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.
BREEDING CONSIDERATIONS
The decision to breed your dog is one that must be considered carefully and researched thoroughly before moving into action. Some people believe that breeding will make their bitches happier or that it is an easy way to make money. Unfortunately, indiscriminate breeding only worsens the rampant problem of pet overpopulation, as well as putting a considerable dent in your pocketbook. As for the bitch, the entire process from mating through whelping is not an easy one and puts your pet under considerable stress. Finally, consider whether or not you have the means to care for an entire litter of pups. Without a reputation in the field, your attempts to sell the pups may be unsuccessful.
Skull: Top flat to slightly domed. It may show a slight occipital protuberance. Length and width are equal. Moderate well-defined stop.
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.
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.
“Intelligent, attentive and alert” are words used to describe the Aussie’s expression—this dog’s face embodies them all beautifully.
MEETING THE IDEAL
The AKC defines a standard as: “A description of the ideal dog of each recognized breed, to serve as an ideal against which dogs are judged at shows.” This “blueprint” is drawn up by the breed’s recognized parent club, approved by a majority of its membership and then submitted to the AKC for approval.
The AKC states that “An understanding of any breed must begin with its standard. This applies to all dogs, not just those intended for showing.” The picture that the standard draws of the dog’s type, gait, temperament and structure is the guiding image used by breeders as they plan their programs.
Forequarters: Shoulders—Shoulder blades are long, flat, fairly close set at the withers and well laid back. Legs straight and strong. Bone is strong, oval rather than round. Pastern is medium length and very slightly sloped. 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. 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.
Coat: Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. The under-coat 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.
The typical effortless-looking movement of the Australian Shepherd. Notice the convergence of forelegs and hindlegs when the Aussie is running at top speed.
Color: Blue merle, black, red merle, red—all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preference. White is acceptable on the neck (either in part or as a full collar), chest, legs, muzzle under-parts, blaze on head and white extension from underpart up to four inches. 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.
Gait: 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: An intelligent, active dog with an even disposition; he is good natured, seldom quarrelsome. He may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings.
PUPPY APPEARANCE
Your pup’s appearance tells much about his overall health and soundness. Your puppy should look well-fed but not have a distended abdomen, which may indicate worms or incorrect feeding, or both. The body should be firm, with a solid feel. The skin of the abdomen should be pale pink and clean, without signs of scratching or rash. The breeder should have removed dewclaws from the hindquarters, and possible the forequarters, as mentioned in the breed standard.
Part of your research into Australian Shepherds should consist of practical information, which you can use in choosing and living with your new puppy. Any special characteristics of either males or females are worth investigating. In the case of Aussies, there is little, if any, difference in personality between the sexes. Females tend to be rather more gentle, males more assertive. Both, however, are extremely intelligent, active, attentive and loving.
Aussies mature between 18 and 22 months of age and have an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years. Litters average between five and eight puppies. If you don’t plan to show, they make ideal companions when the females are spayed and males are neutered.
Once you’ve completed the preliminary investigation of the breed, perhaps even gone to a dog show or two, it’s time to visit some breeders. You’ll meet the parents of the puppies and observe the litter as well.
First, the breeder should be willing and eager to discuss the general health of the parents of the litter. Ask questions about specific health problems such as hip dysplasia and eye health. Ask if the parents and
