During "Conformation" events dogs are judged against individual breed standards. These standards describe the ideal size, color, and temperament of each breed, as well as correct proportion, structure, and movement. Please navigate to our "Links" page to learn many more details about conformation events.
In the chart below you will find some breed standards for Australian Shepherds followed by results and images from several of Tuxedo's conformation trials.
Australian Shepherd Breed Standards
Size--The preferred height for males is 20-23 inches, females 18-21 inches.
Substance--Solidly built with moderate bone.
Head--The head is clean cut and strong.
Expression --Showing attentiveness and intelligence, alert and eager.
Eyes-- Brown, blue, amber or any variation or combination thereof.
Ears--Triangular, of moderate size and leather, set high on the head.
Teeth--A full complement of strong white teeth should meet in a scissors bite.
Neck--Strong, of moderate length, slightly arched at the crest.
Topline--Back is straight and strong, level and firm from withers to hip joints.
Tail--Straight, docked or naturally bobbed, not to exceed four inches in length.
Coat--Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length.
Coloration--Blue merle, black, red merle, red-all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preferance.
Tux's Specifics:
Born on 05/01/2005
Bred by Ralph Wintersberger
Owned by Evelyn Vinogradov and Sharon Cooper
Eye Cerf Normal 5/2007
OFA Hips Excellent, Elbows Normal
Full dentition, Scissor bite
Height 21", Weight 58 lbs
Canine Good Citizen Test passed in June, 2006 at age of 13 months after first attempt
Rally Novice title achieved in 11/2006 after 3 consecutive qualifying legs
AKC CH title achieved on May 3, 2008 under Judge A.L. Gomez in Big Spring Texas
ASCA major pointed.
Tux is professionally handled by Sergio Espejo in the AKC Conformation Ring
He has been handled by Cameron Leopold, Kim Raleigh & Evelyn Vinogradov in ASCA
Tux is handled by Evelyn in the Obedience and Rally Rings and has achieved 2 qualifying legs toward his CD
Tuxedo takes Best of Winners and Best of Opposite in Alamogordo, NM- 10/08/07
The American Kennel Club requires a dog to obtain a total of 15 points with two major wins (a major win is worth three points or higher) to become a champion.
The majors must be won under different judges.
Judge: Mr. David Bolus; Handler: Sergio Espejo
Tux won his first 2 AKC points here.
Tuxedo takes Winner's Dog in Austin, TX- 10/28/07
Judge: Mrs. Alane Gomez; Handler: Sergio Espejo
Tux won his second 2 AKC points here.
AKC Point total is 4. No Majors yet.
Tuxedo takes a 5 point major in Tulsa, OK- 11/03/2007
Judge: Mrs. Nancy Liebes; Handler: Sergio Espejo
AKC Point total is 9. One major down, one to go.
Tuxedo takes a 3 point major in Tucson, AZ- 11/18/2007
Judge: Ms. Neena VanCamp; Handler: Sergio Espejo
AKC Point total is 12. Two majors accomplished.
Tuxedo takes 2 points for Winner's Dog in Amarillo, TX- 12/07/2007
