Australian Shepherd

A herding dog with stunning coat colors, the Australian Shepherd is a top-notch companion. While it may not be right for everyone this symbol of cowboy culture is a working dog that lives to please.

Quick Stats

Group: Herding

Size: Medium           

Height: 17-23 inches (43-58 cm.)

Weight:  27-45 pounds (12-20 kg.)

Shedding: Moderate                    

Grooming: Easy                 

Lifespan:  14-16 years

Australian Shepherd

 

 

Australian Shepherd History

Despite their name, this breed actually is thought to have developed in the American southwest during the mid-1800s. This time period was the gold rush in the southwest and sheep were imported from Australia as a food source for the miners.

It is thought that the locals mistakenly assumed that these dogs came to America from Australia just like the sheep they were being used to herd at the time and the name stuck. They became very popular with ranchers and farmers. This was not only for its ability to herd a range of livestock including cattle but also to guard them against predators and stand up to the extreme weather conditions found in the American west.

Australian Shepherd

 

 

Australian Shepherd Characteristics

The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that stands between seventeen and twenty-three inches tall and weighs between twenty-seven and forty-five pounds. It has a large head and triangular folded ears with rounded tips. The eyes are usually blue but can be green, amber, brown, or hazel. Some dogs may have bi-colored eyes where each eye is a different color.

The tail is semi-erect and while naturally long it is usually docked to prevent injury. Alternatively, some dogs are born with a naturally bobbed tail. The Australian Shepherd coat is medium in length and may be straight or wavy. In terms of color, the coat can be red, black, blue merle, or red merle, and may or may not include white or chestnut markings.

Australian Shepherd

 

 

Australian Shepherd Health 

The Australian Shepherd can be very sensitive to a range of medications. Many have an extreme sensitivity to Ivermectin in particular, an anti-parasitic medication often used to prevent heartworm. While the mere coat pattern is very common in this breed, the merle gene does have a blind/deaf factor.

So care should be taken to make sure that puppies are not bred from two merle parents. The offspring of two merle dogs have a much greater chance of being blind, deaf, or both. As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. The most common Australian Shepherd health problems include:

-hip dysplasia

-cataracts

-collie eye anomaly (CEA)

-epilepsy

-Von Willebrand’s disease

The average Australian Shepherd’s lifespan is from fourteen to sixteen years.

Australian Shepherd

 

 

Australian Shepherd Temperament 

The Aussie is a loving and loyal companion. It is also highly intelligent and can be great with children. They also typically get along very well with other dogs and pets. While they are extremely affectionate with their family they can also be very courageous and make outstanding watchdogs as they are wary of strangers. Because they are bred to work they are happiest when they have a job to do.

Australian Shepherd

 

 

Who Should Own An Australian Shepherd?

Just like in the past, the Australian Shepherd is still an ideal dog for herding and guarding livestock so would do very well on a working farm. However, it can also do very well in a home with an active family that gives it a lot of attention and exercise.

It will need vigorous exercise or play sessions on a daily basis. And because of its working background, it will not thrive in a situation where it is left alone for long hours. Without the right amount of mental and physical stimulation, they may become destructive and bark excessively.

Australian Shepherd

 

 

Things To Keep In Mind

The fast, athletic, and clever Aussie is a natural fit for activities such as flyball, agility, Frisbee, among many others. Any of these would be an excellent idea for pets that are not living in a working environment helping to engage them mentally and physically.

An Aussie can also be trained and function extremely well to work as a service dog, in search and rescue, and as a guide dog. The working and herding instincts of this breed are actually so strong that they are known for sometimes trying to herd pets such as cats and even young children as they attempt to keep them in a specific area. This can be discouraged with training of course.

Australian Shepherd puppies should be socialized well so that they are not overly suspicious of strangers as they grow older leading to territorial behavior. When owning an Australian Shepherd training is very important. Because they are a willful working breed this usually means attending professional obedience classes which will allow both the dog and owner to learn what is acceptable behavior.

Australian Shepherd

 

Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!

 

Thai Bangkaew Dog Facts

Thai Bangkaew Dog Facts

The Thai Bangkaew Dog is a beautiful, spitz-type dog with long, dense fur and a gorgeous flowing tail. These dogs are incredibly loyal, but are known to be dominant and quite difficult to train. Read on to find out more amazing Thai Bangkaew facts and information! The...

Chinese Chongqing Dog Facts

Chinese Chongqing Dog Facts

The Chinese Chongqing is a powerful, protective breed with natural guarding instincts. These ancient dogs are fierce towards strangers, but gentle and loving with their family members. Keep reading to find out more amazing Chinese Chongqing facts and information! The...

Rat Terrier Breeds

Rat Terrier Breeds

Rat Terriers don't just refer to the specific dog breed known as the Rat Terrier, but also to its descendants along with other terrier breeds that are used as ratters. There are many different types that make feisty companions as well as natural vermin hunters. So...

Bracco Italiano Facts

Bracco Italiano Facts

The Bracco Italiano is an attractive dog breed known for its skill as a hunting dog. However, these dogs are also incredibly popular as affectionate family companions. Keep reading to find out more Bracco Italiano facts and information! They Are Serious Hunters Also...

Ca De Bou Facts

Ca De Bou Facts

The Ca De Bou is a Spanish dog breed that was once used for bloody sports like dog fighting and bull-baiting. Today, however, it is a fearless watchdog and guardian. Read on to find out more amazing Ca De Bou facts and information! The Ca De Bou Was Once Used for...

Herding Dog Breeds

Herding Dog Breeds

Certain dog breeds have been used for centuries to herd flocks of animals. These breeds rely on their athleticism and intelligence, which makes them some of the most popular and trainable canines on the planet. That being said, here are some of the best herding dog...

Dogs That Look Like Chewbacca

Dogs That Look Like Chewbacca

Chewbacca, also called “Chewie,” for short is one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the Star Wars films. He’s a Wookiee, a tall and powerful species with a shaggy and intimidating dog-like appearance. And just like all Wookiees, Chewbacca is loyal and...

Puli Facts

Puli Facts

The Puli is one of the most recognizable dog breeds out there, with its long, mop-like coat and powerful body. These dogs were traditionally used for herding sheep, but they also make great companions. Read on to find out more amazing Puli facts and information! The...

Dogs That Look Like Ewoks

Dogs That Look Like Ewoks

Ewoks are one of the most popular and adorable creatures in the Star Wars films. Loved by children and adults alike, they made their first appearance in the film Return of the Jedi, where their primitive tribe lives on the moon of Endor. Ewoks stand around a meter...

Ratter Dog Breeds

Ratter Dog Breeds

Many dog breeds have historically been used to hunt down mice, rats, and other vermin. Today, this is still an incredibly useful trait, especially in farm dogs. So, here are some of the most popular ratter dog breeds, and what you'll want to know about each of them....

Shaggy Dog Breeds

Shaggy Dog Breeds

Shaggy dogs are extremely adorable with their often long, rough, and unkempt-looking coats. While their fur can often require a bit more maintenance and grooming than other dog breeds, most owners agree they're well worth the extra work! So, here are the most popular...

Bolognese Dog Facts

Bolognese Dog Facts

The Bolognese Dog is an old Italian breed with amazing fluffy fur. This popular breed is sociable and fits well into homes with children and other dogs. Read on to find out more amazing Bolognese Dog facts and information! The Bolognese Dog Is A Popular Agility...

Water Dog Breeds

Water Dog Breeds

For many dog owners, bathtime is a dreaded affair. When it comes to the owners of water dogs, however, it's actually something the dogs look forward to! There's a whole category of dog breeds that not only love the water but were bred to swim strongly. This complete...

Dogs With An Underbite

Dogs With An Underbite

In humans, underbites are typically treated by dentists, but in certain dog breeds, it's actually considered desirable. That’s because dogs with an underbite often end up looking extremely cute because of it! So here are some of the most common dog breeds with...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This