Breeder Requirements
Why does this directory have certain requirements for listing breeders?
Reputable registries - this ensures that you are receiving a purebred Australian Shepherd. With purebred dogs, comes a high degree of reliability in the physical and temperament characteristics of the dog. This helps owners choose the type of companion or partner they are looking for.
Health Testing - while no living thing can be unconditionally guaranteed, responsible breeders strive to produce healthy dogs! Health testing recommendations are set forth by the breed's parent clubs to help reduce the incidence of the most common and concerning diseases; these recommended clearances include:
OFA or PennHip hip radiographs
OFA elbow radiographs
OFA Eye exams performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist
Many Aussie breeders are now touting their dogs are "health tested" simply because they are doing a genetic test panel. While these panels are also a good tool used by many, they are considered supplemental and are NEVER to be used as the sole health screening for our breed! There are other tools a breeder might use to screen their dogs, but more testing doesn't necessarily mean healthier dogs - each breeder must choose for their program which tools are most useful...while always including hip, elbow, and eye screenings in their toolbox.
Titling - We require a breeder to have competed and titled at least one dog in any area of competition to be listed in the directory. Generally, if a breeder has taken the time to become involved enough in the breed to title a dog, this correlates strongly with the experience and dedication needed to breed quality Australian Shepherds. We wanted this breeder directory to be as high quality as possible, and this requirement helps us to raise the bar!
Reputable registries - this ensures that you are receiving a purebred Australian Shepherd. With purebred dogs, comes a high degree of reliability in the physical and temperament characteristics of the dog. This helps owners choose the type of companion or partner they are looking for.
Health Testing - while no living thing can be unconditionally guaranteed, responsible breeders strive to produce healthy dogs! Health testing recommendations are set forth by the breed's parent clubs to help reduce the incidence of the most common and concerning diseases; these recommended clearances include:
OFA or PennHip hip radiographs
OFA elbow radiographs
OFA Eye exams performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist
Many Aussie breeders are now touting their dogs are "health tested" simply because they are doing a genetic test panel. While these panels are also a good tool used by many, they are considered supplemental and are NEVER to be used as the sole health screening for our breed! There are other tools a breeder might use to screen their dogs, but more testing doesn't necessarily mean healthier dogs - each breeder must choose for their program which tools are most useful...while always including hip, elbow, and eye screenings in their toolbox.
Titling - We require a breeder to have competed and titled at least one dog in any area of competition to be listed in the directory. Generally, if a breeder has taken the time to become involved enough in the breed to title a dog, this correlates strongly with the experience and dedication needed to breed quality Australian Shepherds. We wanted this breeder directory to be as high quality as possible, and this requirement helps us to raise the bar!
Breed Standards
Breed Standards are the blueprint that breeders adhere to - they are what defines the breed!
ASCA Breed Standard
AKC Breed Standard
UKC Breed Standard
ASCA Breed Standard
AKC Breed Standard
UKC Breed Standard
Aussie Characteristics
Temperament - Strong herding and guardian instincts; reserved with strangers; intelligent; versatile; easily trained; enthusiastic; energetic.
Size - 18-21"/35-55lbs females; 20-23"/45-65lbs males
Coat/Grooming - Double coated; medium length & texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant. Seasonal moderate shedding. Weekly brushing.
Colors - Black, Blue Merle, Red, & Red Merle; with or without white and/or tan trim.
Longevity - 12-15 years
Health - Common genetic disorders include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts & other eye disorders, Epilepsy, Autoimmune diseases, Drug sensitivity, Lymphoma, Hemangiosarcoma
Sports/Events - Conformation, herding, agility, obedience, rally, trick dog, freestyle, disk/frisbee, tracking, nosework, dock diving, barn hunt, lure coursing, flyball, schutzhund, triebball, therapy, search and rescue, weight pull, dog sledding
Challenges - Needs frequent mental stimulation/a job to do; regular exercise required; destructive/obnoxious behaviors can occur without proper training and mental stimulation; shyness, aggression, reactivity can occur in the breed genetically and can also be learned behaviors
Size - 18-21"/35-55lbs females; 20-23"/45-65lbs males
Coat/Grooming - Double coated; medium length & texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant. Seasonal moderate shedding. Weekly brushing.
Colors - Black, Blue Merle, Red, & Red Merle; with or without white and/or tan trim.
Longevity - 12-15 years
Health - Common genetic disorders include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts & other eye disorders, Epilepsy, Autoimmune diseases, Drug sensitivity, Lymphoma, Hemangiosarcoma
Sports/Events - Conformation, herding, agility, obedience, rally, trick dog, freestyle, disk/frisbee, tracking, nosework, dock diving, barn hunt, lure coursing, flyball, schutzhund, triebball, therapy, search and rescue, weight pull, dog sledding
Challenges - Needs frequent mental stimulation/a job to do; regular exercise required; destructive/obnoxious behaviors can occur without proper training and mental stimulation; shyness, aggression, reactivity can occur in the breed genetically and can also be learned behaviors