Australian Shepherd Dog Picture Gallery

Australian Shepherd Dog Breeders

Australian Shepherd Dog Clubs/Associations

The Full Australian Shepherd Dog Description

Intelligent and very alert, the Australian Shepherd gives complete devotion to his owner. All he asks in return is the chance to work. He was bred to herd livestock, and is serious and single-minded about his job.

Did you know?

The Australian Shepherd probably originated in the Basque region of the Pyrenees, mountains between Spain and France, but was dubbed the Australian Shepherd because of its association with Basque shepherds who came into the United States from Australia in the 1800s.

The Australian Shepherd was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherds, Pastor Dogs, Bob-Tails, Blues, Heelers, New Mexican Shepherds and California Shepherds.

So you want to own an Australian Shepherd?

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog with strong herding and guarding instincts.

He is an agile dog who has the stamina to work all day.

One distinguishing characteristic of the Australian Shepherd is its tail, which is usually a naturally bobbed tail or it may be docked.

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, active dog who requires regular exercise.

He is good natured and even tempered, although he may be initially shy with strangers. He makes a loyal companion.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Well balanced, length slightly greater than height. Medium size, solid and muscular. Various colours. Expression alert, keen and friendly.

Characteristics

Intelligent, strong herding and guarding instincts. Great stamina, loyal, attentive, animated, lithe, agile; able to change speed and direction instantly.

Temperament

Even disposition. May show initial reserve, never shy or aggressive.

Head and Skull

In proportion to body. Clean cut. Dry. Muzzle equal to, or a little shorter than length of skull. Skull of equal length and width with slight dome. Occiput may be apparent. From side, top of muzzle and skull on parallel planes. Moderate, well defined stop. Muzzle tapers slightly toward nose, ending in rounded tip. Nose: In blue merles and blacks - black; in red merles and reds - liver/brown. Merles may have small pink spots.

Eyes

Brown, blue or amber, or combination including flecks and marbling. Oval shaped, of moderate size, neither protruding nor sunken. Eye rims: blue merles and blacks - black; in red merles and reds - liver/brown.

Ears

Triangular; of moderate size and thickness, set high. Breaking forward or to side when attracted.

Mouth

Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Level bite tolerated.

Neck

Moderate length, strong, slightly arched; fitting smoothly into shoulders.

Forequarters

Shoulder blades long and flat, well laid back, set close at withers. Upper arms of comparable length. Legs straight from all sides, with strong oval bone. Medium length, slightly sloping pasterns.

Body

Strong, with firm level topline. Croup moderately sloping. Chest deep, of moderate width, with brisket reaching to elbow. Ribs well sprung and long. Underline shows moderate tuck-up.

Hindquarters

Same width as forequarters. Corresponding angulation of pelvis and upper tights to scapulae and upper arms. Well defined stifles, moderate angle of hock joints. Hocks well let down, perpendicular to round and parallel when viewed from rear.

Feet

Oval. Closely set, well arched toes; thick pads.

Tail

Customarily docked or may be naturally bobbed.
Docked: Straight, docked to no more than 10 cms (4ins) length.
Undocked: Set low following line of croup. Of moderate length. Never curled or carried over back. Well feathered. In overall balance with the rest of the dog.

Gait/Movement

Agile, smooth, free and easy, with good forward reach. Fore-and hindlegs move straight and parallel but may converge at speed.

Coat

Medium length and texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant with undercoat. Short hair on head, ears front of forelegs and below hock joints. Back of legs moderately feathered. Moderate mane, more pronounced in dogs than bitches.

Colour

Blue merle, black, red merle, red, all with or without tan points. May have white as follows: white collar no further back than point of withers at skin. White on neck as full or part collar, chest, muzzle, underparts, moderate blaze. Coloured coat surrounding pigmented eyerims.

Size

Dogs: 51-58 cms (20-23 inches). Bitches: 46-53 cms (18-21 inches).