Do n’t let the Australian Shepherd ’s name gull you . This strain was really developed in the United States . The Aussie is a average - sized , high - vim dog most unremarkably associate with farm life . Their bright blue eyes , adorable personalities , and herd inheritance make Australian Shepherds one of the smartest , most outgoing breeds you ’ll ever meet .
Australian Shepherd Quick Overview
Australian Shepherd Characteristics
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent , active , and gumptious pawl breed with a unassailable desire to work . With the right training and socialization , this breed makes an excellent family associate . They are very friendly with other dogs and animals , but they do tend to have an sovereign nature and may be aloof with strangers until they get to have intercourse them best .
Appearance
The Aussie , as the breed is affectionately referred to , is a inflexible dog of intermediate build that is highly energetic and keenly levelheaded . They are able to observe a post , reason out a course of action , and then go to it . These quality are what make them higher-ranking in the field .
One very trenchant equipment characteristic of the breed is their bobbed tail , which is barely obtrusive amongst the thick-skulled coat . This trait is recessive , and the preferred tail distance for grownup Aussies with tail shadower is 4 inches , per the AKC standard .
Coat and Grooming
The Aussie carries a doubled coat that is average in duration , with a downy neckband around the neck , shoulder and chest , sometimes referred as a " ruff . " Coat colour include inglorious , blue merle , red , and reddish merle . The stock sheds all twelvemonth , but more abundantly in the natural spring when they bluster their wintertime coat . Aussies arenot hypoallergenic .
To avoid matting , sweep the Aussie ’s coating once a week , or more frequently during eminent shedding periods . Your Aussie should onlyrequire a bathwhen they ’re dirty , which should n’t be more than a few times a yr if you keep them brushed . To obviate drying out their skin and coat , check that to apply a dog - friendly shampoo product .
Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is a good - natured cad who can give the Energizer Bunny a rivulet for his money , but it ’s only innate for them to be a bit reserve when meeting strangers . Aussies are super devoted to both their human family and their flocks , and will go to great lengths to learn over and protect both .
Aussie make fantastic , fond companions for families with tike once they are socialized and trained properly . Aussiesrequire special attention to socializationand exposure to a multifariousness of people , sights , noises , and experience , preferably while they ’re still young . If you find an adult Aussie , unwrap them to new surroundings on a regular basis can assist them in becoming well - rounded adult dog .
Because Australian Shepherds are herd dogs who consider kid to be part of their " flock , " you ’ll take to teach your weenie that chasing and pinch at children to herd them is n’t acceptable .
Exercise Requirements
The only tangible drawback to the Aussie personality - if it can truly be name a drawback - is their highly energetic nature and their need to burn off that free energy . This means you involve to give your click plenty of physical exercise on a casual base , or destructive behaviors may begin in an effort to keep them meddlesome .
Every day , your Aussie needs at least some exhilarating activity , such as a run , a Frisbee secret plan , respect physical exercise , oragility exercising . Interactivepuzzle toysare a great way to keep their dynamic mind take when you ’re not playing with them , provide both mental and strong-arm input .
pup do n’t need the same amount of vigorous body process as adults , and you should n’t allow for them to run on hard Earth’s surface like concrete or bounce until they ’re at least a year old . It could put a air on their still - developing wasted structure , leading to eventual joint issuance .
Training
The mixture of being shrewd as a whip and eager to please is unbeatable . Aussies are relatively simple to train for almost any task , including housebreaking , farm work , and serving study for the handicapped . If you are inclined to put in the time with these firedog , they can truly become Jacks - of - all - Trades .
reinforcement - base training , also known aspositive reinforcement training , has raise to be good with Australian Shepherds . or else of punishing the dog for undesirable conduct , this method of preparation encourages them to accomplish hope demeanour by rewarding them with praise or treats when they are well - bear .
Australian Shepherds require a debate yard or an experienced dog owner who will keep them busy at home with daily use and education .
Nutrition
As long as your Aussie is sustain enough exercise , you should n’t be implicated about fleshiness . However , it ’s still crucial to supervise their food inspiration and adjust accordingly base on their activity levels .
dog that are unceasingly exercise need more calories than dog-iron that go for a one - hour pass each day . This stock is also prone to allergic reaction , so monitoring their alimentation and conform with novel protein or raw food selection is often recommended for this frank breed . If you select to go bleak , you may nibble what items to feed and what not to run your frank . you may control every ingredient in your dog ’s food .
For most Australian Shepherds , feed 1½ to 2½ cup of juiceless dog food for thought double a day . If your hound is highly active , bump this up to roughly 2 to 3 cups , doubly a day , and adjust base on your dog ’s weight .
Origin and History
The Australian Shepherd was designed to herd livestock for ranchers and farmers in the western United States , and many Australian Shepherds still execute this work today . The Aussie ’s origins likely include collie and shepherd - type dogs that were introduced with sheep shipments from Australia in the 1840s , leading to the name , " Australian Shepherd . " breeder aimed to improve their herding skills and make an adaptable , unwearying , and thinking dog .
Aussie were engender based on intelligence , temperament , nimbleness , and herd instincts . in the end , the breed evolved into what is now considered one of the finest livestock - handling breeds in the world . Despite their popularity , the American Kennel Club did not recognize the stock until 1993 .
Health Concerns
Like many wiener stock , the Australian Shepherd faces certain wellness problem .
Canine Hip Dysplasiais perhaps the most common ailment find in the stock today . Malformed junction conduct to unreasonable wear on the gristle , eventually resulting in bone rubbing on bone . This is very painful for affected dogs and can be crippling .
Additionally , Aussies may be prone to :
Fun Facts About the Australian Shepherd
There ’s so much to bed about the Aussie , you could hit the books them your whole life and never learn it all . Here are just a few unique facts about the strain :
Breeders and Rescues
Many people purchase Australian Shepherds without a clean idea of what it takes to own one . As a outcome , many Aussies are surrendered to shelters or rescues and are in need of adoption or fostering . If you do n’t find an Aussie rescue in your neighborhood , contact thenational breed groupor a local strain nine , and they will be able to guide you to one . you’re able to also take a look onPetFinder.comto find both purebred and Aussie mix .
FAQs About the Australian Shepherd
The following are usually expect questions about the Aussie breed :
Australian Shepherd Pros and Cons
The following are pros and convict of this breed :
Is the Australian Shepherd the Right Breed for You?
Australian Shepherds are devoted pets and tireless workers , but they might not be the ideal breed for everyone . An Aussie needs plenty of space to drill , ideally with a lot of undefendable yard to break away and play . They also enjoy being useful and are never more fulfilled than when they have a labor to do . After all , these are turn dog , so a cooped up lifetime would likely be frustrating for both you and your dog .
Unless you are disposed to give as much devotedness to your Aussie as they will shower on you , it might be best for you to look at a less active breed . An Aussie needs both challenge and socialisation to thrive and remain happy . If you ’re searching for a smaller version of this breed , you may require to take a aspect at theMiniature American Shepherd , commonly look up to as the mini Aussie .
