The Australian shepherd collie, oddly enough, was not brought out by Australian farmers, but in America. The formation of the breed was carried out by crossing Pyrenean sheep-dogs with different types of collies (Smithfield Collie, Border Collie, etc.). As a result, a breed of relatively small but expressive sheep-dogs has turned out. Although now in the fashion of miniature dogs, many families, especially those living in private homes, are pleased to lead complaisant, very spectacular Australian collies.
General view of the breed
The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced medium sized dog. She is alive and attentive, strong and enduring, extraordinarily dexterous. The oblique length of the trunk is slightly larger than the height at the withers. Wool of moderate length and stiffness. The color of each individual is individual, for which this breed is loved by many. Both sexes have strong gender differences. Males are courageous, but not very large. Bitches feminine, but not light-weight. Dogs at the withers should be 51-58 cm tall by the standard. Females - 45-53 cm.
The Australian collie has a wool cover with a texture of medium stiffness. Hair of moderate length, with undercoat. Wool with a slight waviness, resistant to unfavorable weather. The ears, head and forelimbs of the hair are smooth and short. "Pants" and the back of the front legs are moderately overgrown. The scales and mane are moderate, the males are more pronounced than the bitches.
Color is richly bright and pure. Gamma is quite diverse. From incredibly colorful chaotic cheerful colors, to symmetrical elegant. The predominance of black and white colors, all the variety of brown, reddish and bluish shades. The only unifying in coloring trait: the eyes and ears are framed in any color except white. In general, the white color on the head should not dominate. Dogs color merle with age become darker.
The head of the Australian collie sheepdogs is proportional to the body, strong, dry, sharply outlined. On the occipital part of the skull, let's say a small ledge. Above, the head is flat and slightly rounded. The length and width of the skull is equal to the length of the muzzle. The end of the muzzle is rounded. The stop is moderate. When viewed from the side, the lines of the muzzle and the top of the skull form parallel planes.
Ears of moderate size, with rounded tips, triangular in shape. At the edges of the head are upset. By standard, the tip of the ear should reach the inner corner of the eye. When this collie shepherd is alert, her ears are refracted to the side or forward at a distance of 1/4 to 1/2 of the length from the base of the ear. Standing or completely hanging ears are considered a breed defect.
The eyes of the Australian Shepherds are very expressive, clear, radiant with attention and intelligence. Almond shaped, of moderate size, set slightly obliquely, with dark, well-defined pupils. Their color, like the color of the wool, can be as variegated: brown, blue, amber or in any color combination, including specks. In individuals with black color and blue merle - black pigmentation of eye strokes. In individuals with color, red merle and red are brown pigmentation of eye tracing.
Australian collies stand out strong, proportional to the body neck. It is of medium length, slightly curved on the nape, well planted in the shoulders.
Teeth white, strong, complete. The bite is scissor-shaped, but a straight bite is also allowed.
The body is muscular and strong. The back is also strong, straight, strong, even from the withers to the hip joints. The chest is strong, deep, but not wide. With oval regular long ribs. The lower point of the chest reaches the elbow. The loin is strong and wide when viewed from above. The bottom line from the chest to the groin forms a moderate bend. The croup is beveled, the ideal angle is 30 degrees. The tail is straight, docked or naturally coused. Its length should not exceed 10 cm.
The vanes closely converge at the withers, long and flat, with an optimal inclination of 45 degrees back. The humerus is long with a scapula and touches it at right angles. The front legs are straight and perpendicular to the ground. The elbow joint is located in the middle between the withers and the ground. The legs are strong and straight. The bones are strong. Pasterns short or medium length, thin, flexible, but strong. Paws tightly compressed, oval, with cohesive curved fingers. Pillows are elastic and thick. Claws are hard and short. Removed profitable fingers do not spoil the characteristics of the individual.
The width of the hindlimbs approaches the width of the forelimbs in the shoulders. In the Australian Shepherd, the angle of the hip and pelvis joint corresponds to the angle of the junction of the humerus and the scapula, forming a right angle. Hock joints are curved moderately. Knee joints are pronounced. Hocks are short, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Paws tightly compressed, with cohesive, curved fingers. Oval shape. Pillows are elastic, thick. Claws are hard and short.
Attractive features of Australian collie sheepdogs
This nature was awarded to this breed with an excellent instinct and guard. Dogs are perfectly oriented on the terrain. When a threat to the owners may be too aggressive. Therefore, they must be trained (like any dog). Or walk the pet in a muzzle and leash. Dogs are always sensitive in the presence of strangers. Australian Shepherds are social animals. They love the company of the owners, they love to be in the thick of things. If they are allowed, they will always be nearby, accompany in business and in leisure, travel in the car. And the owners will not be ashamed of them. After all, these dogs are not only smart, but also very effective.