Miniature American Shepherds are supposed to be like Aussies in every way, the only difference between Aussies and Minis (besides the pedigrees and foundation) is the height requirements, Aussies have no height requirements but do have a preferred range that doesn't need to be strictly adhered to and I know many Aussies who are under this preferred range(they are Aussies tho, not Minis)
While the Mini's have a required size of 14-17 inches in the gender range.
You honestly wouldn't be able to tell which breed is which between a large Mini male and a small Aussie female the Mini male may even be bigger than the Aussie female.
Lark's mother is a small Aussie, Hawkeye has a very small littermate sister. I also know an Aussie brother and sister pair who do stock trials out here roughly 16-18 inches in height.
For those who want the Aussie package but want a guaranteed small/medium size I think the Mini American is a great choice. And this little dear does appear to be one. She doesn't have any "toy" characteristics so common among the "miniature" Aussie mixes, although she is a bit light in bone that is a fairly common fault. Have you gotten a chance to measure her? Does she fall within the normal height range for a MAS? at least 13 inches?
And I have noticed a lot of people here using the term "toy" and "Mini" interchangeably, remember there is no toy variety of the MAS just like there is no miniature variety of the Aussie. In fact the MASCA has it's own separate breed standard from the AKC version (MASCUSA) that does not allow for a larger size so they have, on their own, effectively banned Aussies from their shows by not making an allowance for what they claim to be the same breed.
Here is the MASCA breed standard (again this is NOT the AKC club)
Notice how it differs greatly from all other Breed standards of breeds that come in a variety.
Poodle Breed Standard
Dachshund Breed Standard
feel free to look up more.
The biggest difference you will immediately notice, the Poodle and Doxie breed standards actually list the varieties in the standard. While the MASCA breed standard only lists one type of dog and makes no mention of a "Standard" size, yet they claim to be a "Miniature variety" How can you be a variety if there is nothing else in your breed standard to be a variety of?
I LOVE small Aussies I even love a lot of the MASCA dogs but there really is no reason to separate our breed into varieties. I believe the only thing this will accomplish is the same thing it has caused in Poodles and Doxies, separate gene pools within the same breed, and that IMO is a detriment to the breed. Small Aussies are already allowed in the Aussie breed standard.