Australian Shepherd: Origin, Personality, Training

(Aussie)

Group: Herding Dogs.

Nickname: Aussie Shepherd

AKC Ranking: 34

About Australian Shepherd

History of the Breed The Australian Shepherd was developed in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches. The breed's principal forebears were most likely Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of fine Merino sheep exported to both America and Australia in the early days of the colonies. At some point it probably crossed with Collie stock.

The Aussie has a strong, deep chest and stands squarely on all fours. The medium-sized oval eyes come brown, blue, amber, or any variation or combination including flecks and marbling. Each individual's masculinity or femininity is clearly defined.

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Description of the Dog

The Aussie is a medium-sized, robust, well-balanced, rustic dog. The ears are set on high at the side of the head, triangular and slightly rounded at the tip. An identifying characteristic is his natural or docked bobtail.

Coat

The coat is of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an undercoat and comes in comes in blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black, and solid red (liver) all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points with no order of preference. There is a moderate mane and frill.

Height

Dogs 20-23 inches (52-58cm.)
Bitches 18-21 inches (46-53cm.)

Weight

Dogs 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg)
Bitches 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg.)

Personality

Temperament of the Breed

Australian Shepherds are easy going, quiet, playful, courageous, loyal, protective, lively, agile, attentive, eager to please, affectionate and forever young. They possess a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Excellent with children but a little aggressive with livestock and suspicious of strangers. This breed is not usually dog aggressive. Some like to nip people's heals in an attempt to herd them.

Activity Level

Exercise Need

This energetic working dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise, including long, daily walks or should be made to jog run alongside while the owner bicycles. It’s better off with a proper job to do. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive. This Dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train.

Suitable for apartment living?

This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. Working lines of this breeds may be too energetic to be suitable pets.

Grooming

The coat of this average shedder is easy to groom and needs little attention. It should be brushed occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathed only when necessary.

Health Problems

Major concerns: cataract, CEA. Minor concerns: CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger – Huet syndrome, iris coloboma. Occasionally seen: lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM. Suggested tests: hip, eye. Some are prone to hip dysplasia This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm preventive is considered safe. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia).

Life Expectancy: About 15 or more years

Breeder Club & Rescue Link: www.asdca.org