For the morphological characteristics of the Australian Shepherd, when we buy a dog, we often mention appearance. The so-called appearance does not only refer to whether it looks good or not, but also the AKC standard determined based on the dog's body shape, bones and other aspects. , according to this standard, we can help us buy a beautiful and healthy dog. What are the morphological characteristics of the Australian Shepherd? The editor of AiPet.com will take you to find out.

Head

The head of an Australian Shepherd puppy Head is clean, firm and dry (no loose skin). The overall size of the head is in proportion 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 contours of the muzzle and the skull are parallel, with the muzzle and skull separated by a moderate but well-defined stop. The muzzle is slightly tapered from the base to the nose, and the tip is slightly rounded.

Expression

The Australian Shepherd appears focused and intelligent, alert and keen, keen-eyed but friendly. Eyes may be brown, blue, amber, or a combination of different colors and variations, including speckled or marbled. Almond-shaped, neither protruding nor sunken, blue merle or black dogs have black eye circles; red merle dogs have liver-colored (brown) eye circles. The ears are triangular in shape, medium in size, with medium auricular thickness, set high, folded forward, or resemble rose ears. Prick or lop ears are a serious fault. The top of the head is flat and slightly arched, the occipital bone is slightly protruding, and the length and width of the head are equal.

Nose

Australian Shepherd blue merle or black dogs have black noses (and lips), red merle dogs have liver-colored (brown) noses ( and lips). A small amount of pink stain on the nose (and lips) of merle colored dogs is allowed, but after one year of age, the pink stain cannot exceed 25% of the nose area. Otherwise it is a serious defect.

Teeth

The teeth are complete and white, with a scissor-like bite or a pincer-like bite. Disqualification: Undershot bite. The upper jaw protrudes more than 1/8 inch. If the middle incisors are short and the teeth cannot touch each other, but the other parts are normal, it is not considered a protruding bite. Broken or missing teeth resulting from an accident are not considered a defect.

Neck

The neck is strong, of medium length, slightly arched at the top and blends well into the shoulders.

Topline

The back (from withers to croup) is straight and strong, level and stable. The hips are moderately sloping. The chest is not broad, but extends deep to the elbows. The ribs are well sprung and long, neither barrel-chested nor flat on the sides. The lower abdominal curve is moderately lifted. The tail should be straight, docked or naturally short, no longer than 4 inches.

Forequarters

Shoulders of the Australian Shepherd : The shoulder blades are long and flat, withers moderately close and sloping back. The forearm is the same length as the shoulder blade, and the angle with the shoulder blade is close to a right angle. The forelimb is just below the shoulder blade and perpendicular to the ground. The legs are straight and strong, with strong bones and preferably oval rather than round in cross-section. Ankles are of medium length and very slightly sloping. The dewclaws on the forelimbs can be removed. The feet are oval and compact, with the toes tightly knit and well arched. The foot pads are thick and flexible.

Hindquarters

The width of the hindquarters is consistent with the width of the forequarters at the shoulders. The angle between the pelvis and the first thigh corresponds to the angle between the forequarters shoulder blades and the forearms, which is close to a right angle. . The stifles are well defined and the hocks well angulated. Viewed from behind, the hocks are short, perpendicular to the ground, and parallel to each other. Hind dewclaws must be removed.

Coat

The coat is of medium quality, straight or slightly wavy, able to withstand harsh weather, and of medium length. The amount of undercoat will change according to climate and season changes. The hair on the head, ears, forelegs, and hind legs below the hocks is short and smooth. The back of the forelegs and "trousers" are moderately feathered. There is a moderate amount of mane decoration, and the male shape is more obvious than the female. The absence 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 brown transitions), there are no disadvantages to these colors division or order. The white collar must not extend past the withers. White is acceptable on the neck (part or all), chest, legs, and under the muzzle, as is white veining on the head and white extending no more than 4 inches from the elbow. White must not dominate the head, and there must be color around the eyes, which must be adequately pigmented. The characteristics of merle color will increase with age.

Tail

Some Australian Shepherds are born with docked or stubby tails, while others have full, long tails. For historical reasons, breeders will artificially dock the tails of puppies when they are born, but the dog's tail wagging movement, or butt wagging, will still be retained. Competition standards in the United States and Canada require naturally docked tails or short tails no longer than 4 inches, but now many long-tailed Australian Shepherds have achieved good results in these competitions. In Europe, Australian shepherds with any tail length are allowed to participate in competitions, and some countries prohibit artificial tail docking.

Gait

The Australian Shepherd's gait is smooth, extended and easy. The movements appear to be very agile, harmonious and long in stride. The front and rear limbs move straight and parallel to the center line of the body. When the speed increases, the limbs and feet will move closer to the center line of the body due to gravity, while the back remains level and stable. The Australian Shepherd must be agile and have the ability to change direction and pace suddenly.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, alert but calm dog; good-natured and not noisy. There will be reservations when meeting someone for the first time. Faults: Any shyness, timidity or aggression is a serious fault.

Disqualification

Overshot bite. The upper jaw protrudes more than 1/8 inch. White spots on the body mean that no matter what color it is, white appears from behind the withers, in front of the tail, from the elbows on both sides to the back and buttocks.