Let me begin by telling you a little bit about my life long love for our four legged friends.  I simply could not imagine my life without dogs playing a major role in it.  It was my first dog Penny, a silver grey poodle, that led me to start my very own grooming business as a young teenager where I spent my after school hours grooming the dogs in our neighbourhood. 

After marriage, my husband and I were fortunate enough to love and cherish not only our children, also over the years 2 mix mutts, three handsome German Shepherds.  As the years passed by, and the time came to find a new and smaller breed to share our lives, we spent many a weekend visiting dog and pet shows in our search.  This journey led us to meet a very special breeder who operates English Farm Kennels (EFK) and introduced us to the amazing world of Miniature American Shepherds our first Mini, CH. EFK Ranger Roy at BNS.  She then encouraged us to get involved in showing Ranger at dog shows and with her support and guidance, the next thing we knew...Ranger won his Canadian Championship!

And here I am today, a few years later, with my very own breeding programme under the name of Bennett's Northern Stars.  Just as importantly, these dogs are not just part of a breeding programme, they are our pets and a special part of our growing family.  Our goal here at BNS is to raise truly happy, loving and healthy puppies that become a very special part of your family and we hope, to stay connected with our family as well.  

All our dogs are health tested before any of them become part of our breeding programme.  As part of our continuing efforts to ensure transparency in our programme, you can find the results of the health testing in the "Our Dogs" tab.   All our puppies are de-wormed, micro-chipped, vet checked, and receive their first puppy shots before they leave for their forever homes at eight weeks of age.

Thank you,

MaryAnn Bennett

Excerpts from wiki:

"The Miniature Australian Shepherd was developed by breeding smaller Australian Shepherds for the desired size. The breed is rapidly increasing in popularity among those interested in a compact dog with a strong dog work ethic. They are especially popular in dog agility, and do well in other dog sports including herding, obedience, disc dog, flyball and many other activities."

"The preferred height of this breed ranges from 14 to 18 inches (35 to 46 cm) at the withers and the weight is typically between 17 and 30 pounds (9 to 14 kg). Coat color combinations include 16 basic possibilities."

"Mini Aussies are very easily trained, but their intelligence and drive require that they be engaged in obedience training and plenty of interesting activities. They are easily trainable because they crave approval. Once given proper socialization they will thrive in a variety of environments, provided they have an adequate outlet for both physical and mental energy."
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_Australian_Shepherd

MINIATURE AMERICAN SHEPHERD BREED STANDARD

BREED STANDARD

General Appearance

The Miniature American Shepherd is a small size herding dog that originated in the United States. He is slightly longer than tall with bone that is moderate and in proportion to body size and height without extremes. Movement is smooth, easy, and balanced. Exceptional agility combined with strength and stamina allows for working over a variety of terrain. This highly versatile, energetic dog makes an excellent athlete with superior intelligence and a willingness to please those to whom he is devoted. He is both a loyal companion and a biddable worker, which is evident in his watchful expression. The double coat of medium length and coarseness may be solid in color or merled, with or without white and/or tan (copper) markings. He traditionally has a docked or natural bobtail.

Size, Proportion and Substance

Size: Height for dogs is 14 inches up to and including 18 inches at the top of the withers. Height for bitches is 13 inches up to and including 17 inches at the top of withers. Disqualification: under 14 inches and over 18 inches for dogs; under 13 inches and over 17 inches for bitches. The minimum heights set forth in this breed standard shall not apply to dogs or bitches under six months of age.

Temperament

The Miniature American Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. An exceptional companion, he is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. Although reserved with strangers, he does not exhibit shyness. He is a resilient and persistent worker, who adjusts his demeanor and arousal appropriately to the task at hand. With his family he is protective, good natured, devoted and loyal.