Working Coat vs Show Coat by: Life.With.Aussies People tend not to realize that there are 2 types of Australian Shepherd coats. Which is typically a lot fluffier and the "typical" coat when you think of an Aussies. Pads are thick and resilient. Shaving your Australian shepherd’s coat could expose its skin and increase its risk for getting a sunburn. A high-energy, athletic dog, the Aussie needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis. Or, you may get one that is a bit taller and leaner. Aussies have been used as aides to the physically handicapped and as police, narcotics, and search and rescue dogs. This breed is highly intelligent and known for having a sort-of sixth sense about what its owner is thinking. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. Front dewclaws may be removed. Australian shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a solid build and low center of gravity. Australian Shepherds have a low-maintenance coats. Males generally are taller and heavier than females. He is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone, with coloring that offers variety and individuality. There really isn’t much trimming needed to maintain a beautiful coat for your Australian Shepherd. 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. Aussies live about 10 to 12 years. Aussies are remarkably intelligent, quite capable of hoodwinking an unsuspecting novice owner. 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 should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Here are some areas that may call for extra trims as well as how to handle cutting your dog’s fur. 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. Approved May 14, 1991 He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. 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. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone. They can be any combination of black, caramel, white, or grey. Feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. These dogs usually have thick, soft, and silky coat hair that is two inches or longer. At full attention they break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. Suitability for Children Medium. The Australian Shepherd is well balanced, slightly longer than tall of medium size and bone, with colouring that offers variety and individuality. Quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size. Bone is strong, oval rather than round. Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. Chest is not broad but is deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow. Backs of forelegs and britches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. 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. Rear dewclaws must be removed. He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. The Australian Shepherd is descended from a line of Europe’s finest herders. Undershot. The Miniature Australian Shepherd (North American Miniature Australian Shepherd) has a medium-length coat. The muzzle is equal in length or slightly shorter than the back skull. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community, thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state, and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. Australian Shepherds, after having reached full structural maturity, are great running partners. Coat Length Medium Long. The Australian Shepherd has a smooth, free and easy gait. It can range from straight to wavy but should be moderate in length. Their coats can also be a mix of grey, white, caramel, or black. Australian Shepherd. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail. That also means there is a lot more grooming requirements. 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. Healthy You, Healthy Dog, Healthy New Year! 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). Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. As with all breeds, the Aussie‘s nails should be trimmed regularly. The dogs which live in colder climates have heavier undercoats than those that live in warmer areas. 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. Overall size should be in proportion to the body. The croup is moderately sloped. Pastern is medium length and very slightly sloped. He may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings. Rear dewclaws must be removed. Overshot greater than 1/8 inch. Temperament: This means that you could have a dog that ends up being shorter and stouter like a beagle. The Aussie's popularity boomed with Western culture and horse-riding after WWII and was often featured in rodeos, horse shows, movies, and TV. The ribs are well sprung and long, neither barrel chested nor slab-sided. Energy High. We use cookies to personalize content, provide shopping cart, social media features, and analyze our traffic. The long hair grows around their faces, tails, ears, tummies, rear, and the back of their legs. But if you’re looking for a brainy, tireless, and trainable partner for work or sport, your search might end here. He is attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness. The undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Almond shaped, not protruding nor sunken. The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. Muzzle tapers little from base to nose and is rounded at the tip. It may show a slight occipital protuberance. Feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. The width of the hindquarters is equal to the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. Early socialization and obedience training are both musts for the Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd entered the AKC Herding Group in 1993. Topline – Back is straight and strong, level and firm from withers to hip joints. The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point of the withers at the skin. The moderate length does vary somewhat over the entirety of the dog’s body. Moderate well-defined stop. The Australian Shepherd is not registered in Australia as a native breed, although it has been registered by other registries since the 1950s. Ears are triangular, of moderate size and leather, set high on the head. Viewed from the side the topline of the back skull and muzzle form parallel planes, divided by a moderate, well-defined stop. Overall size should be in proportion to the body. 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. The muzzle tapers little from base to nose and is rounded at the tip. 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. Effective January 1, 1993. You may have noticed that this breed has a marble-like coat. Your Dog Deserves Nothing But the Best: Meet AKC Canine Retreat in Midtown West Manhattan, iy_2021; im_01; id_22; ih_04; imh_19; i_epoch:1611317967486, py_2021; pm_01; pd_11; ph_15; pmh_33; p_epoch:1610408033880, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Mon Jan 11 15:33:53 PST 2021; pn_epoch:1610408033880. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. 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. With the Australian Shepherd, the coat is considered to be moderate to medium length; however, it may vary from dog to dog as well as where the fur is on the body. 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. He is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone, with coloring that offers variety and individuality. The width of the hindquarters is equal to the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? He is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone, with coloring that offers variety and individuality. 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. With his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. 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. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. United States Australian Shepherd Association. 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. Substance – Solidly built with moderate bone. Disqualifications – Undershot. As well as the Australian Shepherd having a moderate length coat, it also has an undercoat. The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Now, Australian Shepherds have coats with a marbled appearance. Tail is straight, docked or naturally bobbed, not to exceed four inches in length. The ribs are well sprung and long, neither barrel chested nor slab-sided. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. The medium length coat can have either straight or wavy hair. Neck is strong, of moderate length, slightly arched at the crest, fitting well into the shoulders. 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. Red merles and reds have liver (brown) pigmentation on the nose (and lips). The Australian Shepherd is not Australian! Aussies are generally healthy dogs, and a responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and certain forms of cancer. This strong work drive can make Aussies too much dog for a sedentary pet owner. 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. Aussies often work and/or play outdoors, so it’s not unusual for them to come in dirtier than they left. Legs straight and strong. Stifles are clearly defined, hock joints moderately bent. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness. The Australian Shepherd is well balanced, slightly longer than tall of medium size and bone, with colouring that offers variety and individuality. Backs of forelegs and britches are moderately feathered. The Miniature Australian Shepherd (North American Miniature Australian Shepherd) is a very good looking breed with a relaxed, playful personality. Faults – Any display of shyness, fear or aggression is to be severely penalized. 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. Front dewclaws may be removed. The croup is moderately sloped. 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. Stifles are clearly defined, hock joints moderately bent. Viewed from the side the topline of the back skull and muzzle form parallel planes, divided by a moderate, well-defined stop. Males generally are taller and heavier than females. Eyes are brown, blue, amber or any variation or combination thereof, including flecks and marbling. The blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on eye rims. The Aussie’s world tour began in Europe, near the Pyrenees Mountains. Method 3 Maintaining Your Dog’s Nails, Ears, and Teeth Official Standard of the Australian Shepherd. Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age. offers variety and individuality in each specimen. The Australian Shepherd is a complex breed that comes from a long line of European herding dogs, including Collies and Border Collies. The Australian Shepherd has a medium-length water-safe coat to keep him agreeable in downpour and day off. Aussies, further refined and perfected in America, have been an iconic part of cowboy culture ever since. Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. Bone is strong, oval rather than round. Size – The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches, females 18-21 inches. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t ever have to pick up a pair of scissors or grooming sheers. The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent working dog of strong herding and guarding instincts. Aussies in cool atmospheres have a heavier undercoat than the individuals who live in sunnier territories. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail. 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. The muzzle tapers little from base to nose and is rounded at the tip. 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. After building up their flocks, the intrepid Basques left Australia for greener pastures—literally—and set sail to California. Aussie Shepherds have a medium-length coat, with a double coat. The underline shows a moderate tuck-up. White body splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters in all colors. Non-typical coats are severe faults. The angulation of the pelvis and upper thigh corresponds to the angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm, forming an approximate right angle. Coat Color And Grooming. Discover more about our Mini Australian Shepherd puppies for sale below. Pads are thick and resilient. GENERAL APPEARANCE The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced dog, no matter whether Standard, Miniature or toy.. During shedding season, though, more work will be required. Pads are thick and resilient. I have had 4 Aussies and their coats varied as far as thickness,and length. They are about 18 to 23 inches in height, and weigh from about 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). Slightly longer than he is tall, the Australian Shepherd stands 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder for males, 18 to 21 inches for females. The head is clean cut, strong and dry. In order to keep shedding under control and mats from forming in their coat, the Australian Shepherd should be brushed once a week and several times a week during the period of large shedding. Neck, Topline, Body: shoulders. In general, weekly brushing sessions will keep the Australian Shepherd’s waterproof, double-layer coat looking its best. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail. He has a full or natural bobbed tail. , lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness other People who love the same as. 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More about our Mini Australian Shepherd ) has a marble-like coat when viewed from the region. Clear and rich reaching the elbow were an Australian breed—thus the misleading name Australian Shepherd is recognized. Exceed the point of the hindquarters is equal to the width of the breeds it. Contact caused by short center incisors in an otherwise correct bite shall not be penalized the breed actually in. Length and coarseness function or a common heritage traits of form and function or a common heritage ground and to! Shepherds, after having reached full structural maturity, are great running companion scissors or grooming.. Animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness looking its best gait instantly of exercise on daily!