Australian Shepherd Breed Info

Energy ****
Trainng *****
Watchdog *****
Grooming ***

Australian Shepherd is originated from United States and also known as aussie
Size: max: 23 in (H), 75 lbs (W)
Color: red merle, blue merle, black, red, with or without white markings
Coat: medium length, double coat, straight or slightly wavy
Personality: intelligent, loyal, energetic, love to play
Care: exercise, activity
Known health problem: collie eye anomaly, hip dysplasia, deafness, PRA
Group: herding dogs

Good with children? yes
Good with other pets? good with other dogs, but has strong prey drive on small animals


The Australian Shepherd's assumed area of origin can be misleading because it is not actually an Australian Breed. Although the exact details of the dog's history is unclear, we do know that they made their way to the United States, from Australia, where they were used to herd sheep.

One theory suggests that the breed started when the Basque people of Europe settled in Australia with their sheepdogs, then relocated to America, bringing their dogs with them. The name "Australian Shepherd" was given due to the breed's past residence and function, but they were still largely known as the Basque dog.

The Australian Shepherd excelled at overcoming the harsh conditions of herding through rough terrain in both Australia and western America. They were crossed with various other breeds and were mostly kept under the radar in terms of popularity. During the 1950s, the breed gained exposure as they were seen in various dog trick shows and even in film.

The International English Shepherd Registry registered the very first Australian Shepherd (today known as the National Stock Dog Registry). The Australian Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1957, and in 1993 the AKC officially recognized the breed. Today the Australian Shepherd is still used as a sheep herder and can be seen winning herding trials.

The Australian Shepherd is a bold, loving, smart and energetic member of the Herding Group. These dogs have an athletic build and are medium in size. With amazing agility and a powerful body, they can work hard all day without sacrificing speed or stamina. Australian Shepherd dogs were bred to guard livestock and to this day maintains the genetic drive to herd. Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive and usually needs a job to keep the dog active.

They have almond-shaped eyes, with variety in the eye color. Aussie eyes may be amber, brown, hazel, green, or blue; and may have two different colored eyes.

The temperament of the breed can vary from being overly playful with its owners to an imposing and courageous watchdog against intruders. They are typically friendly towards other dogs and pets, but reserved around strange people. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation through games and dog training, the Australian Shepherd tends to become bored and may act out in a destructive manner through barking and chewing.

Taking Care of Your Australian Shepherd

This breed must have vigorous exercise on a daily basis, both physically and mentally. And with its ease of training ability and high intellectual levels, the Australian Shepherd is the perfect candidate for advanced obedience training. These dogs thrive on human contact and are not meant for sitting around the house all day. This breed does best with an active family or individual in suburban or rural home.

Australian Shepherds can tolerate both hot and cool temperatures but should not live outdoors completely. The ideal living arrangement is to allow the Aussie to have access to a safe outdoors area during the day and to sleep inside with the family at night. Grooming requirements call for a heavy brushing of its thick coat about two to three times weekly.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between twelve and fifteen years. Major health concerns that run common in the breed are CEA and cataracts. Minor health issues include CEA, Pelger-Huet syndrome, hypothyroidism, CHD, iris coloboma, and nasal solar dermatitis. Rarely seen is PRA, PPM, distichiasis, PDA, epilepsy, lumbar sacral syndrome, and vWD. Veterinarians suggest that the Australian Shepherd get specifically tested for DNA for CEA, hip, thyroid, and eye problems.

Australian Shepherd Club

The Australian Shepherd Club
www.AustralianShepherds.org

Australian Shepherd Rescue Organization

Australian Shepherd Lovers
www.Australian-Shepherd-Lovers.com

Australian Shepherd Puppies For Sale >>

Australian Shepherd Dog Breeders >>