Australian Shepherd

History

Despite its name, this dog was not created in Australia. Its homeland is North America, where local farmers decided to cross Pyrenean shepherds with different types of collies – border collies, Smithfield collies and other working animals of this type. The result was a dog with inexhaustible energy, passion and desire to work, calm and unperturbed, which would easily handle a large herd of sheep or cattle. 

The breed became especially popular after the Second World War, when these dogs increasingly took part in films and television series.  Thanks to its intelligence and attractive appearance, the Australian Shepherd is a favorite pet for people all over the world.

Appearance

A strong, well-proportioned dog with an elongated body. Male specimens reach 58 cm in height, females – 53 cm. Kilograms are between 25 and 32 kg. 

The Australian Shepherd’s head is sufficiently powerful, with high-set, drooping ears. The nose is black, and there are representatives with small pink spots. The eyes are brown, amber or gray-blue, almond-shaped, the ears are triangular in shape, medium in size, standing upright. The chest is well developed, the tail is long, the limbs are muscular.

The coat of the Australian Shepherd is one of the things that distinguish it all over the world.  It is straight or wavy, medium length. On the head, ears and the front part of the limbs – short and smooth, on the neck there is a mane, the back part and the limbs are covered with “decorative” fur. The colors are black, reddish, greyish and all these colors – plus spots. You can meet representatives with white around the neck, like a kind of collar. There may also be white spots on the chest, limbs and head. 

Character

The Australian Shepherd is an energetic and loyal dog that takes to heart the role of guardian of the home in which it lives. These are very intelligent four-legged friends, used to making their own decisions, always ready to please and please their owner. Extremely amenable to training, they will gladly follow your every command, as long as they perceive you as a leader from an early age. Manifestations of stubbornness or willfulness are possible, but at this moment you should in no case react with physical violence or aggression. In this way, you can push the dog away and he will forever lose the desire to train, and this would have a very bad effect on his character and general condition. Be consistent, use praise and rewards to achieve good results!

Hello

The Australian Shepherd is a fairly healthy dog, but it still has some diseases typical of the breed. Among them are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, ear infections, heart and stomach diseases.

Care

If you are keeping the Australian Shepherd in a yard, make sure the fence is high enough that your pet cannot jump over it. A strong instinct draws these dogs outside, so it is recommended to lead them on a leash in an urban environment.

The Australian Shepherd needs at least an hour of walking combined with play a day.  Whether it’s running, throwing a ball or frisbee, jumping over obstacles – anything is welcome to keep this remarkable dog’s mind sharp.

Eating

Like other herding dogs, the Australian Shepherd is not picky about food. She will do just as well if you feed her dry food or canned dog food. In order to make your pet’s menu richer, you can also add natural products, the dominant among them should be heat-treated meat. It is not recommended to give the dog offal, nor pork, as they are too fatty. Go for chicken, turkey, rabbit and beef, mix them with a variety of steamed vegetables. You can add small amounts of cooked rice, buckwheat or oatmeal, low-fat cottage cheese, egg whites or yogurt. Don’t forget to give your dog bones to gnaw on regularly – it’s good for the teeth, avoiding chicken gizzards as they can cause the intestines to tear.

Children and pets

As herding dogs, Australian Shepherds perceive children as part of their “flock”. You will have to teach them to be careful and not to be condescending to the little ones . With the right commands and training, these dogs will become first friends with all members of your family – young and old!

The Australian Shepherd gets along well with other pets, although they tend to be more dominant and ‘direct’ – behavior that may not be taken so well by cats, for example.

Australian Shepherd Characteristic

Australian Shepherds, also known as “Aussies,” are a highly intelligent, versatile, and active breed of dog. Here are some common characteristics of Australian Shepherds:

1. Intelligent: Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports.
2. Active: Aussies are an energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy playing fetch, going for hikes, and participating in other outdoor activities.
3. Loyal: Australian Shepherds are devoted and loyal to their owners and families. They form strong bonds with their human companions and are protective of their homes and loved ones.
4. Affectionate: Aussies are affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They crave attention and love to cuddle and be petted.
5. Herding Instincts: Australian Shepherds were originally bred for herding livestock, and many still have a strong herding instinct. They may try to herd children or other animals in their household, which can be both amusing and potentially dangerous if not properly trained.
6. Alert: Aussies are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. They are quick to sound the alarm if they sense anything out of the ordinary and will bark to alert their owners to potential danger.
7. Independent: While Aussies are loyal and affectionate, they also have a streak of independence. They may not always follow commands blindly and may try to assert their independence from time to time.

Overall, Australian Shepherds are intelligent, active, and affectionate dogs that make excellent companions for those who are willing to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.