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The breed originated from the Western United States, and Australian Shepherds are known to be one of the most beautiful dogs in North America. Aussies are very intelligent and they have the drive to take part as a service dog, show dog, dog agility courses, stock dog (stock herding is the purpose of this breed) or they could just be your best companion at home. They are such beautiful friendly dogs to own.

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There are four sizes of Australian Shepherds; the Large Standard size, Small Standard Size, Mini Aussies, and Toy Aussies. Standard size range from 18" to 23" from the withers. Mini Aussies range from 14' to 18'' from the withers. Toy Aussies range from 10'' to 14'' from the withers. Standard Aussies are recognized as the original Australian Shepherds.

 

The Canadian Kennel Club doesn't recognize the words "Toy" or "Mini" Aussies as an actual breed. Therefore, standard, minis and toys are all formally called Australian Shepherds. If there are Canadian Australian Shepherds registered with the American Stock Dog Registry, in Canada they are not considered Purebred Australian Shepherds, they would just be known as Australian Shepherds. Although all registered Australian Shepherds are typically purebreds, it's best to get your ASDR Australian Shepherds tested through Embark to have proof of your Australian Shepherds bloodline.

 

It is illegal to sell any dog as a "Purebred" in Canada if a dog does not have Canadian Kennel Club Registrations. As for the owners and breeders of the Australian Shepherd Breed, it's best to avoid the word "purebred" on any contracts, paperwork (etc.). If they are only registered with ASDR, it's best to title them as "Toy Australian Shepherds", "Miniature Australian Shepherds", and "Australian Shepherds".

 

There is also the American Shepherd Breed which is very similar to the Australian Shepherd Breed.

 

Coat Color:

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Black Tri: Black, white and copper

Black Bi: Black and White

Black and Tan

Solid Black: Black

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Red Tri: Red, white and copper

Black Bi: Red and white

Red and Tan

Solid Red: Red

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Solid Blue Merle

Blue Merle and white

Blue Merle and Tan

Blue Merle, white and copper

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Solid Red Merle

Red Merle and White

Red Merle and Tan

Red Merle, white and copper

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Some Aussies could also possibly end up being dilute, it depends on the pairing of the parents. Aussies can also end up being Harlequin Merles. There is ALOT of information we should know as Breeders, but this is just the basic information I am sharing with my clients. 

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Australian Shepherds have either just brown eyes, honey brown eyes, one blue eye and one black/brown eye, or both blue eyes. 

 

Here are some important information when breeding Australian Shepherds:

 

You cannot breed Australian Shepherds from merle to merle, or the puppies will end up becoming mismarked (all white), deaf or blind, and they are known as double merle.

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It's encouraged to get your breeding dogs Genetically Health Tested, because if you pair dogs that both carry the same Genetic Disease, their offspring's will develop health problems.

 

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