***Australian Shepherd Club of America: "The Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd, North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, and/or Toy Australian Shepherd breeds are not recognized as a  variety of Australian Shepherd by ASCA.  The club considers such dogs to be a distinct and separate breed and will not accept them into its registry. "Our bylaws state that ASCA's purpose is: 'To encourage members and breeders to accept one breed standard for  the Australian Shepherd as approved by the Club as the only standard of excellence by which Australian Shepherds shall be judged.' It is the mission of this club and the mission of its members to preserve the breed rather than change it."***