

Miniature American Shepherds have 4 recognized colours in their Breed Standard: Black, Red, Blue Merle and Red Merle. Each colour can be with or without white trim and/ or tan/copper points (self coloured, bi's and tri's). Asymmetrical markings are not to be faulted.
Blacks:
Solid Black body with varying white trim, with or without tan points.
Examples of "Black Bi" and "Black Tri"
Reds:
Red colouring can vary from deep mahogany to a brownish red with varying white trim, with or without tan points.
Examples of "Red Tri"
The Merle gene is a single dominate gene and can affect both
Black and Red base coats.
Blue Merles:
Patches and patterns of Black on a background varying from slate grey to powder blue with varying white trim, with or without tan points.
Examples of "Blue merle"
Red Merles:
Patches and patterns of red on a cream/sand to brownish coloured background.
Examples of "Red merle"
Tan Points (Copper):
Tan points, when present, vary in shades from a creamy beige (Light Tan) to a Dark Tan (Copper), with no preference.
To learn more about the colour traits of the Miniature American Shepherd, please visit:
by
Lisa McDonald
(Page describes the Australian Shepherd, but their color genetics are identical with the Miniature American Shepherd)
Eyes:
Eyes are set obliquely and are almond shaped. Colours can range from brown, hazel, amber, to blue, or any color combination thereof, including flecks, marbling, or having one of each color.
Nose:
Blue merles and Blacks have black pigmentation on the nose leather. Red merles and Reds have red (liver) pigmentation on the nose leather. Fully pigmented noses are preferred.
Fully pigmented
Black nose
Red/Liver nose

Not fully pigmented
Red/Liver nose
Puppies are usually born with completely pink (non-pigmented) noses, that fill in with colour within the first few weeks of life.
4 DAYS OLD
9 DAYS OLD
18 DAYS OLD
Disqualification: Over 50% un-pigmented nose leather.
Should We...
Dock Tails? or Leave Natural?

In 2010, Nova Scotia's Veterinary Medical Association banned tail docking, ear cropping and dew claw removal- or any surgery that alters an animal solely for cosmetic/elective purposes. This ban includes both Veterinarians and Breeders alike and is protected by Nova Scotia's Animal Protections Act and the SPCA. Since the 1980's at least 34 other countries around the world have also banned these elective surgeries, describing them as " unnecessary, painful, cruel and mutilation".
All Marsh's MAS keep their natural tails.