BreedHistory

Breed History
Origin
Certain early ancestors of today’s Australian Shepherd may have migrated with
Basque shepherds from continental Europe directly to North America. The blue
merle color phase is still present in the modern Berger des Pyréneés. The breed may
have acquired its name via Australia where the Basques are known to have
accumulated larger flocks of sheep. By whatever path, Aussies had arrived in the
United States by the late 19th century where the dogs’ qualities became recognized
by local ranchers, who used the dogs to work cattle, sheep and other livestock.

Working ability was the paramount consideration during the early years, rather than
any particular conformation but a distinct breed of moderate coat and size, superb
herding instinct and often of unusual blue merle coloring emerged, still bearing a
marked resemblance to Pyrenean ancestors, although undoubtedly influenced by
various British and American working breeds, such as the Scotch Collie, Border
Collie and English Shepherd. The “little blue dogs” were soon highly esteemed on
ranches and farms throughout western America.

Jay Sisler popularized the Aussie with the American public through his trick dog acts
performed at rodeos throughout the United States during the 1950’s and 1960’s. His
dogs also appeared in movies and several figure prominently in the pedigrees of the
modern Australian Shepherd.

The Aussie is a relative newcomer to purebred registries, only being formally
recorded since 1957. The first organization to register the Australian Shepherd was
the National Stock Dog Registry (AKA International English Shepherd Registry). The
Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) established recording services in 1971,
taking over a majority of Aussie registrations. ASCA adopted a unified breed
standard in 1977.

A Small Australian Shepherd
During the 1960’s, a Californian Australian Shepherd enthusiast acquired several
small working Aussies from the rodeo circuit. Intrigued by their compact size, she
worked with a veterinarian to develop a breeding program in order to preserve the
trait, which quickly resulted in litters producing both dogs only 13 to 14 inches tall as
well as larger Australian Shepherds. The smaller dogs eventually became known as
“miniature” Australian Shepherds.

The mini Aussie soon attracted the attention of experienced Australian Shepherd
breeders and eager newcomers. Lines were researched and educated breeding to
full-size Aussies was and is strongly encouraged to diversify the gene pool and
improve conformation and type of the mini Aussies. Herding instinct, intelligence and
drive were preserved and many mini Aussies continue to work a variety of livestock
today.

Characteristics
The mini Aussie is exactly as its name implies: a small Australian Shepherd with the
Aussie’s attentive, energetic temperament, high intelligence and reserve, but never
shyness, towards strangers. But while the height of the Aussie varies from 18 to 23
inches, the height of the mini Aussie ranges from 14 to 18 inches with a
corresponding weight of approximately 20 to 40 pounds.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd’s eager attitude means that working with the mini
Aussie is a joy, but their intelligence means that obedience training is highly
recommended. The ownership of any dog, especially one of an intelligent breed,
should not be taken lightly. Because the Aussie was developed both to herd and
guard the flock, the mini Aussies are entirely devoted to their family and make
excellent watch dogs and companions. As with all breeds, early socialization is of the
utmost importance.

The Early Days of Recognition
The first registry to accept the Australian Shepherd of the miniature variety was the
National Stock Dog Registry (NSDR): the same to first recognize the Australian
Shepherd. Cordova’s Spike, a 15 inch blue merle male, was the first mini Aussie to
be registered. Acceptance was next achieved with the now defunct Rare Breed
Kennel Club (RBKC) in the 1980’s. Croswhite’s Miss Kitty Fox, a blue merle NSDR
registered bitch of true Aussie type, secured the first Australian Shepherd of the
miniature variety championship.

After the RBKC folded in the early 1990’s, the mini Aussie gained acceptance with
the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA). Unfortunately, ARBA regulations
stipulated that in order for a breed to qualify for Group and Best in Show
competition, it could not have a name associated with an AKC breed. So in 1993,
when the Australian Shepherd was granted full show privileges in the AKC’s
Herding Group, one group of mini Aussie enthusiasts opted to change the mini
Aussie’s name, a move which caused great confusion in the dog world and for the
general public and eventually led to the development of a separate and distinct breed
from the Australian Shepherd called the North American Shepherd.

Dissatisfied with the limited show schedule offered by any one club, enthusiasts
attempted to secure wider recognition. However, it soon became apparent that
acceptance could not be gained under the new name because it implied a new
breed. In actuality, the mini Aussie remained a size variety of the Australian
Shepherd, with a continuous genepool, and not a separate breed. Those concerned
with maintaining Australian Shepherd heritage, instinct, temperament and type, and
interested in pursuing further recognition formed an Australian Shepherd of the
miniature variety parent club in order to attain these goals.

Breed Standard

General Appearance
The Australian Shepherd of the miniature variety is a well-balanced dog of medium size
and bone. He is attentive and animated, showing strength and stamina combined with
unusual agility. Slightly longer than tall, he has a coat of moderate length and coarseness
with coloring that offers variety and individuality in each specimen. An identifying
characteristic is his natural or docked bobtail. In each sex, masculinity or feminity is well-
defined. Bone is moderate and clean with coarseness, heaviness or lightness being
undesirable. Overall type, balance of conformation and movement are valued more highly
than individual structural perfections because it is balance which enables him to fulfill his
purpose.

Character
The Australian Shepherd of the miniature varieity is intelligent, primarily a working dog of
strong herding and guardian instincts, he is an exceptional companion. He is versatile and
easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. He is
reserved with strangers but does not exhibit shyness. Although an aggressive,
authoritative worker, viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable. Fault: Undue
shyness. Disqualification: Viciousness.

Head
Clean-cut, strong, dry and in proportion to the body. The top skull is flat to slightly
rounded, its length and width each equal to the length of the muzzle, which is in balance
and proportioned to the rest of the head. The muzzle tapers slightly to a rounded tip. The
stop is moderate but well-defined.

Lips: Giving a dry appearance. Disqualification: Wet flews.

Teeth: A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. An even bite is a
fault. Teeth broken or missing by accident are not penalized. Disqualifications: Undershot
bites; overshot bites exceeding one-eighth inch.

Eyes: Very expressive, showing attentiveness and intelligence. Clear, almond-shaped, and
of moderate size, set a little obliquely, neither prominent nor sunken, with pupils dark, well-
defined and perfectly positioned. Color is brown, blue, amber or any variation or
combination thereof including flecks and marbling, with no preference. Disqualifications:
Offset pupil.

Ears: Set on high at the side of the head, triangular and slightly rounded at the tip, of
moderate size with length measured by bringing the tip of the ear around to the inside
corner of the eye. The ears, at full attention, break slightly forward and over from one-
quarter (¼) to one-half (½) above the base. Prick and hound-type ears are severe faults.

Neck and Body
The neck is firm, clean and in proportion to the body. It is of medium length and slightly
arched at the crest, settling well into the shoulders. The body is firm and muscular. The
topline appears level at a natural four-square stance. The chest is deep and strong with
ribs well-sprung. The loin is strong and broad when viewed from the top. The bottom line
carries well back with a moderate tuck-up. The croup is moderately sloping, the ideal being
thirty (30) degrees from the horizontal. Tail is straight, not to exceed three (3) inches,
natural bobbed or docked.

Forequarters
The shoulder blades (scapulae) are long and flat, close set at the withers, approximately
two fingers width at a natural stance, and are well laid back at an angle approximating
forty-five (45) degrees to the ground. The upper arm (humerus) is attached at an
approximate right angle to the shoulder line with forelegs dropping straight, perpendicular
to the ground. The elbow joint is equidistant from the ground to the withers. The legs are
straight and powerful. Pasterns are short, thick and strong, but still flexible, showing a
slight angle when viewed from the side. Feet are oval shaped, compact, with close-knit,
well-arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient; nails short and strong. Dewclaws may be
removed.

Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Width of hindquarters approximately equal to the width of the
forequarters at the shoulders. The angulation of the pelvis and the upper thigh (femur)
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
metatarsi are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed
from the rear. Feet are oval shaped, compact, with close-knit, well-arched toes. Pads are
thick and resilient; nails short and strong. Rear dewclaws are removed.

Coat
Of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an
undercoat. The quantity of undercoat varies with climate. Hair is short and smooth on the
head, outside of ears, front of forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of forelegs are
moderately feathered; breeches are moderately full. There is a moderate mane and frill,
more pronounced in dogs than bitches. Non-typical coats are severe faults.

Color
All colors are strong, clear and rich. The recognized colors are blue merle, red (liver)
merle, solid black and solid red (liver) and with or without white markings and/or tan
(copper) points with no preference. The blue merle and black have black pigmentation on
nose, lips and eye-rims; the red (liver) merle and red (liver) have liver pigmentation on
nose, lips and eye-rims. Butterfly nose should not be faulted under one year of age. On all
colors, the areas surrounding the ears and eyes are dominated by color other than white.
The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point of the withers. Disqualifications:
Other than recognized colors, white body splashes, Dudley nose.

Lisa McDonald maintains the color portion of the website for ASHGI. It is a wonderful
resource for learning about coloration in Aussies. Check it out!

http://color.ashgi.org/color/index.html

Gait
Smooth, free and easy; exhibiting 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, both front and rear, converge toward the center line of
gravity of the dog, while the topline remains firm and level. Joints to not bend or twist
when in motion.

Size
Preferred height at the withers for males is fourteen (14) to eighteen (18) inches; that for
females is fourteen (14) up to but not including eighteen (18) inches. Dogs or bitches
above these measurements should be faulted to the degree of variance, however, quality
is not to be sacrificed in favor of size. Disqualification: Below 14″ at the withers.

Other Disqualifications
Toy-like characteristics (i.e. domed head, bulging eyes, fine bone), monorchidism or
cryptorchidism.

Note: The Australian Shepherd of the miniature variety should be judged as if it were an
Australian Shepherd in all respects other than size. The mini Aussie’s conformation,
moderate coat, efficient yet driving movement and stable temperament should all imply a
herding dog capable of working long hours in a variety of conditions. Shown in near to
natural state. Hair may be trimmed away from and around the pads. Whiskers may be
trimmed or untrimmed (never removed on a dog to work stock). Pasterns may be trimmed
between carpal pad and heel. Hair along hock and long hairs on docked or bobbed tails or
sparse, stray or straggly hairs may also be trimmed to make a neater outline.

Although there are many theories about the origin of the Australian Shepherd, the breed
as we know it today developed exclusively in the United States. Most stories state origin
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 to the United States with sheep from Australia in the 1800's.

As with most working breeds, the Australian Shepherd was initially called by several
names, including Bob-Tail, Pastor Dog, Spanish Shepherd, New Mexican Shepherd, and
California Shepherd.

The Australian Shepherds rose rapidly in popularity of Western horse riding after World
War II. The breed became known to the general public from appearances in rodeos, horse
shows, movies and television programs. It s inherent versatility and trainability made it
extremely useful asset on farms and ranches.

Ranchers continued to develop the breed and hence the size variations in the breed
arose. Some ranchers wanted the smaller sized Aussies in which were able to maneuver
much easier in tighter-closer spaces, but maintained the adaptability, keen intelligence,
strong herding instincts, and eye catching appearance that originally won its admirers. As
a herder, the Australian Shepherd is a loose to medium-eyed dog. (Eye is a general term
used to describe the way a dog controls stock with its gaze.) It will watch and entire herd
of animals, but not with an intense gaze. Some dogs use more eye in situations where
added power is required to move stubborn or balky animals or while holding off single
animals.

The Aussie (as the breed is nicknamed) is a truly versatile dog. It is so sound minded that
it easily adapts to various situations. Today, the Australian Shepherd serves humanity in
every imaginable way: as a working stock dog, guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for
the deaf, therapy dogs, search and rescue, drug detection, bomb detections, alert dogs,
not to mention they are one of the greatest all time family and children dogs. Their
devotion and loyalty to their families is unsurpassed. They are truly magnificent dogs.
And, as the story goes, once you have owned an Aussie you'll never have any other breed.

IMASC BREED STANDARD

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced dog of medium size and bone. He is
attentive and animated, showing strength and stamina combined with unusual agility.
Slightly longer than tall, he has a coat of moderate length and coarseness with coloring
that offers variety and individuality in each specimen. An identifying charac- teristic is his
natural or docked bobtail. In each sex, masculinity or femininity is well-defined. Bone is
moderate and clean without coarseness, heaviness or lightness being undesirable.
Overall type, balance of conformation and movement are valued more highly than
individual structural perfections because it is balance that enables him to fulfill his
purpose.

CHARACTER

The Miniature Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding
and guardian instincts. He is an exceptional companion. He is versatile and easily trained,
performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. He is reserved with
strangers but does not exhibit shyness. Although an aggressive, authoritative worker,
viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable. Fault: Undue shyness.
Disqualification: Viciousness.

HEAD

Clean-cut, strong, dry and in proportion to the body. The top skull is flat to slightly
rounded, its length and width each equal to the length of the muzzle, which is in balance
and proportioned to the rest of the head. The muzzle ta- pers slightly to a rounded tip.
The stop is moderate but well-defined.

Lips: Giving a dry appearance. Disqualification: Wet flews. Teeth: A full complement of
strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. An even bite is a fault. Teeth broken or
missing by accident are not penalized. Disqualifications: Undershot bites; overshot bites
exceeding one-eighth inch. Eyes: Very expressive, showing attentiveness and
intelligence. Clear, almond-shaped, and of moderate size, set a little obliquely, neither
prominent nor sunken, with pupils dark, well-defined and perfectly positioned. Color is
brown, blue, amber or any variation or combination thereof including flecks and marbling.
Disqualifications: Offset pupil. Ears: Set on high at the side of the head, triangular and
slightly rounded at the tip, of moderate size with length measured by bringing the tip of
the ear around to the inside corner of the eye. The ears, at full attention, break slightly
forward and over from one-quarter (1⁄4) to one-half (1⁄2) above the base. Faults: Prick and
hound-type ears.

NECK AND BODY

The neck is firm, clean and in proportion to the body. It is of medium length and slightly
arched at the crest, setting well into the shoulders. The body is firm and muscular. The
topline appears level at a natural four-square stance. The chest is deep and strong with
ribs well-sprung. The loin is strong and broad when viewed from the top. The bottom line
carries well back with a moderate tuck-up. The croup is moderately sloping, the ideal
being thirty (30) degrees from the horizontal. Tail is either Natural Bob or Docked not to
exceed three (3) inches, or Long for Inter- national.

FOREQUARTERS

The shoulder blades (scapulae) are long and flat, close set at the withers, approximately
two fingers width at a natu- ral stance and are well laid back at an angle approximating
forty-five (45) degrees to the ground. The upper arm (humerus) is attached at an
approximate right angle to the shoulder line with forelegs dropping straight, perpen-
dicular to the ground. The elbow joint is equidistant from the ground to the withers. The
legs are straight and pow- erful. Pasterns are short, thick and strong, but still flexible,
showing a slight angle when viewed from the side. Feet are oval shaped, compact, with
close-knit, well-arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient; nails short and strong.
Dewclaws may be removed.HINDQUARTERS

Strong and muscular. Width of hindquarters approximately equal to the width of the
forequarters at the shoul- ders. The angulation of the pelvis and the upper thigh (femur)
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
metatarsi are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed
from the rear. Feet are oval shaped, compact, with close-knit, well-arched toes. Pads are
thick and resilient; nails short and strong. Rear dewclaws are removed.

COAT

Of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with
an undercoat. The quantity of undercoat varies with climate. Hair is short and smooth on
the head, outside of ears, front of fore- legs and below the hocks. Backs of forelegs are
moderately feathered; breeches are moderately full. There is a moderate mane and frill,
more pronounced in dogs than bitches. Non-typical coats are severe faults.

COLOR

All colors are strong, clear and rich. The recognized colors are blue merle, red (liver)
merle, solid black and solid red (liver) and with or without white markings and/or tan
(copper) points with no order of preference. The blue merle and black have black
pigmentation on nose, lips and eye-rims; the red (liver) merle and red (liver) have liver
pigmentation on nose, lips and eye-rims. Butterfly nose should not be faulted under one
year of age. On all colors, the areas surrounding the ears and eyes are dominated by
color other than white. The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point of the
withers. Disqualifications: Other than recognized colors, white body splashes, Dudley
nose.

GAIT

Smooth, free and easy; exhibiting 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, both front and rear, converge toward the center line
of gravity of the dog, while the topline remains firm and level. Joints do not bend or twist
when in motion.

SIZE

Preferred height at the withers for males is fourteen (14) to eighteen (18) inches; that for
females is fourteen (14) to eighteen (18) inches. Dogs or bitches above these
measurements should be faulted to the degree of vari- ance; however, quality is not to be
sacrificed in favor of size. Disqualification: Below 14” at the withers.

OTHER DISQUALIFICATIONS

Toy-like characteristics (i.e. domed head, bulging eyes, fine bone), monorchidism or
cryptorchidism. Note: The Miniature Australian Shepherd should be judged as if it were an
Australian Shepherd in all respects other than size. The Miniature Australian Shepherd’s
conformation, moderate coat, efficient yet driving move- ment and stable temperament
should all imply a herding dog capable of working long hours in a variety of con- ditions.
Shown in near to natural state. Hair may be trimmed away from and around the pads.
Whiskers may be trimmed or untrimmed (never removed on a dog to work stock).
Pasterns may be trimmed between carpal pad and heel. Hair along hock and long hairs on
docked or bobbed tails or sparse, stray or straggly hairs may also be trimmed to make a
neater outline.

History
The Australian Shepherd is descended from a line of Europe’s finest herders.The
Aussie’s world tour began in Europe, near the Pyrenees Mountains. It was here, in the
borderlands between France and Spain, where the indigenous people known as the
Basques built their centuries-old reputation as world-class shepherds. Their herding
dog of choice was called the Pyrenean Shepherd, progenitor of our modern Aussie.

In the early 1800s, Australia’s Anglo émigrés began a push into the continent’s vast
interior in search of rich pastureland for cattle ranching. Eventually, many Basques,
with their faithful shepherd dogs in tow, sailed east to try their luck on the virgin
Australian continent, a wide-open paradise for sheep herders.

During their long sojourn in Australia, the Basque shepherd refined their dogs with
judicious crosses to Australia’s British imports, Collies and Border Collies, among
them. After building up their flocks, the intrepid Basques left Australia for greener
pastures—literally—and set sail to California.

California ranchers admired the Basques’ herding dogs and assumed they were an
Australian breed—thus the misleading name Australian Shepherd. Aussies, further
refined and perfected in America, have been an iconic part of cowboy culture ever
since. Many are still happily herding in the American West, others earn their feed as
rodeo performers, and still others of this exuberantly versatile breed work as therapy
dogs, drug detectors, service dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. The Australian
Shepherd entered the AKC Herding Group in 1993.

Breed Standard
Created January 15, 1977: Revised June 01, 2013

INTRODUCTION: First and foremost, the Australian Shepherd is a true working
stockdog, and anything that detracts from his usefulness as such is undesirable. The
most important breed characteristics are overall moderation in size and bone, balance
with correct proportions, and sound movement

GENERAL APPEARANCE: The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced dog of medium
size and bone. He is attentive and animated, showing strength and stamina combined
with unusual agility. Slightly longer than tall, he has a coat of moderate length and
coarseness with coloring that offers variety and individuality in each specimen. An
identifying characteristic is his natural or docked bobtail. In each sex, masculinity or
femininity is well defined.

CHARACTER: The Australian Shepherd is primarily a working dog of strong herding
and guardian instincts. He is an intelligent, exceptional companion. He is versatile and
easily trained: performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. He is
reserved with strangers but does not exhibit shyness. This unusually versatile
stockdog works with the power and quickness to control difficult cattle as well as the
ability to move sheep without unnecessary roughness. Although an aggressive,
authoritative worker, viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable.

HEAD: The head is clean-cut, strong, dry, and in proportion to the body. The topskull
is flat to slightly rounded; its length and width each equal to the length of the muzzle.
The muzzle is of medium width and depth and tapers gradually to a rounded tip,
without appearing heavy or snipey. Lips are close fitting, meeting at the mouthline.
The toplines of the muzzle and topskull appear close to parallel. The stop is moderate
but well defined.

TEETH: A full complement of strong white teeth meet in a scissors bite. A level bite is
a fault. Teeth broken or missing by accident are not penalized. All other missing teeth
should be faulted to the degree that they deviate from a full complement of 42 teeth.
Disqualifications: Undershot bite, Overshot bite, Wry Mouth

EYES: The eyes are very expressive, showing attentiveness and intelligence. They are
clear, almond-shaped, of moderate size, and set a little obliquely, neither prominent
nor sunken. The pupils are dark, well defined, and perfectly positioned. Eye color is
brown, blue, amber; or any variation or combination, including flecks and marbling. All
eye colors are acceptable in combination with all coat colors.
Faults: Any deviation from almond-shaped eyes.

EARS: The ears are set high on the side of the head, are triangular, of moderate size
and slightly rounded at the tip. The tip of the ear reaches to, but not further than, the
inside corner of the nearest eye. At full attention, the ears should lift from one-quarter
(1/4) to one-half (1/2) above the base and break forward or slightly to the side.
Severe Faults: Prick ears; overly large ears; low set ears with no lift from the base.

NECK AND BODY: The neck is firm, clean, and in proportion to the body. It is of
medium length and slightly arched at the crest, setting well into the shoulders. The
body is firm and muscular. The topline appears level at a natural four-square stance.
The bottom line carries well back with a moderate tuck-up. The chest is deep and
strong with ribs well sprung. The loin is strong and broad when viewed from the top.
The croup is moderately sloping. The Tail is straight, not to exceed four (4) inches,
natural bobtail or docked.

FOREQUARTERS: The shoulder blades (scapula) are well laid back, with the upper
arm (humerus) slightly longer than the shoulder blade. Both the upper arm and
shoulder blade are well muscled. The forelegs are straight and strong, perpendicular
to the ground, with moderate bone. The point of the elbow is set under the withers and
is equidistant from the withers to the ground. Pasterns are short, thick, and strong,
but still flexible, showing a slight angle when viewed from the side. Feet are oval
shaped, compact, with close knit, well-arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient; nails
short and strong. Dewclaws may be removed.

HINDQUARTERS: Width of hindquarters is approximately equal to the width of the
forequarters at the shoulder. The angulation of the pelvis and upper thigh (femur)
corresponds to the angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm. The upper and
lower thigh are well muscled. Stifles are clearly defined; hock joints moderately bent.
The metatarsi are short, perpendicular to the ground, and parallel to each other when
viewed from the rear. Feet are oval shaped, compact, with close-knit, well-arched toes.
Pads are thick and resilient; nails short and strong. Rear dewclaws are removed.

COAT: The coat is of medium length and texture, straight to slightly wavy, and
weather resistant. The undercoat varies in quantity with climate. Hair is short and
smooth on the head, outside of ears, front of forelegs, and below the hocks. Backs of
forelegs are moderately feathered and breeches are moderately full. There is a
moderate mane, more pronounced in dogs than bitches. The Australian Shepherd is a
working dog and is to be shown with a natural coat.
Severe Faults: Non-typical coats such as excessively long; overabundant/profuse;
wiry; or curly.

COLOR: All colors are strong, clear and rich. The recognized colors are blue merle,
red (liver) merle, solid black, and solid red (liver) all with or without white markings
and/or tan (copper) points with no order of preference. The blue merle and black have
black pigmentation on nose, lips and eye-rims. Reds and red merles have liver
pigmentation on nose, lips and eye rims. Butterfly nose should not be faulted under
one year of age. On all colors the areas surrounding the ears and eyes are dominated
by color other than white. The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point at
the withers.
Disqualifications: Other than recognized colors. White body splashes. Dudley nose.

GAIT: Smooth, free, and easy, exhibiting agility of movement with a well-balanced
natural stride. As speed increases, both front and rear feet converge equally toward
the centerline of gravity beneath the body. The top line remains firm and level. When
viewed from the side the trot is effortless, exhibiting facility of movement rather than a
hard driving action. Exaggerated reach and drive at the trot are not desirable. Gait
faults shall be penalized according to the degree of deviation from the ideal.

SIZE: Preferred height at the withers for males is 20 to 23 inches; that for females is
18 to 21 inches, however, quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size.

Other Disqualifications: Monorchidism and cryptorchidism.

History
The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was established as the parent club
for the breed in 1957 and incorporated as a non-profit corporation. Increasing interest
in competition led to the development of performance programs.

Today, these programs provide certification and titles in Agility, Conformation,
Obedience, Rally, Stockdog, and Tracking as well as recognition to the top Junior
Handlers. These programs increased ASCA’s role to much more than a registry. ASCA-
registered Aussies can earn titles in every phase of competition as well as entry into
ASCA’s Hall of Fame which is reserved for outstanding sires, dams, and kennels.

Non-registered Aussies and other breeds can also earn titles in every level of agility,
obedience, rally, stockdog, and tracking.

ASCA has over 100 Affiliate Clubs internationally conducting sanctioned shows and
trials for ASCA registered Aussies and other breeds.

As of January, 2016 there were approximately 193,000 dogs entered in ASCA’s stud
book. All points and titles earned are also in ASCA’s records.

Maintaining the Breed Standard is one of ASCA’s most important responsibilities to the
breed . The Breed Standard is the written description of the Australian Shepherd to
which breeders should adhere and the breed is judged by in the breed ring. It is
considered so important that it can be only altered or changed by the membership, not
by the Board of Directors. ASCA has long realized that changing a breed by whim or
fad has been the downfall of many dog breeds. The present Breed Standard was
adopted in 1977.

If you wish to join ASCA, please see the ASCA Membership page. All Junior members
must be between the ages of 8-17 years. Full ASCA membership allows you to receive
a 50 percent reduction in registration fees and a subscription to the Aussie Times,
ASCA’s bi-monthly newsletter and the monthly AussEnews.

We are proud to be the largest single breed dog registry in North America. ASCA
provides an accurate stud book for this unique breed and offers programs in all areas
where Aussies excel. Our organization also maintains a professional office staff at our
central location in Bryan, Texas and is governed by volunteer Australian Shepherd
fanciers elected by the membership. ASCA provides an accurate stud book for this
unique breed and offers programs in all areas where Aussies excel.

ASCA is truly dedicated to preserving the Standard of Excellence of the Australian
Shepherd.