The origin of this breed as generate a lot of discussion and controversial, but what is settled is it’s recognition came from America.
It is believe that the Aussie origin were the shepherd dogs that settled brought to the New World, were breading was made with the only goal to bring up it’s working characteristics, shepherd, guard and fast thinking.
The main impellor to the recognition of this dogs was an actor/trainer, Jay Sisler, of shows that use Aussies, or Blue Dogs as were the now, as show partners.
Only in 18 of April pf 1991, Australian Shepherd was recognized as a bread by American Kennel Club.
Characteristics
Aussie is a owner devoted dog that needs training, attention and contact with people.
It isn’t a dog to put aside in the yard !
It is a dog that follows the owner through every room and loves to lay down at his feet. This characteristic may be rewarding, since we are never alone, and we have always some one near us, but can also be disturbing, since implies too have a shadow that needs attention and even follow us to the WC.
Dew to his strong working genetic component, this breed needs exercise, attention and training. If that isn’t done or even not follow every day, the Aussies may became destructive or imagine form of escape or other ways to reach what he wants.
They are atletic, curiose dogs, great for physical activities, like agility, frisbee, flyball …
Guard and alert for presence of strangers and even defend in case of invasion of their territory.
Don’t adapt well to sedentary life and only tolerate a residence in a apartment if follow by a dedicated owner that is ready for physical activities.
Their quick thinking many times overcomes the owner.
Has many hear and is a moderate shaver that requires regular brushing.
Consideration
SIZE: The ideal size is 51-58 cm for males and 46-54 cm for females.
COLOR: Blue-merle, Red-merle, black, and red his colors, with or without white spots and/or cobber spots. The white collar must not go below the cernelha. The white is tolerated in the neck (partial or forming a complete collar), in chest, legs, lower face, straps in head, and may go lower part until reaches 10 cm measure horizontally by elbow. The head white must not dominate the eyes that must be surrounded by colorful areas. The Merles, characteristically become darker with age.
COAT: Texture and size medium.
ORIGIN : U.S.A.DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 24.07.1996.
UTILIZATION : Farm and ranch shepherd dog.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. :Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle dogs(except Swiss Cattle dogs).
Section 1 Sheepdogs Without working trial.GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Australian Shepherd is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone, with colouring 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.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : Measuring form 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. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone.BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : 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. With an even disposition, he is good natured, seldom quarrelsome. He may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings. Any display of shyness, fear or aggression is to be severely penalized.
HEAD : The head is clean cut, strong and dry. Overall size should be in proportion to the body.
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Top flat to slightly domed. It may show a slight occipital protuberance. Length and width are equal.
Stop : Moderate, Well defined.
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on the nose (and lips). Red merles and reds have liver (brown) pigmentation on the nose (and lips). On the merles it is permissible to have small pink spots; however, they should not exceed 25 % of the nose on dogs over one year of age, which is a serious fault..
Muzzle : 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..
Jaws/Teeth : full complement of strong white teeth should meet in a scissors bite or may meet in a level bite.
Eyes : Brown, blue, amber or any variation or combination thereof, including flecks and marbling. Almond shaped, not protruding nor sunken. The blue merles and blacks have black pigmentation on eye rims. The red merles and reds have liver (brown) pigmentation on eye rims. Expression : Showing attentiveness and intelligence, alert and eager. Gaze should be keen but friendly..
Ears : Triangular, of moderate size and leather, set high on the head. At full attention they break forward and over, or to the side as a rose ear. Prick ears and hanging ears are severe faults.NECK : Strong, of moderate length, slightly arched at the crest, fitting well into the shoulders.
BODY : Top line : Back straight and strong, level and firm from withers to hip joints.
Croup : Moderately sloping.
Chest : Not broad, but deep with the lowest point reaching the elbow.
Ribs : Well sprung and long, neither barrel chested nor slab-sided.
Underline and Belly : Shows a moderate tuck-up.TAIL : Straight, docked or naturally bobbed, not to exceed four inches (10 cm) in length. .
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS :
Shoulders : Shoulder-blades 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 strong, oval rather than round.
Pastern : Medium length and very slightly sloping. Front dewclaws may be removed.
Feet : Oval, compact, with close-knit, well-arched toes. Pads thick and resilient.N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
HINDQUARTERS : Hindlegs strong and muscular.
General appearance : 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
Stifle : Clearly defined.
Hock joints : Moderately bent.
Hocks : Short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. Rear dewclaws must be removed.
Feet : Oval, compact with close-knit, well-arched toes. Pads thick and resilient.GAIT : The Australian Shepherd has a smooth, free and easy gait. He exhibits great agility of movement with a well-balanced, ground covering stride. Fore-and hind legs move straight and parallel with the centre line of the body. As speed increases, the feet (front and rear) converge toward the centre line of gravity of the dog while the back remains firm and level. The Australian Shepherd must be agile and able to change direction or alter gait instantly.
COAT
HAIR : 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 breeches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. Non-typical coats are severe faults..
COLOUR : Blue merle, black, red merle, red – all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preference. The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point of the withers at the skin. 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 (10 cm), measuring from a horizontal line at the elbow. White on the head should not predominate, and the eyes must be fully surrounded by colour and pigment. Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age.SIZE :
Height at withers : The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches (51-58 cm), females 18-21 inches (46-53 cm). Quality is not to be sacrificed in favour of size.FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS :
Aggresive or overly shy.
Undershot, or overshot greater than 1/8 inch (3 mm). Loss of contact caused by short center incisors in an otherwise correct bite shall not be judged undershot. Teeth broken or missing by accident shall not be penalized.
White body splashes in all colours, which means white on body between withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
Books about the breed: The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility by Liz Palika (2003, Howell Book House); All About Aussies: The Australian Shepherd from A to Z by Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor