Miniature American Shepherd (Imp)

Slightly longer than tall, with moderate bone and in proportion to body size, height without extremes. Movement smooth, easy and balanced. Exceptional agility combined with strength and stamina for working over a variety of terrains. Superior intelligence and willingness to please. Loyal, biddable worker with watchful expression. Double coat of medium length and coarseness. May be solid colour or merle, with or without white and/or tan markings. Traditionally docked or natural bobtail.

Measuring from point of shoulder to point of buttocks and from highest point of shoulder blade to ground, slightly longer than tall. Substance: Solidly-built with moderate bone in proportion to body height and size. Structure reflects masculinity without coarseness. Females appear feminine without slight of bone. Overall structure gives an impression of depth and strength without bulkiness.

Intelligent, primarily working dog with a strong herding instinct. May show initial reserve, never shy or aggressive. Protective of family, good natured, devoted and loyal.

Expressive, almond shaped, set obliquely with tight fitting rims. Brown, blue or amber, or combination including flecks and marbling. May express a reserved look or be watchful of strangers.

Triangular, of moderate size with slightly rounded tip. Set high on the head. When alert, brought forward and carried semi-erect, with half to three quarters of the ear breaking forward or to the side as a rose ear. Never pricked.

Jaws strong with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth, set square to the jaws.

Clean, without throatiness. Moderate length, strong, slightly arched; fitting smoothly into shoulders.

Shoulder blades long and flat, well laid back. Upperarm of comparable length and angulation. Height to elbow is half the height of the dog at the withers. Forearms straight from all sides with moderate oval bone. Elbows close to ribs without looseness. Short, thick strong pasterns, flexible and slightly angled when viewed from the side.

Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at the withers. Strong, firm level topline. Chest deep with moderate width, brisket reaching to elbow. Well sprung ribs carried well back. Broad, strong loin. Moderately sloping croup. Moderate tuck-up.

Approximately equal in width to forequarters at shoulder. Angulation of pelvis and upper thighs reflects that between shoulder and upper arm. Moderately angled stifles. Low set hocks with rear pasterns perpendicular to the ground, parallel when viewed from rear.

Oval, compact with well-arched toes. Thick pads. Short, strong nails which may be any colour.

Undocked; set on following the line of the croup. Moderate length not kinked. In balance with the overall outline of the dog. Moderately feathered. May be naturally bobbed.

Agile, smooth, free and easy, with ground-covering stride. Fore and rear limbs move straight and true but should converge with speed. Topline remains firm and level.

In moderation and preferably shown in natural coat. Medium length and texture, straight to slight wave, weather resistant with undercoat. Short hair on head, ears, front of forelegs and below hock joints. Back of legs, moderately feathered. Moderate mane, more pronounced on males that females.

Blue merle, black, red merle, red, all with or without tan points. All colours strong, clear and rich. White should not dominate head. On all colours, areas covering and surrounding ears and eyes are dominated by coat colour other than white. May have white as follows:

• Full or part collar, not extending beyond point of withers at skin.
• Chest
• Muzzle
• Moderate blaze
• Underparts
• Fore legs 
• Hindlegs, preferably not extending above hock joint

Any other colour or combination of colours unacceptable.

Males: 35-46cms (13¾-18 ins) at withers; Females: 33-43cms (13-17 ins) at withers.

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.