Australian Shepherd (detailed introduction)

　　Although called the Australian Shepherd, it was mainly bred in the United States. The ideal Australian Shepherd male height at the shoulder is 20~23 inches; females are 18~21 inches tall. Height: 45-58.5 cm, weight: 16-32 kg.
　　Appearance Characteristics
　Head
　　The head is tidy, solid, and dry (without loose skin). The size of the entire head is proportionate to the body. The length of the muzzle is equal to or slightly shorter than the length of the skull. Viewed from the side, the upper outline of the muzzle and the upper outline of the skull run parallel, separated clearly by a moderate stop. The muzzle tapers slightly from the base toward the nose leather, with a slightly rounded tip.
　　Expression
　　Appears focused and intelligent, alert and keen, with sharp but friendly eyes. Eyes can be brown, blue, amber, or a combination of different colors and variations, including spots or marbling. Almond-shaped, neither bulging nor sunken; blue and merle dogs have black eye rims; red merle dogs have liver (brown) eye rims. Ears are triangular, medium-sized, of moderate thickness, set high, folding forward, or rose-shaped. Prick or drop ears are serious faults. The top of the skull is flat and slightly arched, with a slight occipital protuberance; the length and width of the skull are equal.
　　Nose Leather
　　Blue merle or black dogs have black nose leather (and lips), while red merle dogs have liver (brown) nose leather (and lips). Merle dogs may have small pink spots on the nose leather (and lips), but after one year old, pink spots must not exceed 25% of the nose leather's surface. Otherwise, it is a serious fault.
　　Teeth
　　Complete dentition, teeth white, either scissor bite or pincer bite. Disqualification: undershot bite. Overshot more than 1/8 inch. If the middle incisors are short and the teeth do not meet, but the rest is normal, it is not considered undershot. Teeth broken or missing due to accidents are not faults.
　　Neck
　　Neck is solid, of medium length, slightly arched on top, well connected to the shoulders.
　　Backline
　　The back (from withers to croup) is straight, strong, flat, and firm. The croup is moderately sloped. Chest is not wide but deep extending to the elbows. Ribs are well sprung and long, neither barrel-shaped nor flat-sided. The underline curves moderately upwards. Tail is straight, docked or naturally short, with a length not exceeding 4 inches.
　　Forequarters
　　Shoulder: scapula long and flat, with moderate close-set withers, slanting backward. Forearm is the same length as the scapula, at about a right angle to it, with the foreleg directly under the scapula, vertical to the ground. Legs are straight and solid, bones strong, with an oval cross-section preferred over round. Pasterns medium length, very slightly slanted. Dewclaws on the front legs may be removed. Paws are oval, compact, toes tight, arched. Pads are thick and elastic.
　　Hindquarters
　　Width of hindquarters corresponds with width of forequarters at the shoulders, with the angles formed between pelvis and first thigh matching those of shoulder blade and forearm, close to right angles. Stifle very defined, hock angles appropriate. Viewed from behind, hocks are short, vertical to the ground, and parallel to each other. Dewclaws on hind legs must be removed.
　　Coat
　　Coat quality is medium, straight or slightly wavy, weather resistant, medium length. The undercoat varies with climate and season. Hair on head, ears, front of forelegs, and below hocks on hind legs is short and smooth. Moderate feathering on back of forelegs and "breeches" on hind legs. Moderate mane is present, more pronounced in males. Lack of typical coat is a serious fault.
　　Color
　　Blue merle, black, red merle, or all red, with or without white markings (white markings may have tan transitions). These colors have no ranking or order of preference. White collar must not extend beyond the withers. White on neck (partial or full), chest, legs, and under the muzzle is acceptable; white streaks on the head and white extending up from elbows not exceeding 4 inches are also acceptable. White must not dominate on the head, and eyes must be surrounded by color with well pigmented eye rims. Merle patterning tends to increase with age.
　　Tail
　　Some Australian Shepherds have naturally docked or short, thick tails; others have full-length tails. Historically, breeders dock puppies’ tails, but dogs still display the characteristic tail wagging or “wiggling their butt.” The US and Canada show standards require natural bobtails or tails no longer than 4 inches, but many long-tailed Aussies have won high awards in these shows. In Europe, any tail length is allowed for competition, and some countries prohibit tail docking.
　　Gait
　　The Australian Shepherd’s gait is smooth, flowing, and effortless. Movement is very agile, harmonious, with a long stride. Fore and hind legs move straight and parallel to the body’s centerline. At increased speeds, feet converge toward the centerline due to gravity, while the back remains level and steady. The breed must be agile with the ability to swiftly change direction and pace.
　　Temperament
　　The Australian Shepherd is intelligent, alert yet calm; naturally good-natured, not prone to barking. Reserved when first meeting people. Faults: any shyness, timidity, or aggressiveness is a serious fault.
　　Disqualifications
　　Undershot bite. Overbite exceeding 1/8 inch. White spots on the body, meaning any white coloration beyond the withers, between the tail and withers, on the sides from elbows to back and hips.