Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
General Appearance
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-balanced dog with a strong bone structure, well-developed musculature, and notable agility. The body is slightly longer than tall, well-balanced, with a firm back and deep chest. The head is proportional, with a moderately defined stop, expressive eyes, and semi-erect ears. A characteristic feature is the natural or docked short tail. The coat is medium in length, straight or slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat providing weather resistance. Coat colors vary: merle, black, red, and tricolor. The overall impression reflects energy, intelligence, and working capabilities, presenting a durable, alert, and confident herding dog.
Important Proportions
The Australian Shepherd has a slightly rectangular format: the body length from the point of the shoulder to the seat bone slightly exceeds the height at the withers, providing functional agility and endurance. The height of the forelegs to the elbow is approximately half of the total height, ensuring balanced construction. Chest depth equals about half of the height, providing sufficient room for the heart and lungs. The head length corresponds to the skull width, and the muzzle-to-skull ratio is harmonious at about 1:1. The tail, naturally short or docked, should not break the top line. All proportions must convey moderate strength, balance, and readiness for active work.
Behavior and Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is an active, intelligent, and loyal dog with a highly developed working instinct. It loves to cooperate with humans, learns quickly, and reacts promptly to commands, making it an excellent helper for herding and service work. Balanced and confident, it is friendly with familiar people but can be reserved with strangers, retaining good guarding instincts. This breed requires regular physical and mental stimulation — lack of activity may lead to behavioral issues. The Australian Shepherd is an ideal companion for active individuals and families ready to invest time in training, socialization, and sporting activities.
Head
The head of the Australian Shepherd is proportionate to the body, dry, with clean lines, yet free from coarseness. The skull is moderately broad, slightly convex, with a gently defined occipital bone. The stop is moderately pronounced but noticeable. The nose matches the muzzle in size; its color depends on the coat: black or blue merle dogs must have black noses, red or red merles must have liver pigmentation. The muzzle is of moderate length, strong, slightly narrowing toward the nose without being pointed. Lips are tight and dry. Teeth are strong, with a correct scissor bite. The overall expression of the head reflects intelligence, attentiveness, and confidence, characteristic of a working dog with a strong temperament.
Facial Region
The facial region of the Australian Shepherd is typical of a herding breed, well-formed, conveying intelligence, determination, and attentiveness. The muzzle is of moderate length and width, dry and straight, narrowing smoothly toward the nose but without tapering. The bridge of the nose is straight, and the profile is even. The nose is well pigmented: black in black and blue merle dogs, liver in red and red merle dogs. Small pigment spots are allowed in puppies up to one year. Lips are thin, tight, and not pendulous. Cheeks are moderately developed and smooth. The chin is mildly defined. The overall impression is one of balance, focus, and readiness to work — key features of a lively, energetic, and attentive herding dog.
Eyes
The eyes of the Australian Shepherd are medium-sized, almond-shaped, well-spaced, and slightly oblique, giving the breed an alert, intelligent, and lively expression. Eye color varies depending on coat: brown or amber eyes are typical for black and red coats; blue, partially blue, or heterochromia are allowed in merle dogs. Heterochromia is a breed feature and not a fault. The expression must be kind but alert toward strangers. Eyelids are tight, with pigmented rims matching the nose color. Eyes must not be bulging, overly round, or too narrow. The expression should reflect intelligence, focus, and readiness to work — core qualities of this energetic working breed.
Ears
The ears of the Australian Shepherd are triangular, medium-sized, set high, with thin cartilage and slightly rounded tips. When alert, ears are semi-erect, with the upper third folding forward or to the side, creating a lively, attentive expression. Fully erect or fully drooping ears are unacceptable and considered faults. The ears must be mobile, reacting to sounds and the dog's mood, emphasizing its active temperament and working focus. Ear placement must be proportionate to the skull and neither oversized nor too small. The coat on the ears is short or slightly longer, smooth. Proper ear shape and placement give the breed its expressive look, reflecting intelligence and agility.
Neck
The neck of the Australian Shepherd is of medium length, strong, dry, and muscular, widening smoothly toward the shoulders. It is set slightly forward, helping to form a well-balanced silhouette. The top line of the neck is slightly arched, giving the dog a proud head carriage typical of a confident working dog. The neck should not appear short, heavy, or overly thin. The transition into the withers is smooth, without abrupt breaks. Skin is elastic and closely fitting, without excessive dewlap. The neck plays a vital role in maintaining balance and freedom of movement, supporting agility and endurance. A well-formed neck emphasizes the breed's harmonious and proportional build.
Body
The body of the Australian Shepherd is strong, well-balanced, and functional, with pronounced musculature and moderate compactness. The topline is level and firm, the withers are well-defined, merging smoothly into a straight, strong back. The loin is short, broad, and slightly arched, providing powerful propulsion. The croup is moderately sloping, broad, and muscular. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, with moderately sprung ribs, allowing ample lung and heart capacity. The abdomen is slightly tucked up, enhancing the breed’s athletic appearance. The body should balance strength and mobility, without appearing coarse or overly heavy. This build allows the Australian Shepherd to work efficiently, maintain endurance, and show agility during herding tasks.
Tail
The tail is a distinctive feature of the Australian Shepherd. It may be naturally short (bobtail) or docked, or of natural length not exceeding the hock. It is set high, continuing the top line, enhancing balance and functionality. When moving, the tail should be level with or slightly above the topline, without curling or rising over the back. At rest, a relaxed, natural drop is allowed. The tail should be straight, of even thickness, and well-furred, matching the overall coat. Faults include improper carriage, excessive curl, sideways deviation, or tail raised too high. Correct tail structure contributes to the breed’s balanced appearance and confident posture.
Front Limbs
The forelimbs are strong, straight, and well-placed, with well-defined dry musculature providing stability and effective movement. Shoulders are long, well-laid back, and close to the body, forming an approximate 90° angle with the upper arm, enabling free and effective reach. The upper arms are muscular but not coarse. The forearms are straight, with strong but proportional bone. Pasterns are slightly sloping, resilient, and capable of absorbing impact during fast movement and sudden turns. The feet are oval, compact, with thick pads and short, strong nails pointing forward. Forelimb movement must be straight and free, with good extension and stability. Incorrect angulation, loose pasterns, turned elbows, or narrow stance are faults. A correct front enhances the breed's working ability and structural balance.
Hind Limbs
The hind limbs are powerful, muscular, and well-angled, providing a strong drive and stable movement. Thighs are long and broad with well-developed muscles, reflecting the breed’s inherent strength and endurance. Stifle joints are well defined, with moderate angulation, harmonizing with the forequarters for balance and fluidity. The lower thighs are strong, well-muscled, and correctly sloping. Hock joints are low-set, firm, without weakness or excessive straightness. Rear pasterns are short and vertical, neither turning in nor out. Feet are oval and compact with firm pads and strong nails. Movement must be powerful, consistent, with good reach of ground and stability. Weak angulation, narrow hindquarters, cow hocks, or excessive straightness are faults. Correct hindquarters support efficiency, agility, and working endurance.
Gait and Movement
The gait of the Australian Shepherd is free, light, springy, and efficient, with good propulsion from the hind limbs and moderate reach of the forelimbs. Movement is straight and parallel when viewed from the front and rear, without crossing or loose elbows. As speed increases, stride extends while balance and stability remain intact. The topline is steady, and the tail follows the line of movement. Free, wide movement enables the dog to work for long periods without fatigue, reflecting its herding purpose. Correct angulation and balanced musculature ensure harmonious movement. Excessive straightness, short stride, loose body, or restricted movement are faults. The gait should give an impression of endurance, agility, and natural working lightness — key traits of the Australian Shepherd.
Coat
The coat of the Australian Shepherd is of medium length, straight or slightly wavy, and moderately dense, offering protection from weather and physical elements. The undercoat is well-developed, with density depending on climate — thicker in cold conditions, lighter in warm environments. The hair should not be overly long, soft, or silky, nor excessively harsh or wiry. The neck and chest may show a more pronounced mane, especially in males. Moderate feathering is present on the back of the thighs. The tail is well coated, in line with the overall coat type. Light feathering on ears and limbs is acceptable but should not be excessive. Too short a coat, curly texture, or absence of undercoat are faults. The coat must emphasize functionality, working heritage, and adaptability.
Permissible Colors
The Australian Shepherd comes in several officially recognized colors, each highlighting the breed's unique type. Primary colors include blue merle, red merle, black, and red, with or without white markings and/or tan. White markings are allowed on the neck, chest, muzzle, head, legs, and underbody but must not predominate or extend beyond the withers on top. Tan markings range from light copper to deep rust, typically seen on the face, above the eyes, under the body, and on legs. Nose and eye rims must match the coat color: black in black and blue merle dogs, liver in red and red merle dogs. Blue eyes are permitted only in merle dogs. Excessive white on the head, lack of pigmentation, or uneven coloring are undesirable. Correct coloring emphasizes breed type and functionality.
Size
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog, well-balanced and sturdy. Males stand 20–23 inches (51–58 cm) at the withers, females 18–21 inches (46–53 cm). Weight typically ranges from 40–65 lbs (18–29 kg) for males and 35–55 lbs (16–25 kg) for females. Importance lies not only in height but in proper proportions reflecting working type: the dog must not appear too low or too tall. Dogs must be physically fit, muscular but not bulky, with strong bone and balanced build. Deviations from standard size, whether too small or too large, are faults, especially if accompanied by loss of function or soundness. Size must reinforce suitability for active herding and endurance.
Faults
Faults are evaluated based on their severity and impact on health, working ability, and breed type. Minor faults include insufficient musculature, shallow chest, mild joint looseness, or slightly soft topline. Serious faults include coarse or overly fine build, poor pigmentation of nose or eyelids, excessively long or silky coat, lack of undercoat, overly timid or dull temperament, weak bone, incorrect ear set, incorrect bite, narrow or cow-hocked limbs, weak pasterns, improper angulation, or unbalanced movement. Faults that affect working ability are penalized strictly.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include any deviations that severely disrupt breed type, functionality, or health. Lack of pigmentation on nose, lips, or eyelids in adult dogs. Incorrect bite: overshot, undershot, or severe dental anomalies. Fully erect or fully dropped ears. Blue eyes in non-merle dogs or lack of pigmentation around the eyes. Aggressive or excessively timid behavior, making the dog unmanageable. Curly coat, absence of undercoat, or excessively long coat compromising function. White color covering more than 25% of the body above the shoulders. Dogs exhibiting albinism, cryptorchid males, and any physical or behavioral traits that impair normal life. Any faults that compromise working capabilities or health justify exclusion from breeding.
Important Notes
The Australian Shepherd requires careful training, socialization, and physical activity. As a working breed, it must have opportunities to use its mental and physical abilities. Lack of stimulation or social exposure can lead to behavioral issues. Dogs born with natural bobtails should be distinguished from docked individuals, and tail length must adhere to standard requirements. In merle dogs, even pigmentation, especially around eyes and nose, must be checked. Puppies with excessive white or incorrect coloration may be excluded from breeding. Breeding two merles is prohibited due to risk of genetic issues. Selection should focus on health, temperament, and working instincts — key traits defining the breed’s value.
Conclusion
The Australian Shepherd is a versatile working breed combining intelligence, endurance, loyalty, and strong cooperation instincts with humans. It has balanced structure, high working capabilities, and expressive appearance, making it sought-after in herding as well as canine sports. This breed requires an active lifestyle, continuous training, and close interaction with its owner — without which its potential may remain unfulfilled. With proper care, the Australian Shepherd becomes a reliable partner capable of performing complex tasks while remaining a devoted companion. Strict adherence to breed standards and responsible breeding practices help preserve the breed’s health, character, and appearance, ensuring its future as an outstanding representative of herding and working dogs.
