The Royal Kennel Club Interim Breed Standards for the Miniature American Shepherd (Imp), Yakutian Laika (Imp) and Small Munsterlander (Imp) will be published on 1 August 2026. All three breeds will therefore be eligible for exhibition in Imported Breed Register classes from this date. The standards will be available on the Royal Kennel Club website.
The Miniature American Shepherd was developed in the United States in the late 1960s from small Australian Shepherds. Bred for their intelligence, versatility and compact size, the breed was originally used for herding smaller livestock while retaining the ability to work larger stock when required. Today, it is an agile and intelligent working dog, equally suited to life on the ranch or in a domestic environment.
Rooted in the vast and demanding landscape of northeastern Russia, the Yakutian Laika is an ancient working breed shaped over millennia by its vital role in transport, hunting and daily survival. Celebrated for its resilience, instinct, and unwavering devotion, the breed was carefully revived in the 1990s and formally recognised by the Russian Kynological Federation in 2004. Today, the Yakutian Laika stands as a striking, versatile companion whose popularity is steadily rising worldwide.
The Small Munsterlander originated in the North German Munsterland region and has been documented since the 19th century. Developed as a versatile hunting dog, it is recognised for its ability to work in forest, field and water. Known for its intelligence, affectionate temperament and strong hunting instinct, the breed remains popular with hunters for its adaptability and performance.
The Miniature American Shepherd (Imp) and Yakutian Laika have been classified in the Pastoral and Working Groups respectively on the Imported Breed Register since 1 July 2026. The Small Munsterlander (Imp) has been classified in the Gundog Group on the Imported Breed Register since 2005.