Australian Shepherd. Charlotte Schwartz

      A small number of Aussies have developed other health problems such as collie eye, some cardiac conditions, epilepsy, elbow dysplasia and allergies. Since these problems have appeared in very few Australian Shepherds, they cannot be considered breed problems.

       SKIN PROBLEMS

      Eczema and dermatitis are skin problems that occur in many breeds and they can often be tricky problems to solve. Frequent bathing of the dog will remove skin oils and will cause the problem to worsen. Allergies to food or something in the environment can also cause the problem. Consider asking the vet about homeopathic remedies in addition to conventional treatment.

       Hardiness is part of the Australian Shepherd’s nature and, as such, he generally makes a very healthy pet if properly cared for, fed, exercised and checked by the veterinarian.

      Whenever we refer to the standard of a breed, we are actually talking about the standard of perfection of that breed. The standard of perfection of a breed is a word picture that describes in detail exactly what the ideal specimen should look like. In addition, most standards include some reference to temperament and character, so the overall picture of the breed is made clear.

      Judges use the standard in determining the best dog presented to them on any given day in conformation classes. Breeders use the standard of the breed to produce puppies that will grow into adult dogs closely resembling the ideal specimen, both in physical appearance and temperament.

      The American Kennel Club (AKC) is guided in its description of the Aussie by the Australian Shepherd Club of America, the parent club that upholds and enforces the standard in the US. Following is an excerpt from the AKC standard.

       AKC STANDARD FOR THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD

      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.

       BREEDER’S BLUEPRINT

      If you are considering breeding your bitch, it is very important that you are familiar with the breed standard. Reputable breeders breed with the intention of producing dogs that are as close as possible to the standard and that contribute to the advancement of the breed. Study the standard for both physical appearance and temperament, and make certain your bitch and your chosen stud dog measure up.

       In conformation showing, the judge feels under the coat to check for correct body construction and bone structure.

      Size, Proportion, Substance: Size—The preferred height for males is 20–23 inches, females 18–21 inches. Quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size. Proportion—Measuring from the breast-bone 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.

      Head: 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. The muzzle tapers little from base to nose and is rounded at the tip.

      Expression: Showing attentiveness and intelligence, alert and eager. Gaze should be keen but friendly. Eyes are 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. Ears are 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.

       BREEDING CONSIDERATIONS

      The decision to breed your dog is one that must be considered carefully and researched thoroughly before moving into action. Some people believe that breeding will make their bitches happier or that it is an easy way to make money. Unfortunately, indiscriminate breeding only worsens the rampant problem of pet overpopulation, as well as putting a considerable dent in your pocketbook. As for the bitch, the entire process from mating through whelping is not an easy one and puts your pet under considerable stress. Finally, consider whether or not you have the means to care for an entire litter of pups. Without a reputation in the field, your attempts to sell the pups may be unsuccessful.

      Skull: Top flat to slightly domed. It may show a slight occipital protuberance. Length and width are equal. Moderate well-defined stop.

      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.

      Teeth: A full complement of strong white teeth should meet in a scissors bite or may meet in a level bite.

      Neck, Topline, Body: Neck is strong, of moderate length, slightly arched at the crest, fitting well into the shoulders. Topline—Back is straight and strong, level and firm from withers to hip joints. The croup is moderately sloped. 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. Tail is straight, docked or naturally bobbed, not to exceed four inches in length.

       “Intelligent, attentive and alert” are words used to describe the Aussie’s expression—this dog’s face embodies them all beautifully.

       MEETING THE IDEAL

      The AKC defines a standard as: “A description of the ideal dog of each recognized breed, to serve as an ideal against which dogs are judged at shows.” This “blueprint” is drawn up by the breed’s recognized parent club, approved by a majority of its membership and then submitted to the AKC for approval.

      The AKC states that “An understanding of any breed must begin with its standard. This applies to all dogs, not just those intended for showing.” The picture that the standard draws of the dog’s type, gait, temperament and structure is the guiding image used by breeders as they plan their programs.

      Forequarters: Shoulders—Shoulder blades are long, flat, fairly close set at the withers and well laid back. Legs straight and strong. Bone is strong, oval rather than round. Pastern is medium length and very slightly sloped. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. Pads are thick and resilient.

      Hindquarters: The width of the hindquarters is equal to the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. Stifles are clearly defined, hock joints moderately bent. The hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each