Breed Details
Adrian Palmer was just a adolescent when a neighbor came over with an Australian Shepherd puppy as an apology for his cattle raiding the family garden . “ I have a go at it nothing about the strain but I made it my occupation to learn as much as I could and , in the unconscious process , I fell in love with them , ” Palmer recalls .
Palmer has owned and foster multitudinous Aussies since then and appreciates the strain for its intelligence , strong work ethic and devotion to its owners . In her role as aesculapian adviser forAustralian Shepherds Furever , a interior breed - specific rescue grouping , she educate others about the welfare ( and some challenges ) of owning Australian Shepherds and ensures that each andiron is matched with the correct pelt - ever category .
This hard - work dog strain is up-and-coming and intelligent , think of they need a family that will offer up plenty of stimulation and use . But if you meet an Aussie ’s pauperization , they make the ultimate companions .
History and Origin
The Australian Shepherd has a bit of a misleading name . The breed in reality originated in the Basque part of Europe ( between France and Spain ) where shepherd count on them to herd their flocks . When Basque settlers set canvas for the green pastures of Australia , they took their trust herding dogs along , cross - breed the Shepherd dogs with other strong workings and herd dogs , including Border Collies .
The Basques afterward emigrate from Australia to California where ranchers fell in love with the herd dogs and called them Australian Shepherds . The breed was refined in the United States and “ Aussies ” became the favorite detent of rancher , tantalise alongside cowboy to herd livestock . They remain popular on cattle farm across the United States and have also become beloved pets for dynamic families .
The American Kennel Club ( AKC ) recognized Australian Shepherds as part of the herding group in 1993 .
Australian ShepherdPhysical Characteristics
Australian Shepherds are solid , hefty hot dog . The males stand between 20 and 23 inches tall and press between 50 and 65 pounding . distaff Australian Shepherds are smaller , tipping the scales at 40 to 55 pound sign with heights between 18 and 21 inches .
As work dogs , Australian Shepherds are expected to be alfresco in all condition . Their waterproofed coating lie in of a dense undercoat and top pelage with intermediate length , directly to crinkly hair . The heaviness of their coat varies depending on the climate and is plan to keep them warm in the wintertime and cool in the summertime . Their tails are docked or by nature bob .
“ Their tails were docked as a safety measure , ” explains Palmer . “ A docked tail keeps livestock from stepping on it and breaking it when the dog are work out . ”
Based on the breed standard , their coats can be four vividness : black , red , blue Turdus merula , or red merle ( all with or without white and/or tan markings ) .
Australian ShepherdTemperament
Australian Shepherds are levelheaded and focalize at oeuvre , making them ideal four - legged ranch hands and well - beseem to working in search and rescue , drug detection , or as therapy dogs . As working dogs , their herding instincts stay potent , which could cause Australian Shepherds to endeavor to crowd anything that runs past , including small tiddler .
“ Australian Shepherds were bred to nip at the heel of livestock to get them to go where they wanted them , ” Arnold Palmer explains . “ They may nip at the heels of minor . It ’s not out of aggressiveness , it ’s just their inborn behavior . ”
Although Aussies can get along well with other dogs , the breed is known for having a strong prey drive and may not do well in a home with little animals such as cats , rabbits , chickens and ducks .
“ Many dogs , peculiarly herding and track down weenie , will chase when something run from them so it ’s always right to be good than sorry when it comes to introduce firedog to other animals in the home , ” say Debbi Carman , a specializer in lifesaving and maintenance of sanctuary dog atBest Friends Animal Society(and possessor of an Aussie mix name Maya ) .
In the right surround , Australian Shepherds make dandy companions . You ’ll ask to allow plenty of physical and genial stimulation for them to be glad , well - adjust deary . A long walk with lots of chance to snuff will serve burn off some of their energy and keep their minds active , Palmer says .
Australian Shepherds can be leery of strangers and their propensity to skin at unfamiliar people makes them secure guard dogs . Carman attributes their protective instinct to a desire to control their environments .
With sufficient exercise , Aussies can do well in flat but the neighbors may not apprize their leaning to bark at unfamiliar people and sounds .
Australian ShepherdCare Guide
These energetic , extroverted ferment dogs ( with abundant double coats ) have some specific needs when it comes to dieting , exercise , and grooming . brushing up on all you postulate to know about caring for your Australian Shepherd .
Diet and Nutrition
While there is no one - size - tantrum - all diet for Aussies , the up-and-coming stock should be fed a commercial dog food that is appropriate for their age / stage of development from puppy and adult to senior foods .
Your veterinarian may also recommend a food formulated for active breeds that bring home the bacon your Australian Shepherd the calories it needs to support a hard day of work on the ranch or a longsighted hike on the trails .
Exercise and Activity
If you prefer check tv set and reading to hike , biking , and swimming , an Australian sheepherder might not be the correct breed for your family .
“ Most Aussies would do good in an active home , ” Carman says . “ That being enunciate , not all Aussies are created adequate . Some may be more disposed to obsess about working [ and ] others would be content finalize in at home and having regular runnel . ”
genial stimulant is key for these work dogs . With too petty arousal , Carman warns , “ It ’s common to see these brilliant herding dogs develop stereotypies like spinning and tempo if they are not getting the enrichment they require to feel content and the opportunity to apply their natural herding ability . ”
In improver to lots of base on balls ( or runs ) , look for activities that let Aussies to exercise their intellect . Carman suggest “ flirt pole ” which are similar to computerized tomography toys with feathers that set aside dogs to chase the toy dog and practice cues like wait and drop it . Fetch also helps combust mental and physical energy .
Grooming and Nail Care
Thanks to their double coats , Australian Shepherds throw away profusely . Palmer advises brush these dogs every week , adding , “ Their coats can get matted really fast . ”
Australian “ ball up their coat ” twice a class , shedding even more than usual . During these times , their coat should be brush every 2 to 3 days to transfer dead hair . Regular nail trimming and episodic baths will keep Australian Shepherds take care and feeling their best .
Australian ShepherdHealth Issues
Australian Shepherds are predispose to several wellness conditions , including these disorder :
Epilepsy : The disease , which causesseizures in dogs , is quite vulgar in Australian Shepherds due to poor breeding and over - breeding , according to theAustralian Shepherd Health and Genetics Institute .
“ We ’ve examine vast addition in epilepsy in the breed , ” Palmer tell .
There is no cure for epilepsy and , while medical direction is possible , Palmer remark that seizures are trying for dogs and owners . ASHIisresearchinga potential theatrical role of intestine bacterium in disease direction .
genus Cancer : Two kinds of Crab — lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma — are common in Australian Shepherds . Lymphoma , a cancer of the ashen blood cellular phone , is often found in the lymph nodes and off-white marrow and the most common signs admit an enlarged lymph node below the jaw or behind the genu . Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer that touch the stemma vas walls . tumor can forge anywhere but are more unwashed in the spleen and essence . The prognosis for both cancers is poor .
Autoimmune Thyroiditis : In this autoimmune disease , the resistant system attacks the thyroid gland gland , which can conduce to symptoms such as weight addition and skin problems . Although this is the most common autoimmune disease diagnose in Australian Shepherds , ASHGI notes that it can be treated with inexpensive medicine , allowing Aussies to live long , symptom - devoid lives .
Interesting Australian ShepherdFacts
We might know them as Australian Shepherds but the strain has also been called Spanish Shepherds , Blue Heelers , California Shepherds , New Mexican Shepherds and bob - fundament .
Australian Shepherds often have unlike colored eye . Their eye can be a combining of brown , blue , hazel , amber , or green .
Several celebrities , including Susan Sarandon , Bruce Willis , Steven Spielberg , Alyssa Milano and Tim Robbins , have all owned Aussies .
An Australian Shepherd / Border Collie mixture identify Sweet Pea earned a spot in theGuinness Book of World Recordsfor fill out the fastest 100 - meter walk with a can equilibrise on her head . Sweet Pea queer the finish line in 2:55 in 2009 .
Popular Australian ShepherdMixes
Australian Shepherds are among the top 20 most popular dog breeds in the nation , harmonize to AKC ranking , so it ’s no surprise that the active , levelheaded strain is often mixed with other breeds .
The most common interracial strain include :
Australian ShepherdAdoption Tipsand Things to Consider
While Australian Shepherds ( and Aussie mixes ) do turn up in shelters , there are often legion applications for the pop strain . Your best wager for finding an Australian Shepherd is through a breed specific rescue .
“ We get dogs set out from puppy to seniors in rescue , ” Palmer says .
Most breed - specific rescue , includingAussie Rescue and Placement Helpline , Carolina Hearts Aussie RescueandNew Spirit 4 Aussie Rescuerequire an adoption coating , veterinarian references , menage checks , and meet and greets with possible matches before finalize an acceptation .
Breed - specific Australian Shepherd rescues do charge higher adoption fee than most local shelters but Palmer notes that rescues often provide encompassing vetting , including spaying and neutering , before dogs are adopted .
Australian ShepherdFAQs
In parliamentary law to make love whether an Australian Shepherd is the ripe convulsion for your lifestyle , it ’s important to have as much information about the breed as possible . These frequently asked enquiry will help you get all the detail about what it ’s like living with an Aussie .
Do Australian Shepherds Shed?
Yes , Australian Shepherds do shed . In addition to small amounts of sloughing that occur all year long , Aussies blow their pelage twice per year , drop even more than usual in preparation for wintertime and summer .
How Big Do Australian Shepherds Get?
Australian Shepherds are a medium - sized breed . The male are between 20 and 23 inch tall and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds . Females weigh between 40 and 55 pounds with altitude between 18 and 21 inch .
How Long Do Australian Shepherds Live?
The median life-time of an Australian Shepherd is 12 to 15 years .
Do Australian Shepherds Have Tails?
It depends . Some Australian Shepherds are born with tush ( that are often docked when the dog-iron are puppies ) but some are “ natural bobtails , ” which means they are assume with unretentive or wanting poop due to genetic science .
Are Australian Shepherds Good With Kids?
Australian Shepherds are tremendous with older , respectful youngster but their herding instinct ( and tendency to nip at the heels of those they are trying to crowd ) may not make them ideal for families with younger children .
Are Australian Shepherds Smart?
Yes , this is a highly healthy breed that involve steady and tight genial stimulation to satisfy their quest for new experiences .
Picturesof Australian Shepherds
With their merle coats and bright eyes , Australian Shepherds are easy on the eyes . These pups have a distinct look , and we could stare at pic of Australian Shepherds for hours .
If you feel the same way , browse through these photo of Aussies to see the dissimilar food colouring and varieties in this hotdog breed .
