I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.
- Abraham Lincoln

The ideal Miniature Australian Shepherd is the mirror image of the Australian Shepherd in a smaller package. 

These dogs were developed in the late 1960s by breeding small Australian Shepherds. 

Originally developed to herd and guard their flocks, their smaller size make them perfectly suited to our growing urbanization, as well as making them fine travelling companions. 

Miniature Australian Shepherds have also been used in search and rescue work.

Similar in respect to their forebears, individual dogs may vary in degrees of their activity level, and herding instinct.  In general, they are very athletic with a very keen, intelligent mind.  They are sensitive, easily trained, and extremely devoted to their owners. These Shepherds are good with children and other pets. They will go to great lengths to please. However, they can be reserved with strangers and make good watch and guard dogs.