Australian Shepherd Breed Info
American Kennel Club (AKC) – The AKC offers information on dog breeds, dog ownership, dog training, health, nutrition, exercise & grooming, registering your dog, and more. The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership.
Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) – The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was established as the parent club for the breed in 1957 and incorporated as a non-profit corporation. Increasing interest in competition led to the development of performance programs. Today, these programs provide certification and titles in Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Stockdog, and Tracking as well as recognition to the top Junior Handlers.
US Australian Shepherd Club – As a parent club for the breed, USASA represents Australian Shepherd breeders and owners across the United States and around the world. They are dedicated to promoting, preserving, and protecting the wonderful Australian Shepherd breed. Their web site provides information on all of USASA’s many activities.
United States Australian Shepherd Foundation (USASA) – The purpose of the United States Australian Shepherd Foundation is to fund projects that further the welfare of the Australian Shepherd breed. Support canine medical research. Promote education on the proper care, breeding and training of Australian Shepherds. Foster and promote the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of displaced Australian Shepherds. Provide college scholarships for approved Junior Handlers who exhibit Australian Shepherds. Promote public knowledge of dogs in general.
Australian Shepherd Health Information
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) – The mission of the OFA is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease. The OFA is guided by the following four specific objectives:
- To collate and disseminate information concerning orthopedic and genetic diseases of animals.
- To advise, encourage and establish control programs to lower the incidence of orthopedic and genetic diseases.
- To encourage and finance research in orthopedic and genetic disease in animals.
- To receive funds and make grants to carry out these objectives.
University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) – The AIS PennHIP method has a strong scientific foundation as the most effective hip screening tool available for dogs. PennHIP is a network of veterinarians trained to perform the PennHIP methodology properly and, perhaps most importantly, it is a large scientific database that houses the PennHIP data. All dogs can benefit from PennHIP testing. For pet dogs found to be at risk, early intervention can help prevent or lessen the severity of CHD.
Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) – CERF was established to accomplish the goal of elimination of heritable eye disease in all purebred dogs by forming a centralized, national registry.
**VMDB is in the processing of redesigning the databases and user interfaces and additionally relocating servers to the University of Missouri. This endeavor has been generously sponsored by The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), the new location for storing eye examinations performed on dogs by board certified veterinary ophthalmologists. The records previously stored at CERF can be accessed by going to http://web.vmdb.org/
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) – The Canine Health Information Center, also known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health database sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). CHIC, working with participating parent clubs, provides a resource for breeders and owners of purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health issues prevalent in specific breeds by establishing a recommended protocol for breed specific health screening and recognizing dogs tested in accordance with that protocol.