Breed Canine Association (IABCA) shows at the Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park in Ontario, CA.

Mara earned her IABCA International Championship.  Owned and bred by Valerie Nilsson of Alta Aussies.

MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERD CLUB USA
Top Ten Merit for 2013

Congratulations to the Top Ten Miniature American Shepherds of 2013!

1. Gr CH Love That American Red White and Blue, CM8
176 pts (113 AKC, 63 Other)
Breeder: Jeanie McAdams & Karen Keller
Owner: Jeanie McAdams

2. Gr CH Mercyme Dressed For Success, CM6
102 pts (97 AKC, 5 Other)
Breeder: Pam Bender
Owner: Pam Bender
Placement accomplished in only 8 months of showing as an AKC Miniature American Shepherd

3. Gr CH Alta Stylin In My Jaguar, CM5
53 pts (53 AKC)
Breeder: Valerie Nilsson
Owner: Valerie Nilsson

4. Gr CH Timeless Zero Gravity, CM4
46 pts (34 AKC, 12 Other)
Breeder: Karen Keller
Owner: Debra Shambaugh & Karen Keller

5. Gr CH Timeless 4 On The Floor, CM2
43 pts (25 AKC, 18 Other)
Breeder: Karen Keller
Owner: Kim Gardner & Karen Keller

6. CH Abington's Da Vinci, CM2 (Calvin's Son)
40 pts (11 AKC, 29 Other)
Breeder: Patti Cutler & Kim Gardner
Owner: Patti Cutler

7. Gr CH Timeless Trilogy, CM6
36 pts (31 AKC, 5 Other)
Breeder: Karen Keller
Owner: Karen Keller

8. CH Dynasty's Triple Crown, CM3
35 pts (35 AKC)
Breeder: Fran Withers
Owner: Kimberly Johnson & Fran Withers

9. CH Battlefield's Mason Dixon, CM2
29 pts (29 AKC)
Breeder: Karen Kollmer
Owner: Karen Kollmer

10. Gr CH Great Companions Fancy Pants, CM3
26 pts (26 AKC)
Breeder: Linda DuBois
Owner: Linda DuBois

!Congratulations!
ALTA MARA DAUGHTER OF THE NILE (aka: Mara)

Mara won (2) Winners Bitch, (2) Best Of Opposite Sex, and (3) Reserve Winners Bitch on Saturday March 15, 2014 at the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) and Kennel Club USA (KCUSA) shows in Claremont CA.

This was Mara's very first show and she did such a great job showing as a Miniature American Shepherd.  Mara earned her UCI Efren International Championship and 2 pts towards her KCUSA Championship.  Owned and bred by Valerie Nilsson of Alta Aussies.

Arizona House Passes Pair of Damaging Dog Bills
Posted on February 21, 2014

On Tuesday, the Arizona House of Representatives voted to approve two measures that will make life more difficult for sporting dog owners and those interested in getting involved with hunting dogs.

House Bill 2242 adds a host of new regulations, standards, and inspection requirements to owners of hunting dog kennels by categorizing them as “pet dealers.”  These sporting dog kennels and hobby breeders would then be subject to the laws and regulations that govern pet dealers in the state.

House Bill 2302 outlaws all sales of dogs in public places.  This includes rest stops and parks, as well as private commercial property like a Walmart parking lot without express permission from the owner. Completing a dog sale in a public location is a very common practice, particularly in situations where the two parties may be separated by long distances and agree to meet at a convenient location.

“These bills are part of nationwide trend to slowly but surely burden hunting dog enthusiasts to the point that they can no longer pursue their passion,” said Nick Pinizzotto, USSA’s president and CEO.  “Whether it is pointing pheasants, running rabbits, or retrieving ducks, hunting with dogs is a unique and exciting experience and is a great way to introduce new hunters to the sport.”

- See more at: http://www.ussportsmen.org/legislative-action/arizona-house-passes-pair-of-damaging-dog-bills/#sthash.O1ctuLTz.p7FIruua.dpuf

Mission:
Paw Print Genetics™ is dedicated to achieving optimal canine genetic health by providing outstanding resources for dog owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians and researchers for pets, show dogs and working dogs.

Vision:
To raise the standard in canine genetic diagnostic testing, carrier screening, and customer support, and to educate our clients and the community on the importance of optimal canine genetic health.

Lab:
Staffed by expertly trained geneticists, veterinarians, and technicians, the lab at Paw Print Genetics™ is equipped with the latest technology for the testing and analysis of canine genetic diseases. Once your tests are completed, you will receive a clinical report with results, interpretations and recommendations, in addition to a Canine Genetic Health Certificate©. Our staff is also available to provide you with genetic counseling and consultation about our services, your report, or additional information to help with your breeding program or buying a new puppy.

Visit them at: www.pawprintgenetics.com
Like them on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/PawPrintGenetics

Watch the AKC Eukanuba dog show live online December 13th-15th, 2013 at the Orange County Convention Center - 9899 International Dr, Orlando FL 32819: