Aussie Related Links:
These are some of my favorite sites for information and topics related to the Australian Shepherd. I have organized them into categories for better navigation.
Clubs and Organizations:
The Australian Shepherd is eligible for registration and competition through several organizations. Owners are eligible for membership and participation in a variety of programs through these clubs. Check out how you can get involved!
The Australian Shepherd Club of Washington (ASC of WA)
ASC of WA is the ASCA affiliate club for the greater Seattle area (Northwestern Washington State). We offer herding, conformation, obedience, and other events in the Pacific Northwest. You can also shortcut to the ASC of WA Events page by clicking the link "Events" on the navigation bar to the left of the screen.
Cascade Australian Shepherd Club
CASC is the ASCA affiliate club for SW Washington. The offer conformation and obedience shows in the Vancouver area year round.
The Australian Shepherd Club of British Columbia
ASC of BC is the ASCA affiliate club for British Columbia, Canada.
The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)
ASCA was established as the parent club for the Australian Shepherd in 1957. ASCA affiliated local clubs offer meetings and competitive programs all over the United States. Competitive programs available include conformation (show), stockdog trials, obedience, agility, and tracking. Since January 2001, ASCA is trialing a progressive new conformation program in which altered dogs may achieve an Altered Championship title (A-CH). ASCA also offers Aussie registration, club membership, and a publication called the Aussie Times.
The United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA)
USASA is affiliated with AKC and offers a variety of programs for Aussies to compete in. Aussies have been registered and eligible for competition in AKC programs since 1993. USASA also offers club membership and a publication called the Aussie Journal.
All Breed Herding Association (AHBA)
AHBA offers herding competition for all herding breeds.Information:
Inheritance of Color
This excellent site covers Aussie coloration in some detail.
Bofelli Site
The Bofelli Site has tons of links to organizations, breeders, and information!
Jan Wesen's Home Page
Jan is our herding and obedience trainer. Her site contains information about positive obedience training, herding, resources, and a list of northwest dog events!Breed History and Photos:
Sandy Cornwell's Breed Roots Page
The site is fascinating for those who are interested in the foundation dogs. There are many pictures organized by United States region!
Barbara Applegate's Pictoral History Page
This is a very nice page with pictures and information, showcasing some of the earliest Aussies and the lines that this breed was built upon.
Slash V Page
Terri Martin of Slash V has compiled an excellent history with photos of the working Aussie!
Aussie History Article
This is an informative article about the probable origins of the Aussie as we know the breed today.Aussie Working Description:
ASCA currently faces controversy about development of a Working Description. The two sites below present opposing perspectives on this issue. If you are interested in the working Aussie, the Slash V site (above) also contains excellent information.
Aussie Ed
"AussieEd is a concerned group of ASCA Members . . . that wish to present educational and alternative viewpoints that are shared by a significant group of Aussie owners. That being said, AussieEd wishes to keep the focus on the Working Standard issue and not on the group."
Aussie Info
"This website has been created by ASCA members to offer facts, based on historical references and knowledgeable opinion, which support the ASCA Stock Dog Committee's development of a Working Description of the Australian Shepherd."
Aussie Rescue:
Aussie Rescue has outstanding dogs available to responsible homes. Many of these dogs are victims of unfortunate circumstances or irresponsible ownership, and only need a loving home to shine. If you are looking for an Aussie, please consider whether a rescue is right for you!
Aussie Rescue Northwest
Find out about rescued Aussies available in the Northwest, or how to volunteer to help out with local rescue efforts. Links to Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue as well.
Second Time Around Aussie Rescue (STAAR)
Aussie rescue offers many very nice dogs that need new homes!Canine Health Registrations:
All Aussie breeding stock should be cleared and registered with both OFA and CERF. Responsible breeders will take care to not pass inherited disease such as hip dysplasia and eye disease to their litters. Failure to register breeding stock with OFA and CERF indicates careless and irresponsible breeding practices.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Aussie breeders must check their breeding dogs for hip dysplasia. This is done when a dog reaches at least 2 years of age. The OFA site offers a database query of dogs x-rayed by a qualified veterinarian and rated by OFA.
Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
Aussie breeders must CERF check their breeding dogs yearly for eye disease before breeding. New litters are checked by a CERF opthalmologist before going to their new homes.