They have been bred down from Australian Shepherds, but as the Aussie Shepherd people don't recognise the miniature version they have agreed to call them Miniature American Shepherds, and have been recognised by the AKC on their Foundation Stock registry which means they can be shown at certain events in the US. There are some in this country but as Ratter said they are not recognised by the KC on our breed register, so cannot be shown or puppies registered on breed register, but they can be registered on the Activity Register for obedience, agility etc. The Australian Shepherd clubs do not agree with them as they should be a medium breed with no size variations. Who knows what health problems miniaturising them will lead to.