ASCA - Austrailian Shepherd Club of America - 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 merit programs. These programs today provide certification and titles in Stockdog, Conformation, Obedience, Tracking, and Agility as well as recognition to the top Juniors. These programs increased ASCA's role as a service organization to much more than a registry. ASCA-registered Aussies can earn titles in every phase of competition as well as entry into ASCA's Hall of Fame which is reserved for outstanding sires, dams, and kennels. ASCA has over 70 Affiliate Clubs internationally providing sanctioned shows and trials for ASCA registered Aussies.
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.
Maintaining the Breed Standard is one of ASCA's most important responsibilities to the breed itself. This is the written description of the Australian Shepherd which breeders should adhere to, and the breed is judge by in the breed ring. It is considered so important that it can be only altered or changed by the membership, not by the Board of Directors. ASCA has long realized that changing a breed by whim or fad has been the downfall of many dog breeds. The present Breed Standard was adopted in 1977.
If you do wish to join ASCA, please see the ASCA Membership Form . All Junior members must be between the ages of 8-17 years. Full ASCA membership does allow you to receive a 50 percent reduction in registration fees and it also gives you a subscription to the Aussie Times , ASCA's bi-monthly newsletter.
We are proud to be the largest single breed dog registry in North America. Our organization is governed by volunteer Australian Shepherd fanciers elected by the membership and maintains a professional office staff at our central location in Bryan, Texas. ASCA provides an accurate stud book for this unique breed and offers programs in all areas where Aussies excel. ASCA is truly dedicated to preserving the Standard of Excellence.
Courtesy of ASCA - Austrailian Shepherd Club of America
