Information on AKC Australian Shepherd Puppies
Australian Shepherd Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent working dog of strong herding and
guarding instincts. He is a loyal companion and has the stamina to work all
day. He is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone,
with coloring that offers variety and individuality. He is attentive and animated,
lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness. He has a coat of moderate
length and coarseness. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size--The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches, females 18-21 inches.
Quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size. Proportion--Measuring
from the breastbone to rear of thigh and from top of the withers to the ground
the Australian Shepherd is slightly longer than tall. Substance--Solidly
built with moderate bone. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without
coarseness. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone.
Head
The Head is clean cut, strong and dry. Overall size should be in proportion
to the body. The muzzle is equal in length or slightly shorter than the back
skull. Viewed from the side the topline of the back skull and muzzle form parallel
planes, divided by a moderate, well-defined stop. The muzzle tapers little from
base to nose and is rounded at the tip. Expression --Showing attentiveness and intelligence, alert and eager.
Gaze should be keen but friendly. Eyes are brown, blue, amber or any
variation or combination thereof, including flecks and marbling. Almond shaped,
not protruding nor sunken. The blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation
on eye rims. The red merles and reds have liver (brown) pigmentation on eye
rims. Ears are triangular, of moderate size and leather, set high on
the head. At full attention they break forward and over, or to the side as a
rose ear. Prick ears and hanging ears are severe faults. Skull Top flat to slightly domed. It may show a slight occipital protuberance. Length and width are equal. Moderate well-defined stop. Muzzle tapers
little from base to nose and is rounded at the tip. Nose--Blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on the nose (and
lips). Red merles and reds have liver (brown) pigmentation on the nose (and
lips). On the merles it is permissible to have small pink spots; however, they
should not exceed 25% of the nose on dogs over one year of age, which is a serious
fault. Teeth--A full complement of strong white teeth should meet
in a scissors bite or may meet in a level bite. Disqualifications--Undershot.
Overshot greater than 1/8 inch. Loss of contact caused by short center incisors
in an otherwise correct bite shall not be judged undershot. Teeth broken or
missing by accident shall not be penalized.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck is strong, of moderate length, slightly arched at the crest, fitting
well into the shoulders. Topline--Back is straight and strong, level
and firm from withers to hip joints. The croup is moderately sloped. Chest
is not broad but is deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow. The ribs
are well sprung and long, neither barrel chested nor slab-sided. The underline
shows a moderate tuck-up. Tail is straight, docked or naturally bobbed,
not to exceed four inches in length.
Forequarters
Shoulders--Shoulder blades are long, flat, fairly close set at the withers
and well laid back. The upper arm, which should be relatively the same length
as the shoulder blade, attaches at an approximate right angle to the shoulder
line with forelegs dropping straight, perpendicular to the ground. Legs
straight and strong. Bone is strong, oval rather than round. Pastern
is medium length and very slightly sloped. Front dewclaws may be removed. Feet
are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient.
Hindquarters
The width of the hindquarters is equal to the width of the forequarters at the
shoulders. The angulation of the pelvis and upper thigh corresponds to the angulation
of the shoulder blade and upper arm, forming an approximate right angle. Stifles
are clearly defined, hock joints moderately bent. The hocks are short, perpendicular
to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. Rear dewclaws
must be removed. Feet are oval, compact with close knit, well
arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient.
Coat
Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium
length. The undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Hair is
short and smooth on the head, ears, front of forelegs and below the hocks. Backs
of forelegs and britches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane
and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. Non-typical coats are severe
faults.
Color
Blue merle, black, red merle, red-all with or without white markings and/or
tan (copper) points, with no order of preference. The hairline of a white collar
does not exceed the point of the withers at the skin. White is acceptable on
the neck (either in part or as a full collar), chest, legs, muzzle underparts,
blaze on head and white extension from underpart up to four inches, measuring
from a horizontal line at the elbow. White on the head should not predominate,
and the eyes must be fully surrounded by color and pigment. Merles characteristically
become darker with increasing age. Disqualifications White body
splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on sides between
elbows and back of hindquarters in all colors.
Gait
The Australian Shepherd has a smooth, free and easy gait. He exhibits great
agility of movement with a well-balanced, ground covering stride. Fore and hind
legs move straight and parallel with the center line of the body. As speed increases,
the feet (front and rear) converge toward the center line of gravity of the
dog while the back remains firm and level. The Australian Shepherd must be agile
and able to change direction or alter gait instantly.
Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, active dog with an even disposition;
he is good natured, seldom quarrelsome. He may be somewhat reserved in initial
meetings. Faults Any display of shyness, fear or aggression is to be
severely penalized.
Disqualifications
Undershot. Overshot greater than 1/8 inch.
White body splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on
sides between elbows and back of hindquarters in all colors.
Approved May 14, 1991
Effective January 1, 1993
