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AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD

Australian Shepherd breed of dog originated from the western USA, not Australia, at about the Gold Rush in the 1840s. Initially bred to herd animals, Australian Shepherds remain a working dog in mind. The Aussie, as they are nicknamed, are most joyful whenever they’ve work to do. They might be great family pets if their energy and intelligence are channeled in dog activities or sports.

History

There are several concepts upon which dog breeds were chosen to develop the Australian Shepherd. It is most likely that the Aussie’s family history includes shepherd type and collie dogs brought with deliveries of sheep from Australia in the 1840s and so the name. Dog breeders strove to boost their herding power and make a hard-working, intelligent, and versatile dog.

The Australian Shepherd is still the same attractive, robust, and intelligent dog, beneficial to farmers and ranchers in the old West. This breed is liked by several and enjoys its life as being family pet, guard, and herding dog.

Physical Appearance

Aussies have a very smooth, medium-length coat that’s straight or a bit curly. They’ve feathering on the back of their legs along with a large mane all-around the neck. Coat colors can vary red or blue, red, black, or merle tricolor, with white or tan marking. The Australian Shepherd has a height of 20-23 inches at the shoulder in males, 18-21 inches in females. Typically, males weigh approximately fifty to sixty-five lbs., females forty to fifty-five lbs. The average life span of an Australian Shepherd is 13-15 years.

Temperament

Bred to become pushy with animals, Australian Shepherds can go ahead and take a significant role in your home unless you give them confident and firm leadership. That makes them a bad option for the first time or fearful owners.

Just like several herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal by nature towards their loved ones however standoffish with other people. They require early socialization – contact with several individuals, places, experiences, and sounds – when they are young.

Susceptible to Diseases

Aussies are usually healthy; however, just like other breeds, they are susceptible to several health problems. These include

  • Shoulder Dysplasia
  • Hip-Dysplasia
  • Generalized progressive retinal atrophy
  • Joint Disorder
  • Distichiasis
  • Collie Eye Defect (CED)
  • Nasal Solar Dermatitis
  • Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)

Care and Grooming

Generally, regularly brushing sessions will keep the Australian Shepherd’s water-resistant, double-layer coat looking perfect. In the shedding season, although, more work will be needed. However, unless they have gotten into a specifically messy situation, they might require a shower very rarely. Like all breeds, the Aussie’s nails must be cut routinely.