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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
For More information visit AKC.org