| Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. About ASCA |
| The Australian Shepherd Club of American (ASCA) was established as the parent club for the Australian Shepherd breed in 1957. As of January 2005, there were approximately 150,000 dogs entered in ASCA's stud book. All records of points and titles earned are in ASCA's records. ASCA is proud to be the largest single breed dog registry in North America. ASCA also produces The Aussie Times, a bi-monthly magazine with relevant articles and current information and news on ASCA events and clubs. ASCA has over 70 Affiliate Clubs internationally providing sanctioned shows and trials for ASCA registered Aussies. Other herding breeds may compete in stockdog trials and other dogs eligible for registration in any organized Registry (this includes LEP and ILP) may compete in obedience, agility and tracking. |
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| ASCA Sponsored Competitions |
| Agility: Agility resembles an equestrian grand-prix course. It has jumps, tunnels, contact obstacles (A-frame, teeter-totter, dog-walk, and weave poles. A fast-pased, timed event, it tests the athletic abilities and training of an Aussie. Stockdog: A stock-dog program was developed to preserve and promote the inherited instinct and working ability of the Aussie. Handlers are exposed to the trial arena through divisions ranging from beginning to working ranch dogs and are offered certification on three types of livestock, cattle, sheep, and ducks. Versatility: The versatility program recognizes dogs that can compete and qualify in the stock arena, in obedience, agility, and tracking; and reflect the identifying characteristics of the breed through competition in the conformation ring. Important information for non-Aussie Owners competing in ASCA events: CLICK HERE |
| Conformation: Dogs are separated by sex and "judged" by a qualified person, based on their interpretation of the standard, as to which exhibits best conforms. The standard is a written description of the breed, as set forth by the club. Junior Handling: ASCA has a national program for children ranging in age from eight to 17 years. Competitions include breed handling, obedience, stock, tracking, and agility. Obedience: The obedience program judges a dog and handler team on how well they perform a specific set of exercises as called and reviewed by a judge. Competition is offered at a number of levels of training and expertise. Tracking: Tracking is an event in which the dog follows a scent of a person through unmarked terrain, such as an open field of grass and weeds, or through woods in the advanced level. |
| Click here to visit the Australian Shepherd Club of America website: http://www.asca.org |
| ASCA's website: http://www.asca.org |