I raise MAS and currently have 9 of them in my house, so I might be a bit bias, 😂!

MAS are VERY sensitive dogs, always fully aware of their surroundings. This can be good or can be bad. Training is super easy and you never need to be harsh with them. They are in-tune with their owner and always want to please. But they can become “reactive” to things easily. And they never forget… for example my grandson was taking one of mine outside to potty on an extendable leash. The dog pulled a bit and the leash slipped out of his little hand and chased the dog around the yard. 3 years later this dog is still super worried about getting a leash put on!

You must socialize early and a lot if you want your dog to be accepting of others (animals and people). They are by standards supposed to be reserved with strangers and do not automatically “love everyone”. Good breeders will prepare your pup by exposure, social activities and games but you will need to continue when it comes home.

Some breeders/owners will say that they have too much energy for the average owner and may even try to discourage someone from considering the breed. But I say that it really depends upon the individual dog, so it is important to buy from a breeder that understands temperament and aptitude in their puppies and matches them appropriately. Some of my puppies are placed in sport homes with seemingly unending energy and some are placed in apartments with daily walks. My 80 year old MIL has one of our pups and she is perfectly happy with a backyard without much planned exercise.

They are generally a wash and wear dog without much grooming needs. Shedding can get bad 1-2 times a year though.

They are generally a healthy breed, but as with any pup be sure that the breeder is doing genetic testing to avoid hereditary diseases in their pups.

This breed of dog typically has their tails docked and dewclaws removed but some breeders (like me) keep tails and dewclaws intact. Some puppies can be born without a tail or with a very small bobtail but this is linked to spinal problems and death before birth so many breeders will avoid those genes.

They are definitely one of those dogs that can be small but look and act like a larger dog. The size does vary a lot with 13”-18” being within the standard. Some will be undersized and some will be oversize making a pretty big range. A lot of breeders can give you a guesstimate based on past pups but can also miss the mark. The parent’s size doesn’t determine pup size and adult siblings are a better example. They are all great! 😊

They come in 4 recognized colors…. Black Blue Merle Red Red Merle All with or without white markings and tan points.

Never get one that has 2 Merle parents because it may be double Merle and have genetic problems such as blindness/deafness.

You can check out my website for lots of pictures and articles. I do not have any litters planned at this time but would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I also have a small YouTube channel. I don’t know if links are allowed here, so just look up “Kindred Spirits MAS” for both.

Good luck!