The Miniature American Shepherd will be recognised by the Royal Kennel Club with effect from 1 July 2026. The breed will be classified in the Pastoral Group on the Imported Breed Register. Until such time as a Royal Kennel Club interim breed standard has been published, the Miniature American Shepherd is not eligible to compete at Royal Kennel Club licensed breed shows.
The Miniature American Shepherd originated in the United States as a compact and highly versatile herding dog, prized for its intelligence, agility, and loyalty. Recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2011 and by the FCI in 2019, the breed has continued to grow in popularity and is now becoming increasingly established in the UK.
The Royal Kennel Club will recognise 227 breeds of pedigree dog from 1 July 2026 following the simultaneous recognition of the Yakutian Laika. The last breed to be recognised was the Hungarian Mudi in July 2025.
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15 April 2026
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Photo caption: Miniature American Shepherd. Photo by Franzisca Albisser.
The Royal Kennel Club
The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) is the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and happiness of all dogs. Granted the royal prefix by His Majesty King Charles III in 2025, the RKC builds on over 150 years of heritage to champion responsible ownership and ensure every dog leads a healthy, fulfilling life.
As a profit-for-purpose organisation, the Royal Kennel Club reinvesting in dog health, research, and education, extending its expertise beyond pedigree breeds to benefit every dog in the UK. It maintains the country’s largest registration database for both pedigree and crossbreed dogs, alongside Petlog, one of the UK’s biggest microchip reunification services, and runs the Royal Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, the nation’s most extensive dog training programme.
The RKC licenses and supports a wide range of dog activities and shows, including the world-famous Crufts, now evolving into a year-round community celebrating dogs and their owners. Through the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, the organisation funds vital research into canine health and wellbeing, supports breed rescue organisations across the UK, and works with partners such as the British Veterinary Association to run national health screening schemes.
With a mission to promote responsible ownership and celebrate every dog, the Royal Kennel Club continues to evolve, combining heritage with innovation to create a healthier, happier future for dogs and the people who love them.