The breed standard states that their upper arms (humerus) is equal in length to the shoulder blade. The loin—strong and broad when viewed from the top. They are equidistant in height, measuring 50% from ground to elbow and 50% from elbow to the withers. Other problem areas are length of body vs. height, which when measuring from the point of the shoulder blade to the point of the buttocks and from the highest point of the shoulder blade to the ground should be slightly longer than tall. Meaning about a 9-10 ratio. Downsizing can often result in a boxy or cobby body type which is usually due to lack of loin. I like to see 2/3 rib cage to 1/3 loin. So, each generation requires an honest evaluation of both the dam and sire. Know what you need to improve upon and breed accordingly. You must have both short and long term goals clearly established in your breeding program. Always comparing your plan to the Breed Standard. The short term goals are what you expect to get out of any specific cross. Long term goals include how you expect to cement a body type and temperament as close to the Breed Standard as possible.
Even though any given breeding program has used only Aus- tralian Shepherd bloodlines, they can still experience toy features during the downsizing process. Domed skulls, round and or protruding eyes, prick ears and slight bone are all things to be strongly avoided. We are looking for length of muzzle that is equal to the length and width of the crown, almond shaped eyes, neither protruding nor sunken and the ears at full attention should break forward and over or to the side as a rose ear. It is important to note that this breed is to be shown in a natural presentation leaving whiskers on and minimal scissoring. We do not want our breed to be shown sculpted. A good breeder should start to see that they are more consistently producing males that are between 14 and 18 inches and bitches between 13 and 17 inches at the top of the withers with moderate bone in proportion to body height and size. They should have a full and deep chest reaching the elbow with well sprung ribs. Possessing compact feet with well arched toes. The angulation of the pelvis and upper thigh (femur) should mirror the angulation of the shoulder blade and upper arm. They need short hocks, (short hocks being 1/3 of the total height) and acceptable coat colors, along with all of the afore mentioned qualities. That is when you know you have achieved a correct and solid breeding program.
282 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M AY 2019
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