Page 48 - Aussie Magazine no1, 2023
P. 48
Judge
Colour: We have four acceptable colours: blue
merle, black, red merle and red, all with or
without white markings and/or tan (copper)
points. This gives us potentially sixteen (16)
colour combinations. As a breed, we celebrate
the unique individuality and variety that our
colours and markings allow us.
We do not prefer or reward one colour over
another. We do not recognise or prefer a bi-
coloured dog over a tri-coloured dog. A solid
black dog (no white or copper trim) is to be About
judged equally against a red merle dog with
white markings and copper points. A red dog
with white markings and no copper points are
equally acceptable (red bi). A dog with split- Nannette L. Newbury has competed
face markings is to be judged no differently than and titled dogs in conformation,
a dog with no white on its face or a dog with agility, obedience, and stock/herding,
symmetrical white markings on its face. Some including winning the coveted Most
breeding programs favour symmetrical markings Versatile Australian Shepherd title at
(white muzzle and blaze and colour and/or the National Specialty (1997) having
white front legs); other breeding programs owned the breed since 1973. She is
prefer minimal white trim; still, others prefer approved to judge AKC, ASCA, FCI,
asymmetrical, unique colour patterns. We do not and The Kennel Club events, and
prefer, nor do we wish you to favour one colour has served as the Judge’s Education
or style of markings over another. We celebrate Coordinator for the United States
this unique quality in our breed and wish to Australian Shepherd Association
preserve it. (USASA). She continues to judge
and conducts educational breed
Merling: We do not distinguish between the seminars worldwide. In addition,
amount of merling and/or colour spots on the she was the long-time editor of
red and blue merles. A merle with large-sized the national breed club magazine,
or a large number of solid colour spots and little The Australian Shepherd Journal,
merling is equally acceptable as a heavily merled and breed column editor for the
dog with little or no spots of colour. American Kennel Club Gazette.
White: Here you will find one of our few
disqualifications: white body splashes
located between the withers and tail, on the
sides between the elbows and back of the
hindquarters. Colour faults would encompass a
white collar exceeding the point of the withers
(at the base of the hair). In addition, white should The Australian Shepherd is a wonderfully
not predominate on the head and the eye should engaging, unique, individualistic breed that offers
be fully surrounded by colour and pigment. variety within the standard. This makes judging
White may extend up from the belly into the the breed more complex and will truly test your
body. As long as it does not go past four inches skills as a judge. Their fun, dedicated and charming
above the elbow it is acceptable. You may have demeanour make this breed a favourite all over
to lift the hair to see this fault. You may see dogs the world. Our goal is to preserve these traits and
with white on their stifles. This is acceptable. this breed for future generations.
48 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 1/2023