Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd was developed in the United States from small Australian Shepherds and looks much like a smaller version of them. It is clever, hard-working and very focused on its owner.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Miniatuur Amerikaanse herder by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 10 examinations:
- 8 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
The breeding programme also recommends 6 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (10)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hereditary cataract – HSF4-related (HC / HSF)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- HSF4: c.971del
- Inheritance
- autosomal codominant
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCB1: c.228_231del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RNF170: c.367del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – Bardet-Biedl syndrome 2 (BBS2-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BBS2: c.1222G>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (6)
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Merle colour test (PMEL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PMEL: SINE insertion (200-280 bp)
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 6 (NCL6)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CLN6: c.829T>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 8-2 (NCL8-2)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CLN8 c.585G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Miniatuur Amerikaanse herder, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Hereditary cataract – HSF4-related (HC / HSF), Hip dysplasia (HD), Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1), Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD), Progressive retinal atrophy – Bardet-Biedl syndrome 2 (BBS2-PRA), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Merle colour test (PMEL), Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 6 (NCL6), Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 8-2 (NCL8-2), Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1) and Eye disorders. According to the breeding advice, a mating of two merle parent dogs is subject to a breeding ban: at least one parent dog must be free of the merle allele. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. It needs varied daily walks and mental challenge, and enjoys dog sports. Its double coat needs a weekly brush, more often during the moult.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- What is the PMEL (merle) result of both parent dogs?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This small herding dog has a strong herding instinct and quickly gets bored without a job. Early socialisation and consistent training are important. With this breed, colour is also a matter for the breeding programme: note the merle rule above.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
