 Back to Basics
One of the major stops in any breed search is the breed standard. It is meant to outline the ideal Australian shepherd. Responsible breeders make every attempt to come as close to this document as possible.
Acronyms to become familiar with:
ASCA- Australian Shepherd Club of America,
parent club of the Aussie, provides titling and performance programs for
Australian Shepherds and other eligible breeds.
AKC- American Kennel Club, most commonly
known all dog breed registry, also provides titling and performance programs.
USASA- United States Australian
Shepherd Association, the parent club for the Aussie for AKC. Not involved
in any titling programs, but holds National specialty and recognition programs.
CKC- The Canadian Kennel Club, the Great White North's answer to AKC, eh?
MASCA- Miniature Australian Shepherd
Club of America, for the little guys.
NBT- Natural Bob Tail (means a dog has been born with a naturally short
tail
C/W - indicated a copper and white trim
Breed Magazines
ASCA's Aussie Times - Free with membership in ASCA, mainly
a listing of titles, standings and ads. Some good articles, but not strong
in that department. For information e-mail
ASCA@tca.net, or write
to ASCA Business office, 60691 E State HWY 21, Bryan T 77808-9652, call (409) 778-1082, or via fax at (409) 778-1898
USASA's Australian Shepherd Journal - You do not need
to be a member to subscribe to this bi-monthly magazine. Some statistics,
ads, very good articles, high quality magazine. E-mail
SheZDolan@aol.com, write to Journal,
80 Reutemann Road, North Stonington, CT 06359, or call (860) 535-1159
Double Helix Network News - Quarterly newsletter
for those interested in genetics and hereditary diseases in the Australian
shepherd. E-mail: helix@qnis.net or call 559 264-2685
Life Span / Expectancy
Aussies live from nine to fifteen years on average. It is not unheard
of for an Aussie to live as many as 17 or 18 years.
Height and Weight
According to the standard, an Aussie ranges from 18-23 inches. Many people inquire upon average or ideal weight for an Aussie, but the breed is not dependent on a weight as other breeds are.
Size is almost always measured in terms of inches. A good weight range is anywhere from 35-65 pounds. Your Aussie may be a lithe, leggy guy, or a short, stalky gal. It all depends on lines and breeding.
As a frame of reference, I have vowed never to have a dog I couldn't carry (glad I did, too . . . there've been many occasions that I've had to, hurt paws, tired, etc), and I can carry my dog.
Aussie Pup Costs
When buying a puppy, keep in mind what your Aussie will be doing. A 'pet' quality
Aussie is fine for performance and family if it is not to be bred.
Fair prices for Aussies are $150-1000 for a 'pet' quality dog, and 'breeding
quality' ranges from $300-2000. All things are based on factors such as sex,
color, ancestry, potential, or other contributory factors. Most breeders
will be willing to help with broken up payments you if you cannot afford
the initial cost of an Aussie but can demonstrate that you can afford the
daily costs of the dog.
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