The Australian Shepherd has a misleading name, as this dog was actually bred in America. It is a great working dog, but also makes a good family dog as well.
Appearance
The coat of the Australian Shepherd comes in four colours, black red merle, blue merle, or solid red. All the colours may have white markings or copper points. There is really no preference when it comes to colour. Tricolour dogs are also common, with black or solid red dogs having both tan and white trim along with the primary colour. The eyes may be brown, blue, or amber. If there is white over the eyes or ears it may be a sign of blindness or deafness in this breed.
Ideally the Australian Shepherd will stand about 46 to 58 cm or 18 to 23 inches tall. They weigh between 16 and 32 kg or 35 to 70 pounds. In countries that allow docking, the tail is short bobbed or docked. The breed standard is a tail not longer than four inches.
Temperament
Like all working dogs, the Australian Shepherd will become difficult if not given proper attention and exercise from its owner. These dogs are bred to work, and if they are not given a specific activity they may resort to barking, digging, chasing, or other destructive behavior just to keep busy. They need a large yard and lots of exercise. These dogs are primarily a working dog with guardian instincts, meaning that this is a large part of the breed’s makeup. While the breed can be friendly, it is typical for them to be stand offish when they are around people they don’t know. Aussies can be territorial, and very protective of property, people, and what the dog considers its own space.
There are many health problems that can occur with this breed. It is important to take your dog to the vet regularly to ensure that these problems are caught and dealt with early on. Responsible breeders will disclose any health problems, and you should ask for health clearances if they are available. Conditions common to this breed include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, auto immune diseases, and other ailments of the eyes.
The Australian Shepherd was bred in America on farms and ranches in the early 1900s. There was no club for this breed until after 1950, so it is a fairly young breed. The dogs can be of a largely variable height and still accepted. This reflects the fact that the dogs are bred for work. A dog too small will be easily injured, while a dog too large will not be athletic enough. Whether they are used for working dogs or not, the breed standard requires that they are able to perform the tasks that they were originally intended for.
Australian Shepherd FAQs
Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn and require consistent training and positive reinforcement. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They may not be suitable for apartment living unless they have access to a large yard and daily exercise. A lack of exercise can lead to destructive behavior. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds can make great family pets and are generally good with children. However, due to their herding instincts, they may try to herd or nip at small children. Early socialization and training can help prevent this behavior. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds can be good with other pets if they are properly socialized from a young age. However, their strong herding instinct may cause them to try to herd other pets in the household. It’s important to supervise their interactions and provide proper training. Category:australian-shepherd Like all breeds, Australian Shepherds are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy. It’s important to buy from a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for these issues. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are not typically recommended for apartment living. They are a high-energy breed that require plenty of space to run and play. They are best suited for homes with a yard or for active owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Category:australian-shepherd Yes, Australian Shepherds are heavy shedders and require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and tidy. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 18-27 kilograms and standing 46-58 centimetres tall at the shoulder. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs and require a lot of exercise. They should have at least 60-90 minutes of exercise per day, including walks, runs, or other activities. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are a high-energy breed that require plenty of exercise. They thrive on activities such as running, hiking, and playing fetch. A minimum of 30-60 minutes of exercise per day is recommended to keep them happy and healthy. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and tangling of their double coat. They also require occasional baths and nail trimming. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and allergies. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation. They excel in activities such as agility, obedience, and herding. They also enjoy long walks, hiking, and playing fetch. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds have a thick coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They shed seasonally and may need more frequent brushing during these times. They also require regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build. They have a thick, double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue merle, red, and red merle. They have a distinctive bobtail or a naturally long tail. They have triangular ears that stand erect and a friendly, expressive face. Category:australian-shepherd The average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is between 12 and 15 years. However, with proper care and attention, some may live even longer. Category:australian-shepherd Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the western United States to work as herding dogs on ranches and farms. Category:australian-shepherd Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were actually developed in the western United States during the 19th century. Their ancestors were dogs brought over by Basque shepherds from the Pyrenees region of Europe. They were then crossed with other breeds, such as the Collie and Border Collie, to create a versatile herding and working dog. Category:australian-shepherd Despite the name, Australian Shepherds were developed in the United States in the 19th century to work as herding dogs on ranches. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds have a lifespan of 12-15 years, on average, with proper care and nutrition. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs. They love to work and have a strong herding instinct. They are also affectionate and make great family pets. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs. They love to work and are happiest when they have a job to do. They are also affectionate and make great family pets. They can be reserved with strangers and have a strong herding instinct, which means they may try to herd other animals or even people. They require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and well-behaved. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 40-65 pounds. They have a thick, double coat that can be black, blue merle, red, or red merle in color. They have distinctive, triangular ears and an intelligent expression. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are known for being intelligent, loyal, and active. They are often described as being “Velcro dogs” because they love to be close to their owners. They also have a strong herding instinct and may try to herd other pets or children in the household. Category:australian-shepherd Australian Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and excel in obedience, agility, and herding competitions.
