This Australian Shepherd appears to have a shorter than average coat. California ranchers admired the Basques’ herding dogs and assumed they were an Australian breed—thus the misleading name Australian Shepherd. The muzzle tapers little from base to nose and is rounded at the tip. Australian shepherd colors and patterns can vary greatly, but the United States Australian Shepherd Association recognizes these four major categories: black, red, red merle, and blue merle (merle being the genetic pattern that occurs in a dog’s coat, … Non-typical coats are severe faults. Pads are thick and resilient. The average Australian Shepherd has an overall height of 25.0”-32.0” (64-81 cm), withers height of 18.0”-23.0” (46-58 cm), and body length of 28.0”-36.0” (71-91 cm). There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. Feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. Legs straight and strong. Viewed from the side the topline of the back skull and muzzle form parallel planes, divided by a moderate, well-defined stop. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone. Skull – Top flat to slightly domed. Rear dewclaws must be removed. The dogs which live in colder climates have heavier undercoats than those that live in warmer areas. They have an upright squared stance and a deep chest. The long hair grows around their faces, tails, ears, tummies, rear, and the back of their legs. The croup is moderately sloped. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. White on the head should not predominate, and the eyes must be fully surrounded by color and pigment. He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. During this period an undercoat rake can be used every two or three days to remove the abundant dead hair, followed by a cleanup with the wire brush. 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. Topline – Back is straight and strong, level and firm from withers to hip joints. Their herding dog of choice was called the Pyrenean Shepherd, progenitor of our modern Aussie. An Aussie’s ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and his teeth should be brushed regularly. Which is typically a lot fluffier and the "typical" coat when you think of an Aussies. The Australian Shepherd Club of America standard describes the coat over the head, the backs of the ears, the front of the forelegs and below the joint of the rear legs as being “smooth” or short. The muzzle is equal in length or slightly shorter than the back skull. Chest is not broad but is deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow. Pads are thick and resilient. Coat Color The breed standards state “All colors are strong, clear and rich. The Australian Shepherd has a medium-length water-safe coat to keep him agreeable in downpour and day off. Fortunately, that loyalty combined with the breed’s keen intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train. Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? The undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Now, Australian Shepherds have coats with a marbled appearance. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female), 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female), The Australian Shepherd should do well on a high-quality. The Australian Shepherd is descended from a line of Europe’s finest herders. 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. 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 Australian Shepherd’s coat is already built to protect him from both the heat and the cold. - United States Australian Shepherd Association, Annual Awards Program Performance Point Schedule, HOF Breeder Program Rules & Application Form, HOFX Breeder Program Rules & Application Form, Record of Merit Program Rules & Application Form, Versatility Awards Program Rules & Application Form, United States Australian Shepherd Association. Aussie Shepherds have a medium-length coat, with a double coat. Topline – Back is straight and strong, level and firm from withers to hip joints. Nose – Blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on the nose (and lips). He is attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness. Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age. With his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. Teeth – A full complement of strong white teeth should meet in a scissors bite or may meet in a level bite. Shaving your Australian shepherd’s coat could expose its skin and increase its risk for getting a sunburn. The width of the hindquarters is equal to the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. The Australian Shepherd has medium-length coats that shed heavily, especially in the season change days. Australian shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a solid build and low center of gravity. The moderate length does vary somewhat over the entirety of the dog’s body. The croup is moderately sloped. Their hair can be wavy or straight, with smoother and shorter hairs on … It comes in blue or red merle, red or black tricolor, all with white and/or tan markings. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. As a working breed on farms and ranches, their tails were docked to avoid injury or to identify them as working stock. 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. The ribs are well sprung and long, neither barrel chested nor slab-sided. 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. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail. Size – The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches, females 18-21 inches. Aussies have been used as aides to the physically handicapped and as police, narcotics, and search and rescue dogs. The Australian Shepherd, a lean, tough ranch dog, is one of those “only in America” stories: a European breed perfected in California by way of Australia. The coat varies from straight to slightly wavy. Front dewclaws may be removed. I have had 4 Aussies and their coats varied as far as thickness,and length. Overshot greater than 1/8 inch. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed of dog that was developed in the United States, and identified as a breed in the early 20th century. Undershot. Red merles and reds have liver (brown) pigmentation on the nose (and lips). Feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. On the surface, Australian Shepherds are medium sized dogs with a medium length coat and pendant ears. Australian Shepherds do not have docked tails for cosmetic reasons. The coat can be either straight or wavy. Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail. Suitability for Children Medium. He may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings. The angulation of the pelvis and upper thigh corresponds to the angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm, forming an approximate right angle. 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. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Prick ears and hanging ears are severe faults. Eyes are brown, blue, amber or any variation or combination thereof, including flecks and marbling. One had a full coat at about a year (my male) my 2 females about 2 years (keep in mind females will blow their coats when not spayed usually) however, my last female puppy just turned 2 years and her coat is just now becoming full and long. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. AKC Marketplace is the only site to exclusively list 100% AKC puppies from AKC-Registered litters and the breeders who have cared for and raised these puppies are required to follow rules and regulations established by the AKC. Long Hair Length = Longer than 2 Inches. This breed is highly intelligent and known for having a sort-of sixth sense about what its owner is thinking. Australian Shepherd. Aussies in cool atmospheres have a heavier undercoat than the individuals who live in sunnier territories. 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. I would recommend a good pair of thinning shears (I prefer 42-46 teeth) over regular shears as they are more forgiving and leave a more natural look. Working Coat vs Show Coat by: Life.With.Aussies People tend not to realize that there are 2 types of Australian Shepherd coats. Bone is strong, oval rather than round. At full attention they break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. Australian Shepherds, after having reached full structural maturity, are great running partners. The medium length coat can have either straight or wavy hair. The Head is clean cut, strong and dry. Feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness. Approved May 14, 1991 The Australian Shepherd should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Or, you may get one that is a bit taller and leaner. The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. In short, this isn’t the pet for everyone. He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. There really isn’t much trimming needed to maintain a beautiful coat for your Australian Shepherd. The best course, however, is to give the Aussie a job, whether that is herding livestock, shepherding children, or competing in canine events such as obedience, herding or agility trials, or dock diving. The Australian Shepherd is a complex breed that comes from a long line of European herding dogs, including Collies and Border Collies. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. He is attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness. Official Standard of the Australian Shepherd. Pads are thick and resilient. 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. Feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. © 2020 United States Australian Shepherd Association. Effective January 1, 1993. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement. He is attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Aussie coats offer different looks, including merle (a mottled pattern with contrasting shades of blue or red). After building up their flocks, the intrepid Basques left Australia for greener pastures—literally—and set sail to California. The Working Coat is what it seems like your lovely Aussies has, and a Show Coat. The Australian Shepherd must be agile and able to change direction or alter gait instantly. Stifles are clearly defined, hock joints moderately bent. These dogs usually have thick, soft, and silky coat hair that is two inches or longer. Overshot greater than 1/8 inch. Disqualifications – White body splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters in all colors. Coat Color And Grooming. One of the most frequent reasons Aussies end up in rescue situations is owners couldn’t (or wouldn’t) constructively channel the breed’s boundless energy through training. Bone is strong, oval rather than round. The width of the hindquarters is equal to the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. Why Some Australian Shepherds Have Short Coats. 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. Here are some areas that may call for extra trims as well as how to handle cutting your dog’s fur. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. He has a full or natural bobbed tail. Expression – Showing attentiveness and intelligence, alert and eager. offers variety and individuality in each specimen. Substance – Solidly built with moderate bone. He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. The underline shows a moderate tuck-up. 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. Coat Length Medium Long. Size – The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches, females 18-21 inches. Aussies exhibit an irresistible impulse to herd, anything: birds, dogs, kids. The Australian Shepherd is the AKC's 135th breed. In all ways, they’re the picture of rugged and agile movers of stock. The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point of the withers at the skin. Neck is strong, of moderate length, slightly arched at the crest, fitting well into the shoulders. He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. The Australian Shepherd is not Australian! Backs of forelegs and britches are moderately feathered. By continuing to browse this site, you give consent for cookies to be used. As with all breeds, the Aussie‘s nails should be trimmed regularly. Australian Shepherd dogs, in general, have very dense, thick, double-layer coats that need a lot of work. The breed actually developed in the United States and its progenitors came from the Basque region of the Pyrenees, between Spain and France. Hair is short and smooth on the head, ears, front of forelegs and below the hocks. We performed high-resolution analysis of the SINE insertion lengths in 175 dogs (99 Australian shepherds, 45 miniature Australian shepherds, and 31 miniature American shepherds) and compared the genotypes with the coat phenotypes (when available). It has a medium-length coat that you most often find in blue or red merle or red and black tricolor – both with white and/or tan markings. Fore and hind legs move straight and parallel with the center line of the body. We use cookies to personalize content, provide shopping cart, social media features, and analyze our traffic. Rear dewclaws must be removed. A typical Australian Shepherd weighs between 35-70 lb (16-32 kg) and has a lifespan of roughly 13-15 years. The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent working dog of strong herding and guarding instincts. But if you’re looking for a brainy, tireless, and trainable partner for work or sport, your search might end here. The Australian Shepherd is well balanced, slightly longer than tall of medium size and bone, with colouring that offers variety and individuality. Always leave about 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) of your dog’s coat when you’re trimming it to protect its skin. All rights reserved. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail. Females stand between 13 and 17 inches at the shoulder; males range from 14 to 18 inches. Loss of contact caused by short center incisors in an otherwise correct bite shall not be judged undershot. This means that you could have a dog that ends up being shorter and stouter like a beagle. The preceding forebears of the foundation dogs likely had several sources, but were primarily UK rural landrace herding collies of various types and/or regions. Substance – Solidly built with moderate bone. The Aussie’s world tour began in Europe, near the Pyrenees Mountains. Viewed from the side the topline of the back skull and muzzle form parallel planes, divided by a moderate, well-defined stop. 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. Overall size should be in proportion to the body. He exhibits great agility of movement with a well balanced, ground covering stride. Gaze should be keen but friendly. Body – Chest is not broad but is deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow. The medium-length, thick double coats do shed some (especially during the spring and fall), but the coats aren't known to tangle and/or mat much, so Mini Aussie grooming is actually pretty easy. Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. 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