Below is the AKC & ASCA Official written Standard on the Australian Shepherd.

AKC Official 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 stanima 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.

ASCA Official Standard for the Australian Shepherd- General Appearance--The Australian Shepherd is a well balanced dog of medium size and bone. He is attentive and animated, showing strength and stamina combined with unusual agility. Slightly longer than tall, he has a coat of moderate length and coarseness with coloring that offers variety and individuality in each specimen. An identifying characteristic is his natural or docked bobtail. In each sex, masculinity or femininity is well-defined.

   Character- The Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog with strong herding and guardian instincts. He is an exceptional companion. He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. He is reserved with strangers but does not exhibit shyness. Although an aggressive, authoritative worker, viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable.

REGISTRIES & CLUBS

(For the Australian Shepherd)

AKC - American Kennel Club

ASCA - Australian Shepherd Club of America

USASA - United States Australian Shepherd Association

CASC - Carolina Australian Shepherd Club