History & Breed Standard
The origin and history of this breed isn’t as clear cut as many other breeds and I enjoy researching and furthering my knowledge. If you are interested in the breeds heritage I have two books that I found very informative and entertaining that I would like to recommend that you start with.
Australian Shepherds of the Mountain West Book
Author: Kris Toft
Publisher: Rowe Publishing
All About Aussies: Australian Shepherds from A to Z
Author: Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor
Publisher: Alpine Pubns Inc
The guardianship of our breed is entrusted to the Breed Standards. The dogs we have today are our legacy from past breeders and although some aussies may not perform all the same functions today as they did in the past, the breed standards still reflect the reasons why the breed came into being. It is those physical attributes, temperaments and characteristics laid down in the standards, which make them desirable.
“If we stop looking at the Australian Shepherd through the lens of its original purpose as a working stock dog, we will have created (in time) a distinctly different breed.” Quote from The Australian Shepherd Judging Compendium written by Award-Winning author Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor, this book is an illustrated workbook for judges and non-judges alike.
The Australian Shepherd Judging Compendium
Author: Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor
Publisher: Rope the Moon Publishing
Breed Standards & Links
Click on any title below to be taken directly to their website.
