The Miniature American Shepherd Judging Analysis

“The Miniature American Shepherd, Judging Analysis” written by Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor and Carol Ann Hartnagle is best described as an illustrated workbook that deserves the attention of every judge, breeder and exhibitor who is interested in advancing their understanding and knowledge of the breed.This workbook is an insightful approach to function and purpose that has been carefully crafted to help understand why this herding breed is unique. Using illustrations and word pictures of correct and incorrect structure and movement, they are able to carefully provide the reader with an understanding of the breed standard and how it should be interpreted. Starting with the Foreword the reader will begin to understand how the authors bring to life the adage that form follows function. They carefully bring ideas together throughout each chapter an in-depth understanding about how the structural parts of the body functionally fit together. Each chapter includes a quiz which reinforces the text and helps the reader better understand and appreciate why and how the breed functions to achieve its purpose. Often missed, is the realization that the breed is moderate in angulation and movement. Both are emphasized by the authors. The carefully selected pictures and illustrations about breed type, what to look for and how to see it is a special feature of this workbook. Correct and incorrect movement is carefully illustrated in several ways to help better understand and appreciate how it is able to herd efficient with minimum effort. This is a must read for those who have a serious interest in the Miniature American Shepherd breed. - Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia