History of the Australian Shepherd

The history of the Miniature Australian Shepherd dog begins with the history of the Australian Shepherd dog.  The origins of the Australian Shepherd dog being in the late 1800's when western ranchers were importing sheep from Australia.  When the herds were shipped, their shepherds and their herding dogs were sent with them to manage and care for the flocks.  As the Australian's reputation for quality sheep grew, the demand in America grew as well. The Americans were very impressed with the working ability of these "little blue dogs" so they began interbreeding them with their own shepherd dogs.  The result was the Australian Shepherd.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd was developed directly from the Australian Shepherd.  Many believe that the original Aussie was selectively bred larger (over 18") as sheep ranching decreased and cattle ranching increased.  Cattle ranchers preferred a larger dog to work with a larger stock.

In 1968, Doris Cordova, a horse woman, in Norco, California, began a breeding program specifically designed to produce very small Australian Shepherds.  Doris's most well known dog from her kennel was Cordova's Spike.  Spike was placed with Bill and Sally Kennedy to continue to breed more mini aussies.  Chas Lasater of Valhalla Kennels, another horseman, also joined the ranks of mini breeders.