The Australian Shepherd
Dog 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.
|
|
| Breed Name |
Australian Shepherd Dog |
| Country Of
Origin |
United States |
| Group |
Herding |
|
Coat |
Double |
|
Height |
18" to
23" |
| Weight |
35 to
75 lbs |
| Temperament |
Responsive, Active |
| Activity Level |
High |
| Learning Rate |
High |
|
Litter Size |
5 to
8 |
| Life Span |
12 to 13 Years |
|
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Australian Shepherd Dog
puppy:
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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.
If you are interested in a
Australian Shepherd
Dog Puppy:
SSee our
PUPPIES FOR SALE
or use our
FREE PUPPY FINDER program. |
