MASCA Club Information


 

The Parent Club

The parent club for the Miniature Australian Shepherd, the Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America (MASCA) was formed in 1996 by a dedicated group of enthusiasts in response to the need for a central organization running a straightforward registry and providing fair and consistent management of the Miniature Australian Shepherd. All members sign and abide by a rather strict Code of Ethics designed to protect the mini Aussie and ensure its continued genetic health and quality. The club invites all suggestions concerning the Miniature Australian Shepherd.

There were several objectives set by the founders of the MASCA:

  • To have a completely documented and clearly honest registry.
     
  • To sponsor and support shows and trials, providing the opportunity for fans to see the dogs and for Miniature Australian Shepherd owners to showcase their own dogs.
     
  • · To have a breed standard that accurately reflects the Miniature Australian Shepherd as a size variety of the Australian Shepherd.
     
  • To manage a fair process to educate judges regarding the breed standard.
     
  • To provide information to people interested in the Miniature Australian Shepherd.
     
  • To pursue further recognition when the variety becomes populous enough and when breeders have proven that they are breeding sound, consistently typey dogs of the correct temperament and instinct.

The first challenge was the establishment of a sound registry and registration process. MASCA uses a computer-based registry and supporting procedures. This allows the registrar to produce consistent and correct information for every registered dog. There can be no case where separate requests for information about the same dog result in different outputs. Because it was felt that every owner had the right to all information available about his or her dog, the MASCA registration certificate automatically includes a computer-generated four-generation pedigree. In this we are unique in the world of the Miniature Australian Shepherd.

Mini Aussie adult and puppy

Current Recognition

MASCA has recently started holding its own events, including conformation shows, instinct tests and Fun Days. In addition, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is recognized by the States Kennel Club, currently implementing an International Championship in addition to its Grand Championship program, as well as holding herding and obedience events. The International All Breed Canine Association of America, which also offers an International Championship program as well as an exclusive Bred By Exhibitor Best in Show competition recognizes the Miniature Australian Shepherd. The Canadian Rarities, the Eastern Rare Breed Dog Club, Rare Heirs, Rare Breed Club of Southwest Ontario, Canine Kennel Club and Yes We Can Dog Shows all welcome the Miniature Australian Shepherd and new show clubs and venues are being added regularly, as well as MASCA hosted events.

Mini Aussies participate in AKC Matches (MASCA points awarded when using the MASCA Winsheet Program) and Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) Stockdog Committee has included the Miniature Australian Shepherd as a herding breed. Mini Aussies also participate in ASCA obedience and agility competitions. The American Herding Breed Association (AHBA) invites the mini Aussie to enter herding trials and mini Aussies are welcome in flyball, Frisbee® and NADAC and USDAA agility.

Recognition Benefits

Wider recognition grants the Miniature Australian Shepherd greater exposure to the public and judges, more frequent opportunities to achieve Championships and International Championships, the chance to compete in herding, obedience and agility competitions, and finally, greater credibility and stability. Each individual rare breed club has a limited event schedule and most people are not in a position to travel extensively. Recognition with other clubs permits a far greater opportunity to "rub shoulders" with others in the dog world.

 

Member Services

In order to best serve our members and encourage the responsible development of the Miniature Australian Shepherd, MASCA developed a variety of services:

  • Microchip Database, helping to return lost Aussie's to their home.Database Info Page
     
  • Computerized, consistent and clear registration.
     
  • A semi-monthly newsletter, Herd the News, including articles covering diverse topics of interest to the mini Aussie enthusiast, like training, showing, choosing a puppy or even finding the appropriate sire for your litter, as well as breeder advertising.
     
  • Free internet advertising for Blue Ribbon Breeders.
     
  • Junior Showmanship and Altered Classes held at Miniature Australian Shepherd specialties.
     
  • Hall of Fame recognition.
     
  • Greater knowledge and research on the health of the Miniature Australian Shepherd:
     
      • Eye Database. In order to minimize eye defects (see "Health - Eye Disorders"), MASCA strongly encourages, and may soon require, that all breeding stock be certified by a canine ophthalmologist before breeding, and that all puppies be cleared prior to registration. Litter registration fees are reduced for puppies from certified stock.
       
      Hip Database. Congenital Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) has been verified in certain lines of the Miniature Australian Shepherd. (see "Health - Orthopedic Disorders"). MASCA strongly recommends that all breeding stock be radiographed (x-rayed) and the results submitted to a recognized canine orthopedic organization for certification prior to breeding. Litter registration fees are reduced for puppies from certified stock.
       
      DNA Verification. MASCA recommends that every litter be DNA typed and recorded with MASCA. Not only does this enable MASCA to verify parentage in breeding disputes, but the database will be vital once genetic disease markers are identified.
       
  • Pedigree research, including a database to assist pet owners and breeders in the research and verification of non-MASCA Miniature Australian Shepherd pedigrees.
     
  • Miniature Australian Shepherd breeding advice.
     
  • Blue Ribbon Breeders program, providing registration and advertising discounts for breeders who certify eyes and hips on breeding stock, as well as "puppy & breeder packets".
     
  • Local canine ophthalmologist and radiograph (x-ray) specialist references.
     
  • Up-to-date show listings of clubs recognizing the Miniature Australian Shepherd.
     
  • Sample puppy (pet and show) and stud contracts
     
  • MASCA is researching a volunteer program cooperating with Dogs for the Deaf, as the mini Aussie has been identified as an ideal dog for service for the hearing impaired. Please contact MASCA for more information.
     
  • A place to meet and correspond with other mini Aussie enthusiasts.

Becoming a Member

You can either download a membership application, email MASCA at MASCA@mascaonline.net or contact the MASCA Registrar for an application at:

MASCA
PO Box 1692
Winter Park, Fl. 32790-1692

MASCA & AKC

MASCA policy is to adhere to its mission statement that our dogs are a variety of the Australian Shepherd. At this time, AKC policy dictates they do not accept new varieties. In the future if AKC policy should change, MASCA would consider pursuing AKC acceptance of the miniature sized variety of the Australian Shepherd.

MASCA recognizes first and foremost the importance of utilizing the largest gene pool possible for the well being of our dogs. We would not want to close our options of breeding to Australian Shepherds registered with other registries in exchange for AKC recognition.

Instead we support and utilize many other conformation and performance venues in addition to encouraging MASCA stand alone events.

© 1997 - 2009 The Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc.

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