Australian Shepherd dog breed characteristics and facts

The Australian Shepherd has a long double coat of medium length that is usually straight or wavy. Also their for their energetic and active nature, they are clever and loyal dogs. Australian Shepherds are responsive and easy to train. Australian Shepherd has a high energy level and thrives on exercising regularly, such as agility, obedience, or herding.

Despite their domestic origin, the breed’s name indicates their origin in Australia and Europe. The Americans used the dogs to herd them. The Australian Shepherd settled there, where they were appreciated for their abilities. They became very famous shortly after being shown in a rodeo. In addition to corralling livestock, these highly intelligent Aussies appeared in front of the audience, showing sharp tricks. These dogs can skillfully roll on their back, roll over, and then immediately stand on their front paws. As with all dogs, the socialization of an Australian Shepherd Puppy is required to become an enjoyable companion.

Australian Shepherd Fatcs

• Australian Shepherd Origin: Australia
• Australian Shepherd Breed Group: Herding Group
• Australian Shepherd Size: 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder
• Australian Shepherd Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
• Australian Shepherd Coat: Double coat, has medium length and can be either straight or wavy
• Australian Shepherd Temperament: Highly intelligent, energetic, loyal and affectionate
• Australian Shepherd Training: Quick learners
• Australian Shepherd Grooming: Regular brushing
• Australian Shepherd Health: Australian Shepherds can be prone to certain genetic health issues. Common concerns include hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and epilepsy.

Australian Shepherd Overview

The sight of an Australian Shepherd rounding up a flock of sheep is a beautiful one.” With smooth, graceful movements, he commands the flock with nips, barks, and “eye,” an intense stare that says, “I am in charge.” He’s intelligent, hardworking, and adaptable. This is a down-to-earth dog who is happiest when exercising his intellect. If you live with an Aussie, you don’t have to own a flock of sheep—although it helps—but you must keep him occupied. He is a high-energy dog who dislikes sitting down, has no idea what a couch potato is, and would not be one if he did.

And Australian Shepherd’s got energy to burn, needing plenty of exercise, and a walk around the block can’t satisfy him, and at least a small yard to work out his ya-yas. Without a job to do, he’s transforms bored, soaring, and noisy. Or he may make his own work: sheep your children—either your children or the next ones; put striatum cars or just other pets; or dump your home. If you don’t have the time or energy to each day educate and give him buzzings, he’s not the breed for you. But if you’re considering dog sports, the Aussie is Ichabod Crane. This agile medium-size dog with docked or naturally bobbed tail is a top performer in all of excitement, blank jam.fly job, and shepherding assessments.

Australian Shepherd is also well-known as a guide dog, hearing dog, assistance dog, police dog, and search and rescue worker. If you like to train dogs, you can also teach your Aussie to assist you in your daily household chores by retrieving your dirty laundry and bringing it back to you. You’ll fold the clean laundry yourself, but hey, you can’t ask for too much! The Aussie is striking due to his lovely medium-length coat and dark chocolate, yellow, blue, green, or amber eyes. Originally a hard-working herding dog, he is a devoted friend who adores his family, is defensive of his family and house, and has no interest in party guests. He adores children, but he will try to corral them unless you instruct him not to do so. An Aussie is always in for an adventure. He will work hard and play even harder, from sunrise to nightfall. This breed is an amazing working dog and loved ones as long as the family is actively moving.

Australian Shepherd History

One of the American-born breeds, despite its name. This dog was originally created to herd livestock for ranchers and farmers in the western U.S., and some Aussies still work these livestock today. There are many theories about which breeds were used to develop the Australian Shepherd. Most probably include collie and shepherd-type dogs imported to California with shipments of sheep from Australia during the 1840s – hence the name Australian Shepherd. Breeders worked to enhance their herding ability and created a dog who possessed the characteristics of agility, strength, and cleverness. The breed quickly soared in popularity after World War II while Americans’ continued interest in Western-style horseback riding.

Rodeo or horse show crowds and western movie or TV fans were entranced by the athletic dogs they saw in action on the cowboys’ heel. It was extremely well-received with the Australian Shepherd, yet it wasn’t officially acknowledged by the American Kennel Association until 1993. Today, the Australian Shepherd is still the same breathtaking and efficient rancher’s and farmer’s companion from the old American West. He’s a fun-loving companion, protector, and herder who’s appreciated and cherished by all.

Australian Shepherd Size

The Australian Shepherd is a bit longer than he is tall from 20 to 23 inches. Therein lies the issue: it can confuse people who desire a small dog breed, leading to many smaller Australian Shepherds becoming homeless, or it can make breeders consider breeding even smaller dogs. Females are smaller, measuring 18 to 21 inches, with a weight of 50 to 65 pounds. Males measure 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder, weighing 40 to 55 pounds. Under no circumstances should any dog breed or hybrid dwarfism be propagated.

Australian Shepherd Personality

If you first position an Australian Shepherd and do not provide firm and well-assured leadership, it will take the leading position in your house. People who have an Australian Shepherd should not be beginner owners, timid, or new to the breed. Like many other herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are naturally dedicated to their family unit but aloof with new people. In order to grow up to be a nice dog, your Aussie puppies will require proper socialization. When he’s still young, Aussie puppies require socialization, which is defined as subjection to a variety of individuals, products, sounds, and events. Finally, invite a few cutties into your residence once in a while, and obey them to busy parks, markets that enable dogs, and travelers on casual walks to help corporation building an Aussie’s step in the right direction.

Australian Shepherd Health

Australian Shepherds are generally healthy. Not all Australian Shepherds will get any disease, but it’s important to be aware if you’re considering Australian Shepherd. If you’re buying a Australian Shepherd puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. In Aussies, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hip dysplasia with a score of fair or better, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Deafness
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
• Distichiasis
• Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
• Hypothyroidism
• Drug Sensitivity
• Cancer
• Nasal Solar Dermatitis
• Detached Retina

Australian Shepherd Grooming and Coat Color

The Australian Shepherd’s medium-length coat is water-resistant enough to keep him happy in rain and snow. Aussies living in cold climates have much thicker undercoats than those residing in sunnier climes. It has straight or wavy hair over its body, while the hair on its head and ears, the front of its forelegs, and beneath its heels, known as its hocks, is short and smooth. It has the moderate feathering , a longer fringe of hair, adorns the backs of its forelegs and covers its britches, the pantaloon-like fur on the upper part of its hind legs.

There’s long, profuse hair – especially thick and full in males – on the neck and chest. Australian Shepherds are available in many colors: blue merle, red merle, red, tri-color white, black, and tan. , and black. A merle coat consists of dark blotches against a lighter background, therefore a blue merle dog has colored patches on gray and a red merle dog has colored patches on beige. Merles have a tendency to darken as they get older. Do Australian Shepherds shed, you may wonder? Yes, he indeed does. The breed sheds throughout the year but more in the spring because he loses his winter coat. Brush the Aussie’s coat weekly, maybe more often when he’s shedding, to avoid tangling. Before you brush, run a quick spritz of dog hair conditioner and water through your dog’s coat to detangle it. Then, using a slicker brush, brush the fur in the direction of hair growth, ensuring you reach all the way down to the skin – don’t merely sweep the brush across the coat surface. An undercoat rake is handy for removing excess hair.

Australian Shepherd Children And Other Pets

Australian Shepherds are herding dogs and are likely to protect children as part of their “flock.” However, Aussies are required to understand that chasing and nipping the children to keep them in line are not acceptable. If an Aussie is raised with children and taught this simple lesson, they can be a perfect companion for the kids. Just keep in mind that young children and puppies often consider any bite on the ear or pull on the tail or teat as fair play. Therefore, always teach children proper treatment of dogs, and always keep an eye on interactions between dogs and young children to ensure that things do not get too harsh.

Make sure to explain to your child not to meet any dog when he eating or sleeping or when attempting to take the dog food away. Regardless of how safe, no dog should be left unaccompanied with a child. They can also be good pets, but you should be conscious that they will attempt to herd them. Many people, particularly cats, do not prefer this. Watch the Aussie around other pets when he is young before realizing that they are not in his yard’s flock.