theAustralian Shepherd

Smart, Work-oriented, Exuberant
Herding Group Herding Group

meet theAustralian Shepherd

Did you know?

The Aussie as we know it today developed in the US.

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at aGlance

Energy & Size

high ENERGY &
medium size

AKC Dog Ranking

18th
Most Popular Dog Breed

Personality

  • Check Exuberant
  • Check Smart
  • Check Work-oriented
Smart, work-oriented, exuberant—did we mention smart?

theBreed Standard

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Australian Shepherd Breed Standard Illustration 01 02 03 04 05 06

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Body

    Neck, Topline, Body: shoulders. Topline - Back is straight and strong, level and firm from withers to hip joints. The croup is moderately sloped. Body - 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.

  • Forequarters

    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. 
     

  • 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.

  • 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.

A Australian Shepherd
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theAustralian Shepherds of AKC

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get involved inClubs & Events

National Breed Club

theUnited States Australian Shepherd Association

Local Breed
Club

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Meetups

Explore meetups.com and see all of the local Australian Shepherds in your area.

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