Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix

The Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Harrier and the Miniature American Shepherd. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Harrier is known for being friendly, cheerful, and active. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Harrier or the Miniature American Shepherd? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Harrier History

There is not exactly consensus on how the Harrier came to be. It is a French word that means hound or dog. They more than likely descended from other Hound breeds that are native to France and Belgium. Such as the Bloodhounds, Talbot hounds, and perhaps even Basset Hounds.
The Harrier breed was developed in England a very long time ago. A long time ago being around the thirteenth century. They were originally of course bred to hunt hare. Most of this was done with hunters on foot, so they didn’t need to be real fast. However, once Fox hunting became fashionable they
Originally, these packs were used to hunt hare with the hunters following on foot, so at that time, they were a much slower and more methodical type of hound than today's Harriers. When fox hunting became fashionable with the hunters on horses, Harriers were adapted to have more speed.
They are not a very popular breed, but they are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Miniature American Shepherd History

The Miniature American Shepherd, also known as the North American Shepherd, is mostly referred to as MAS, but other nicknames include Mini, and Ameri. It can also be called the Miniature Australian Shepherd. This breed that comes from the roots of an Australian Shepherd and comes in different colors such as back, blue merle, red, red merle and often comes with tan and/or white markings.

Because of its size, many Miniature American Shepherd enthusiasts believe this breed is a perfect choice for a sporty, strong and good-natured pet that many are looking to add to their family.

Originally a herding dog, the Miniature American Shepherd is a compact working dog. The Miniature American Shepherd was first bred in the United States, hence the name. In the 1960s the breed was still called a Miniature Australian Shepherd because breeders were breeding what was thought to be smaller Australian Shepherds.

In 1990, the American Kennel Club recognized the Miniature American Shepherd breed officially in its organization. There are preferred heights within the standard, but with a little wiggle room, there is no disqualification due to a deviation in height. There is still a debated issue about this to this day.

Finally in 1993, the predecessor to the Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA (MASCUSA ) asked if they could officially change the name to the “North American Shepherd.” That was when the MASCUSA became the North American Shepherd Club of America.

For the next 15 years, there were many different organizations that grew and then ended. Eventually the name and the breed of Miniature American Shepherd was born out of compromise between different organizations. It was then that MASCUSA became the official parent club for the Miniature American Shepherd, and in July 2015, the MAS was fully recognized in the Herding Group by the American Kennel Club.

Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix Size and Weight

Harrier
Height: 21 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 45 - 65 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Miniature American Shepherd
Height: 13 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 20 - 31 lb
Lifespan: 13 - 15 years

Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix Personality

The Harrier and the Miniature American Shepherd might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Harrier mixed with the Miniature American Shepherd might be prone to joint dysplasia, ear infections, epilepsy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Harrier Miniature American Shepherd Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Harrier Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in