Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age. White body splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters on all colours. Quality is not to be sacrificed in favour of size. Measuring from the breastbone to rear of thigh and from top of the withers to the ground the Australian Shepherd is slightly longer than tall. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without coarseness.
Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone.
Any display of shyness, fear or aggression to be severely penalised. NOTE - Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.