Breed Standard Committee

© Rich Knecht Photography

Purpose/Charter

The Breed Standard Committee is formed to research the history of the Miniature American Shepherd standard, review the current breed standard, and, if necessary, recommend revisions in accordance with AKC rules and procedures. The committee is also tasked with supporting member and judges' education, gathering member input, and ensuring clear communication throughout the review and potential revision process.

Scope of Work

Research and Review

  • Study the existing AKC-approved MASCUSA breed standard and collect feedback on how it is being interpreted in conformation events.
  • Examine historical context and foundational sources on the development of the Miniature American Shepherd standard to clarify how and why the initial breed standard was created.
  • Identify potential areas of ambiguity and inconsistency or sections in need of clarification or revisions.
  • Research breed standards and revision efforts from other AKC parent clubs as appropriate comparative references.

Membership and Judge Feedback

  • Conduct surveys or solicit structured feedback from MASCUSA members, AKC judges' comments, and breed mentors to identify concerns and needed clarifications.
  • Provide education on the review and, if needed, the revision process; gather member input, and ensure clear communication throughout the research and revision process via polls, Tuesday Talk, Townhalls, and Facebook Members Only group.
  • Incorporate formal input from the MASCUSA Judges Education Program via presenters and mentors, and judges' comments.

Development of Proposed Revisions

  • Prepare clear, well-supported draft proposals for any recommended standard revisions.
  • Ensure all language complies with AKC's style and structure requirements for breed standards.
  • Submit all proposed revisions to the standard and supporting documentation to the MASCUSA Board for review. The board will be responsible for any official communication or coordination with AKC regarding standard revisions.

Reporting and Oversight

  • Submit quarterly updates, or more frequently if requested, to the MASCUSA board. Reports should summarize work in progress, member feedback, proposed revisions, and supporting material.
  • All draft proposals and final recommendations must be submitted to the MASCUSA board for review and submission to AKC, as well as any distribution to the membership.
  • All materials, proposals, and written work generated by the committee are the intellectual property of MASCUSA.

Communication and Education

  • Provide members and judges with a historical perspective on the breed and development of the breed standard.
  • Create explanatory materials for members, including historical context, FAQs, or infographics on the breed standard.
  • Develop visual aids and presentation tools that can be used to improve understanding of the proposed changes.

Compliance and Governance

  • No revisions may be submitted to AKC by the committee. All research, findings, and proposed revisions must be submitted to the MASCUSA board.
  • The MASCUSA board reserves the right to amend, revise, or dissolve this committee or its charter at any time.

Membership Composition and Terms

  • The committee will consist of MASCUSA members in good standing who have relevant experience in conformation, performance, breeding, or breed education.
  • A Board liaison will be designated to facilitate communication between the committee and the MASCUSA Board.
  • All committee members must agree to keep discussions and materials confidential until work is officially approved for release.
  • The MASCUSA Board maintains full authority over all official communications with the American Kennel Club and will follow AKC procedures for breed standard revisions as outlined in the latest AKC guidelines.

Overview of the AKC Breed Standard Revision Process

  • Any change to the breed standard, including edits, clarifications, or deletions, must follow the formal revision process established by the American Kennel Club. Once a revised standard is approved, there is a five-year moratorium during which no further changes can be made.
  • When a parent club initiates any revisions, a Breed Standard Committee is formed. The club must notify AKC staff at the start of the process and share draft revisions as they are developed.
  • When the proposed changes are finalized, they are submitted to AKC staff for review. AKC will then publish the proposed revisions in the AKC Gazette for a 60-day public comment period. During this time, the club is expected to engage its membership and provide transparency to maintain clarity and trust.
  • Following the comment period, the club reviews feedback and responds. AKC staff will present the materials to the AKC Board, who may approve the club to ballot its membership according to the club's bylaws. If the revisions pass by the required vote, the results, ballot materials, and final standard are submitted to AKC for review.
  • If approved by the AKC Board, the new standard is published, and the five-year moratorium begins.

A direct link to AKC's complete guidelines will be provided for those who wish to review the full policy.

Approved by the MASCUSA Board of Directors October 15, 2025.