Our Mini American shepherds/Mini Australian shepherds

• All dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). 
• All of my dogs considered for breeding are Health Tested for the Mini Aussie/Mini American Shepherd Panel. I have used Paw Print Genetics but have slowly been transitioning to UC Davis Lab Genetics. 
• OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing is done at 2 years old for Hips/Elbows. I will be doing Eyes as well. All my dogs' parents are scored good and above so I expect the same from my dogs - if you have questions on this feel free to ask. Remember that even though these tests are done, it will not 100 % assure the prevention of diseases such as hip dysplasia. Dogs who reach an old age may develop symptoms not linked to genetics.  
• NAD (neuroaxonal dystrophy) testing is done as well. This is fairly a new test. If you are purchasing a Mini or Toy ask for this TEST! A carrier (one copy) or clear ( no copies) dog is fine to purchase, but not an affected dog (meaning 2 copies)
• Every one of our dogs is raised as a family dog and are involved in many of our life events. All of our dogs are crate and kennel trained. I recommend this because sometimes it is just necessary. 
• Our dogs are fed high premium quality food and essential supplements/vitamins according to their individual needs. 
• All dogs are up to date on vaccinations including their rabies shot. 
• All dogs are licensed with the city/county in perspective of their permanent home as I alternate with my parents.

Personally I have no reason to tell someone to not get a MAS because I am obsessed with this breed and all I can say is amazing things. BUT............... like any breed, they have their own characteristics which may not fit everyone's household. 

1.  I think if you do not have time to teach basic commands and basic manners to a dog, the Mini American Shepherd is not for you. These animals are intelligent. They require structure in their lives and if you are not willing to work with them it can backfire as the dog gets older. 
2.  Australian Shepherds and Mini American Shepherds are a working and furthermost a herding breed. They were bred for Herding and those characteristics will be present at times, so yes they will intend to herd just about anything including children... If you are not going to give the dog a "job" they will find things to do on their own. You do not have to teach them to herd and find ranch lands to seek livestock, but you do need to find them outlets.
3.  I personally try to do training at least 3x a week with my dogs. Does it always happen? NO - life gets in the way, but we try hard for these dogs to be the best they can. Training does not mean the same thing over and over either. Some days we will work on tricks, some days on manners, some days on simple following on a leash and not pulling. Their mind needs this work and stimulation.
4. I also like to get them going (exercise) at least an hour a day - EVERY DAY. Again, it does not always happen, but I do try to keep it a habit. Running, long walks, hiking, fetching, etc. Its good for them to be active and hey its good for the human as well. 

• SOCIALIZING is very important and must be done with any breed. I do go to Dog Parks, but I highly recommend only well socialized dogs go here because you are not only dealing with your own, but others as well and they are not leashed. My dogs have avoided chaos but sadly have also been at the wrong place at the wrong time. so now I like to meet with other well behaved dogs. I also board which helps the intention but not all my boarders are well behaved. Also the dogs behave differently in their owners absence.
• Conformation, Rally, Obedience, Scent work, Agility, Dock Diving, etc are good ways to keep this dog busy and focused. If you are looking for a more relaxed dog there are many other breeds that can meet your requirements.