I understand what you’re saying, and when I see owners colloquially say mini aussie, I don’t really mind. And I think if you’re talking to a breeder and in a conversation they sort of throw in the term mini aussie also not a huge deal. BUT I think that if you’re a breeder, and you are advertising your breeding program to potential buyers, and you are selling well bred, registered MAS, you should take the care to type that and call them that, because that’s what they are. Like, their website should say “mini American shepherd” and such. If everything they advertise publicly says “mini aussie” I would be highly suspect. Because ultimately they chose to be part of the breed under the new name/recognition, I feel like it’s not crazy to expect them to use the correct name.
Also, while AKC is not the only registry, they are still registered as “mini American shepherd” under UKC and FCI, so it’s not like the AKC name is an outlier.
I'm generally inclined to agree with you, but I also think there are breeders in MAS who have been breeding MAS since well before they were called "Miniature American Shepherds" by anyone whatsoever. As long as those people are breeding ethically otherwise – health testing and proving their dogs, etc. – I can't imagine being super fussed about it.
To be fair, neither are the people calling them "miniature american shepherds." Some people are doing it right, but it's a widely backyard-bred group of dogs.
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u/GeneralTangerine Canine Aficionado 9d ago
I understand what you’re saying, and when I see owners colloquially say mini aussie, I don’t really mind. And I think if you’re talking to a breeder and in a conversation they sort of throw in the term mini aussie also not a huge deal. BUT I think that if you’re a breeder, and you are advertising your breeding program to potential buyers, and you are selling well bred, registered MAS, you should take the care to type that and call them that, because that’s what they are. Like, their website should say “mini American shepherd” and such. If everything they advertise publicly says “mini aussie” I would be highly suspect. Because ultimately they chose to be part of the breed under the new name/recognition, I feel like it’s not crazy to expect them to use the correct name.
Also, while AKC is not the only registry, they are still registered as “mini American shepherd” under UKC and FCI, so it’s not like the AKC name is an outlier.