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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

INTERIM (pending review)

General Appearance
Well balanced, length slightly greater than height. Medium sized, muscular with moderate bone. Expression alert and keen.  Masculinity and femininity well defined.

Characteristics
Intelligent working dog with herding and guarding instincts. Great stamina, loyal, attentive and animated.  Lithe, agile and able to change speed and direction with ease.

Temperament
Even disposition. May show initial reserve, never shy or aggressive.

Head and Skull
In proportion to body. Clean cut. Dry. Muzzle equal to, or a little shorter than length of skull, tapering slightly to a rounded tip. Skull flat to slightly rounded, approximately equal in length and width. Moderate, well defined stop. Nose and eye rims: black in blue merles and blacks; shades of brown in red merles and reds. Lack of pigment undesirable over one year of age.

Eyes
Expressive, almond shaped, set obliquely with tight fitting rims. Brown, blue or amber, or combination including flecks and marbling. 

Ears
Triangular; of moderate size and thickness with a slightly rounded tip. Set high. When alert, brought forward and carried semi-erect, with half to three quarters of the ear breaking forward or to side.

Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Clean, without throatiness. Moderate length, strong, slightly arched; fitting smoothly into shoulders.

Forequarters
Shoulder blades long and flat, well laid back. Upper arms of comparable length. Height to the elbow is half the height of the dog at the withers.  Forearms straight from all sides with moderate oval bone. Medium length, slightly sloping pasterns.

Body
Length from point of shoulder to point of buttock slightly greater than height at withers. Strong, with firm level topline. Chest deep, of moderate width, with brisket reaching to elbow. Ribs well sprung and carried well back. Loin strong and broad.  Croup moderately sloping.  Moderate tuck-up.

Hindquarters
Approximately equal in width to forequarters at the shoulders. Angulation of pelvis and upper thighs reflects that between scapulae and upper arms. Well turned stifles.  Hocks well let down,  with rear pasterns perpendicular to ground and parallel when viewed from rear.

Feet
Oval, compact with well arched toes and thick pads.

Tail
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Straight, docked to no more than 10 cms (4ins) length.
Undocked: Of moderate length. Never curled or carried over back. Well feathered. In overall balance with the rest of the dog.  Not kinked.  May be naturally bobbed.  Set on following the line of the croup.

Gait/Movement
Agile, smooth, free and easy, with moderate length of stride without any exaggeration. Fore and hind limbs move straight and true but should converge at speed.  Topline should remain firm and level.

Coat
Medium length and texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant with undercoat. Short hair on head, ears front of forelegs and below hock joints. Back of legs moderately feathered. Moderate mane, more pronounced in dogs than bitches.

Colour
Blue merle, black, red merle, red, all with or without tan points. All colours should be strong, clear and rich.  White should not dominate the head.  On all colours the areas covering and surrounding the ears and eyes are dominated by a colour other than white.
May have white as follows: 

full or part collar not extending beyond point of withers at the skin

• chest
• muzzle
• moderate blaze
• underparts
• on fore-legs
• on hind-legs, preferably not extending above the hock joint

Size
Dogs: 51-58 cms (20-23 inches). Bitches: 46-53 cms (18-21 inches).

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 and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - January 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD CLUB OF UK. Sec. Mrs Sarah Green. Tel No: 01924 489859
• National Australian Shepherd Association. Sec: Mrs Challenger. Tel No: 01366 386702

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Pastoral Group 

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