Australian Shepherd
AKA: Australian Schaferhund, Aussie
Description: The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced medium-sized dog. It has ears that stand high and are triangular and slightly rounded at the tip. The eyes are oval, and they come in brown, blue, amber, or any other variation including flecks and marbling.
The Aussie has a body that is slightly longer than its height. The head has a moderate stop and the jaws form a scissors bite. Rear dewclaws are removed whereas the removal of the front dewclaws is optional. The feet are compact and oval.
The coat of the Australian Shepherd can be straight or slightly wavy, and is weather-resistant. The hair is short and smooth on the head, on the ears, forelegs and hocks. The hair around the ears and eyes should not be white. The back of the foreleg is a little feathered and the breaches are a little more full. The Aussie also has a mane and frill that is more pronounced in the males than in females. It also has a docked bobtail if the tail is more than 4 inches.
Dynamics: The Australian Shepherd is an easy-going, courageous, and affectionate dog. It is devoted to its master and family, and is great with children. They are naturally protective, very attentive, and very eager to please. It is a highly intelligent breed, easy train and very active.
The Aussie needs a lot of exercise and work, otherwise it can become nervous and self-destructive. It also has to be socialized from puppyhood. The Aussie is also not very aggressive, and is considered by many to be quiet workers.
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: males 50-65 lbs (25-29 kg), females 40-55 lbs (18-25 kg)
Height: males 20-23 inches (52-58 cm), females 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Color: The Australian Shepherd can come in blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black, and solid red (liver), with or without white markings and tan or copper points.
Country of Origin: The Australian Shepherd was actually bred in the United States and not in Australia. It was bred to help as a herding dog on ranches. Today, the Australian Shepherd is still used for retrieving, herding, watchdogging, guardian, police work, narcotics detection, search and rescue, agility, competitions, and agility.
Activities: As the Australian Shepherd is a very energetic dog, it need to be taken to daily exercises and walks. Physical exercises will be good for the breed. If left alone, it will become restless and destructive.
Grooming: Grooming the breed requires only a little attention. Brush occasionally and bathe only when necessary.
Other Info: The Australian Shepherd has a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Health concerns cannot be avoided, however. The gene for the merle coloration carries with it a blind/deaf factor. The Aussie puppy may also have serious spinal defects due to natural bobtail-to-natural bobtail breedings. Other concerns include the catract and CEA. Minor health concerns include CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger-Huet syndrome, and iris coloboma. Lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM, eye and hip dysplasia, and IMHA.
The Australian Shepherd is not suitable for apartment life. A home with a large yard will do fine.
Tags: australian, breeds, dogs, shepherd