This is an athletic dog of medium size and bone; The Australian Shepherd is lithe, agile, and slightly longer than it is tall. This breed is muscular and powerful enough to work all day, without sacrificing the speed and agility. This dog’s gait is free and easy, and must be able to change direction or speed instantly. The double coat is weather resistant, with the outer coat of medium texture and length, straight to wavy. The expression is keen, intelligent, and eager.
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Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Temperament
The Australian Shepherd has a great deal of stamina and is loving, bold, alert, confident, independent, smart, and responsive. If they don’t get a chance to exercise and challenge their strongly developed mental and physical activities, they are apt to become frustrated and difficult to live with. With proper exercise and training, this dog is a loyal, utterly devoted, and obedient companion. The Aussie is reserved with strangers, and has a protective nature. This breed may try to herd children and small animals by nipping.
Upkeep
This breed needs a good workout every day, preferably combining both physical and mental challenges. The coat needs brushing or combing one to two times weekly.
Suggested tests: hip, eye, (thyroid), (DNA for CEA), elbow
Life span: 12–15 years
Note: This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin. hom*ozygous merle, which is detrimental to health, commonly results in deafness and blindness. The natural bobtail can result in some serious spinal defects.
History
The Australian Shepherd is not really an Australian breed, but came to America by way of Australia. One popular theory of the breed’s origin begins during the 1800s when the Basque people of Europe settled in Australia, bringing with them their sheep and sheepdogs. Shortly thereafter, many of these shepherds relocated to the western United States, with their dogs and sheep. American shepherds naturally dubbed these dogs Australian Shepherds because that was their immediate past residence.
The rugged area of Australia and western America placed demands on the herding dogs that they had not faced in Europe, but through various crosses and rigorous selection for working ability, the Basque dog soon adapted and excelled under these harsh conditions. The breed kept a low profile until the 1950s, when they were featured in a popular trick-dog act that performed in rodeos and was featured in film. Many of these dogs, owned by Jay Sisler, can be found in the pedigrees of today’s Aussies.
The first Aussie was registered with the International English Shepherd Registry, now known as the National Stock Dog Registry. The AKC recognized the Australian Shepherd in 1993. Its popularity according to AKC statistics underestimates the popularity of this breed because a large proportion of this working breed remains unregistered with the AKC. This dog is among the most versatile of breeds, excelling at conformation, obedience, herding, and agility competition. The Aussie is also adept at working cattle; in fact, some believe its close working style is more suited to cattle than to sheep.
How Much Should You Keep Your Dog Outdoors?If you live in the city, your urban canine is probably on a three-walk-a-day schedule for exercising, socializing, and eliminating. But if your home comes equipped with a yard and a fence, keeping a dog becomes much easier. The simplicity of giving your dog his morning constitutional while you're still garbed in a robe and slippers can't be beat. Add a dog door, and you don't even have to get out of bed! Phydeau can meet his own needs on his own schedule. However, some dog guardians use the yard as a crutch, and, before you know it, the backyard becomes Phydeau's entire world. How much is too much of a good thing?
Their Pyrenean Shepherds crossbred with other working dogs, including Collies and Border Collies, creating the modern version of the Australian Shepherd.
Besides working as herding animals, Aussies serve as police dogs, narcotics detectors and competitors in obedience trials. They also make great family pets. They are a recent addition to the AKC herding group some Aussie breeders fear AKC recognition may create undue emphasis on appearance over ability.
Australian Shepherds are considered among the highest maintenance breeds due to their extensive exercise and grooming needs, as well as their need for human companionship. Although Aussies are fun dogs with a lot of love to give, if you're looking for an easy-to-care-for dog, this breed is not for you!
Australian Shepherds are loyal, intelligent dogs with a strong character. Many Aussies are quite friendly, but some can be reserved toward new people. But with a proper introduction, they will often warm up and be accepting. As with all dog breeds, early socialization is very important.
At 2-3 years of age, Mini Aussies are considered mentally developed and will be better at regulating their energy levels. In other words, they will start to calm down! That said, Aussies are naturally active dogs and will remain so into old age.
This breed absolutely loves to be on the move and whether it's hiking, biking, or playing fetch, the Aussie is definitely going to put their all into it.
As you can see, the Australian Shepherd is a family-oriented dog that wants nothing more than to spend time with you and keep you happy. They show this love in several ways. One of these shows of affection is cuddling. If your Aussie loves to cuddle, embrace the affection.
All in all, Australian Shepherds do bark more than some other breeds. But with the right training and socialization, their barking can be managed. So if you're up for the challenge, this breed makes a great addition to your family! Good luck on your adventure with Aussies—and happy barking!
☆ Needy – While viciously loyal, that can sometimes translate as extremely needy. They need constant attention and are very susceptible to getting separation anxiety.
Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
They're a very devoted breed and highly intelligent. Australian shepherds bond with their owners and family and take their role as guardians seriously. This can cause them to be protective, but also aggressive toward things they perceive as a threat if they're not properly socialized and trained.
In addition to being herding dogs, Australian Shepherds serve as Seeing Eye dogs, hearing dogs, drug-sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Because of their high intelligence, Aussies are well-suited to do a wide variety of jobs.
Popular Australian Shepherd mix breeds include the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix (Aussie Collie), Australian Shepherd Labrador mix (Aussiedor), Australian Shepherd Cattle Dog mix (Aussie Cattle Dog), and Australian Shepherd Husky mix (Aussie Husky).
Australian Shepherds are believed to be descendants of ancient herding dogs from Spain that made their way west, along with imported sheep, during the late 1800s. Some theories include these dogs having a brief stint in Australia before being imported to America which is one potential reason for their later naming.
Of course food, events, art and history are all vital parts of the Australian culture, but what really distinguishes an Aussie is his or her laid-back outlook on life. It's the way friends turn up unannounced for a catch-up (but always with a six-pack of beer in hand).
Speculation of breeds used includes Pomeranian, Papillion, Chihuahua, Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Corgi, and Sheltie. Due to the introduction of other breeds, the Toy Australian Shepherd is considered a separate breed from the standard and miniature Aussies.
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