Australian Shepherd
● Key Characteristics Of Australian Shepherds
● How Can I Take Good Care Of An Australian Shepherd Puppy?
● Most Asked Australian Shepherd Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds
Australian Shepherds are a gentle and sweet-natured dog breed. They are lively and friendly dogs that are very sociable. This is not surprising since both of their parents have these traits.
Even though they look like teddy bears, these dogs are intelligent as they are trainable.
● Key Characteristics Of Australian Shepherds
● How Can I Take Good Care Of An Australian Shepherd Puppy?
● Most Asked Australian Shepherd Questions
● Similar Dog Breeds
Australian Shepherds were originally bred as all-purpose herding and farm dogs. Nicknamed the “Aussie”, these medium-sized dogs are smart, obedient and have incredible agility. They thrive in situations where they are given a sense of purpose.
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd originates from the Western United States. These dogs were developed from a breed introduced from Basque in Western Europe.
When the Basque people came to the U.S., they brought their dogs along. American ranchers then ventured into raising and breeding this dog.
It did not take long for the ranchers to realise that these dogs thrived in high altitudes. As a result, they used them in the Rocky Mountains and high plains where they pastured cattle.
With time, the popularity of this dog breed increased. This can be attributed to television series, Western movies and rodeos that became popular after World War II.
| Are Australian Shepherds Family-Friendly? | Yes they are. These dogs make loyal and easy-going companions. |
| Daily Exercise Needs? | Need at least 1 hour of exercise each day. High-energy activities such as playing frisbee are also recommended. |
| Common Health Issues & Considerations | Australian Shepherds can be susceptible to several conditions including: ● Hip Dysplasia. ● Elbow Dysplasia- this is a condition common among large-breeds. ● Collie Eye Anomaly. ● Deafness. ● Progressive Retinal Atrophy. ● Distichiasis. |
| Lifespan | 13 to 15 years |
| Nature & Temperament | They are smart, dependable and they thrive on human relations. These dogs are at their best when engaged in interaction with their owners. Whether it's in the form of walking, running or playing. |
| Size | Weight 25 - 32 kg Height 46 - 58 cm |
| Suitable Environment | Australian Shepherds have historically been sheep herders. This means they love open spaces. |
| Grooming | Brush their coats 1 - 2 times each week to remove dead hair. |
● Australian Shepherds need to be provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from destructive behaviour.
● Australian Shepherds are protective – they bark when they see something suspicious.
● These dogs are average shedders.
● They enjoy the company of their owners and like sticking close to their human pack, however can be aloof to strangers.
Nutrition
Australian Shepherds feed on dry dog food. This kind of food is ideal because it keeps their teeth clean by helping to scrape off plaque.
The specific amount of dog food will depend on their age and size. For instance, adult Australian Shepherds that weigh between 15 – 27 kgs need 3 – 4 cups of dry dog food each day.
Grooming
Australian Shepherds have thick coats of medium length. As such, they need routine grooming to keep them healthy and comfortable.
They shed more during Spring, so during this time, they need more frequent brushing.
Recommended grooming tips:
Exercise
Australian Shepherds are active dogs with strong herding instincts. As such, they need plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Take them for long walks, play fetch or teach them to play fly-ball. Alternatively, provide them with toys. Puzzle toys are good as they keep the Australian Shepherd engaged.
Training
When it comes to training, Australian Shepherds are a fantastic breed to train. They’re intelligent, so they pick up commands relatively fast. They also respond well to reward-based training techniques like clicker training.
One thing to keep in mind is to keep your Australian Shepherd on leash. Since they were bred for herding, these instincts are never far from the surface.
These dogs are sturdily-built and of medium size. They also have many coat colours, bobbed tails and light-coloured eyes. Their coats are moderately long and can be wavy or straight.
Australian Shepherds can make brilliant pets. But, they are not suited for all families. They have high energy levels, which makes them ideal for active families with larger yards.
Australian Shepherds for sale cost from $500 to $2500 approximately. If buying a puppy, try and spend some time with its parents. This way, you can gauge the puppy’s temperament. Make sure you buy only from a recognised breeder.
Like any other herding breed, Australian Shepherds are very protective of their flock. Any perceived invasion or threat will be met with suspicion and at times, aggression.
Their protective instincts will have them barking at intruders. They also protect their owners and family members even when in a public area.
Australian shepherds are able to withstand a variety of climates. Their thick double coats helps them to be well-insulated from both heat and cold.
The Australian Shepherd is not inclined to excessive barking. Some of the reasons that may cause them to bark are stress, isolation, anxiety and boredom.
This is general information and should not be relied on as adoption or purchasing advice.
● Collie