It’s crucial to prioritize temperament and suitability over looks when selecting a dog for service work. In this article, I explain why I sometimes have to tell people that a beautiful dog they’re drawn to isn’t the right fit for such an important role. My goal is to advocate for the dog’s well-being, ensuring their placement is fair and ethical while encouraging handlers to set realistic expectations. Service work is about ability, not appearance, and it’s inportant to prioritize the right match for both the dog and the handler.

Cera, a red merle Miniature American Shepherd Mini Aussie, hiding behind the wall while I encourage her to follow me down the stairs.

In this post, I explore the variety in natural tail set standard for Miniature American Shepherds and the flexibility the standard appears to allow. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this open-ended aspect of the breed standard!