Australian Shepherd

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.

The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches, females 18-21 inches. Quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size. 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. S olidly built with moderate bone. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone.

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, measuring from a horizontal line at the elbow. White on the head should not predominate, and the eyes must be fully surrounded by color and pigment. Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age. Disqualifications  – White body splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters in all colors.

Colors

 * Black
 * Blue
 * Isabella (Lilac)
 * Liver (Red)

Markings
All art made by Johaan-N
 * Merle v1 - 4
 * White Irish v1 - 4
 * Tan Points v1 - 3
 * Masks v1 - 4