Breed standards are an outline of the ideal breed specimen. However, they leave a lot of room for interpretation, which can be highly inaccurate if a person does not have depth knowledge of the breeds. Mistaken interpretation results in faulty judging and breeding decisions, causing the breeds to veer away from the ideal dog intended by the breed founders. Using 238 photos of excellent examples of these breeds, this book clearly illustrates the standards from the viewpoint of highly respected judges from the USA and Europe. The objective is to guide judges and breeders toward better judging and breeding decisions through deeper knowledge of the standards. "Our breed has needed this resource for years! Clear, concise and breed standard factual! Outstanding book!" Tim J. Preston, Cobbercrest Australian Shepherds, Founding member of the United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA), Former USASA President, respected Australian Shepherd breed mentor. "The FCI Breed Standard book is amazing-a wonderful accomplishment! This is a must-have for everyone interested in learning, especially how the word 'moderate' is defined for the Australian Shepherd. A great addition to anyone's library!" Sheila Polk. Tri-Ivory Australian Shepherds since 1963. Approved by the American Kennel Club to judge 62 breeds in the Herding (which includes Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds), Sporting and Working Groups and Best in Show. Has judged many FCI shows. "I read this book from cover to cover and find it to be an accurate and needed comparison of the Australian Shepherd and Miniature American Shepherd breed standards. I appreciated the explanations for each section of the standards. The pictures clearly show the desirable traits and any breed differences. This book should be read and used as a reference by both judges and breeders." Sue Ritter. Legacy Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds since 1980. Hall of Fame breeder, judge's educator and mentor, current President and former Vice-President of the AKC parent club Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA. "I received the FCI Breed Standard book and it is FANTASTIC! You have put so much effort in the book-the knowledge, the beautiful pictures, the layout. Honestly, it is the best detailed book on standards I have." Mark Wibier, Netherlands. FCI Judge since 2007. Group 1 specialist. Judge of Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds across Europe. Ms. McDermid acquired her first Australian Shepherds in 1980 and has been devoted to the breed since that time. Under the kennel name "Bainbridge," she produced many champions, obedience, herding and agility titled dogs. She trained dogs in rally and tracking, and her experiences in all these dog sports provided her with a broad basis for sound judging decisions of this athletic breed. She understands from experience the physical form that is needed to maintain function and has witnessed the evolution of breed type over the past 40 years. Ms. McDermid's success as a breeder earned Bainbridge Aussies the "Hall of Fame" designation from the Australian Shepherd Club of America. She began judging Australian Shepherd conformation in 1986 at Australian Shepherd Club of America specialty shows. In 1995, she became the second Australian Shepherd Breeder-Judge to be approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and began judging Australian Shepherd conformation at AKC all-breed shows in the United States. Over the next 10 years, Ms. McDermid was approved by the AKC to judge conformation for eight additional herding breeds. Ms. McDermid judges Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)-sanctioned shows in Europe; and American Kennel Club and Australian Shepherd Club of America shows in the United States.