This unique book illustrates in photos the ideal moderate breed type and characteristics of Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds. Using 242 photos of excellent examples of these breeds, this book compares five breed standards: AKC, FCI and ASCA for Australian Shepherds; and AKC and FCI for Miniature American Shepherds. Breed standards describe the ideal appearance, characteristics, and temperament of a breed; they are a blueprint for a dog who is able to perform the job for which the breed was developed. Reading and understanding a breed standard requires knowledge of specific terminology and dog anatomy, as well as familiarity with the breed overall. However, written breed standards leave room for interpretation, and misunderstanding of descriptions is common. Inaccurate interpretation of the standards results in faulty judging and breeding decisions, causing the breeds to veer away from the ideal dog intended by the breed founders. The purpose of this book is to fill in knowledge gaps using photos of correct dogs, and explain the reasons why traits are desirable or undesirable, according to the breed standards. The authors are three highly respected judges from the USA and Europe. "This book is amazing-a wonderful accomplish-ment! A great addition to anyone's library!" - Sheila Polk. Tri-Ivory Australian Shepherds, established in 1963. Founding member of the United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA). Approved by the American Kennel Club to judge 62 breeds in the Herding, Sporting and Working Groups and Best in Show. Highly respected judge across the U.S.A. and Europe. "A resource like no other! Our breed has needed this for years. Bravo!" - Tim J. Preston. Cobbercrest Australian Shepherds, established in 1978. Founding member of the United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA), Former USASA President, respected Australian Shepherd breed mentor. "An accurate and needed comparison of the Australian Shepherd and Miniature American Shepherd Breed standards. This book should be read and used as a reference by both judges and breeders!" - Sue Ritter. Legacy Australian Shepherds, established in 1980. USASA Hall of Fame breeder of Australian Shepherds, Miniature American Shepherd breeder, judge's educator and mentor, current President of the AKC parent club, Miniature American Shepherd Club USA. 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 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 42 years. Ms. McDermid's success as a breeder earned Bainbridge Aussies the "Hall of Fame" designation from the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA). 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 and specialty 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 American Kennel Club and Australian Shepherd Club of America shows in the United States and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)-sanctioned shows in Europe.