The Australian Shepherd Judging Compendium

Book excerpt: The Australian Shepherd Judging Compendium, An Illustrated Workbook for judges and non-judges alike by the award-winning author, of All About Aussies: The Australian Shepherd From A to Z. "The Australian Shepherd, Judging Compendium" by Jeanne Joy Hartnagle-Taylor is an illustrated workbook that reviews not only the breed standard and how it is interpreted but illustrates the breed standard with text and carefully selected pictures that help the reader see the importance of each trait as it is discussed. The Compendium begins with a review of breed history as a herding breed to modern day usage. This workbook also provides the reader with good insight and understanding of why structure and gait are important to its function. Each chapter explains a section of the breed standard followed by a quiz that is used to make the reader think.The text is easy to read and carefully written with a good analysis of unique traits that are described in the breed standard. The illustrations of each trait give the reader good insight into why the breed standard requires certain body proportions and what is considered correct breed type, movement and character. The Compendium makes clear that herding sheep, cattle and other animals requires strong herding and guardian instincts coupled with versatile skills which are required of a dog that must be easy to train. All of these traits are carefully described.I would recommend this judging compendium to anyone who is seriously interested in a better understanding of the Australian Shepherd breed. - Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia, a highly respected AKC Judge, author, lecturer and world-renowned canine expert.