The Aussie Library

Australian Shepherds, also affectionately known as Aussies, are intelligent--primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. Aussies are exceptional companions. The Australian Shepherd is versatile and easily trained, performing assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm.

Aussies can weigh from 35 to 70 pounds. Males range in height from 20-23 inches and females 18-21 inches. An Aussie has a coat of moderate length and coarseness with coloring that offers variety and individuality in each dog. The recognized colors are blue merle, red merle, solid black and solid red with or without white markings and/or tan points. It is not uncommon to have a dog with one blue eye or one that is half blue and half brown. This does not affect their vision. Another identifying characteristic is a natural or docked bobtail.

Generally Aussies are a healthy breed of dog, with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. As with all breeds of dogs there are specific health issues that should be researched, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.

If you are looking for a dog to be an active part of your life, consider the AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD.

About Aussies

• Awesome Aussies
• ASCA Aussie Information
• Australian Shepherd FAQ
• Grooming Your Aussies
• Living With An Australian Shepherd
• A Field Guide To Coloration of Australian Shepherds
• Aussie Info (lots of info on working Aussies)

Breed Standard

• ASCA Breed Standard
• Australian Shepherd Illustrated Breed Standard

History, Foundation Aussies, & Pedigree Databases

• Australian Shepherd History
• Aussie Roots
• Australian Shepherd Historical Photographs
• Foundation Australian Shepherds
• Australian Shepherd Pedigree Search
• Paw Village Pedigree Search

Aussie Health, Genetics, & Research

• Hereditary Defects of the Australian Shepherd (ASCA)
• Australian Shepherd Genetic Topics

U.S.National Breed Clubs

• Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)
  • ASCA Affialiate Clubs
• US Australian Shepherd Association (USASA)

Australian Shepherd Breeders

• BRASC Breeder's Directory
• ASCA Breeder's Directory
• USASA National Breeder's Directory
• Australian Shepherd Web Sites
  • Listed alphabetically
  • Listed by geographical location

Australian Shepherd Discussion Lists

• Yahoo! Discussion Groups
  You must have a Yahoo! account and subscribe on the website.
• Aussie-L - Australian Shepherds
  This list is for general discussion about Aussiesand a great place to learn more about the breed. General dog-related topics are also allowed. Type "subscribe Aussie-L Yourfullname" in the body of the message.
• ASDisc-L - Australian Shepherd Discussion
  This list is for more serious Aussie topics such as club politics, gentics, herding, etc. General dog-related topics, brags, etc. are not allowed. Type "subscribe ASDISC-L Yourfullname" in the body of the message.
• Affil-L - ASCA Affiliate Club Discussion
  This list is for members of ASCA Affiliate clubs. It will also be the official list for the ASCA Affiliate Council (pending ASCA approval). Type "subscribe Affil-L Yourfullname" in the body of the message.
• ARPH-L - Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline Discussion List
  You must be subscribed by the list owner. Include name, address, phone number, and email address in the message.  This is a private list for rescue reps, foster homes, and others who respond to ARPH's calls. It is designed to help reps network with each other and discuss problems and share successes.

Fun things you can do with your Aussie.