Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Information:
Despite their name, the Australian Shepherd dog breed originated in the western United States, not Australia, around the time of the Gold Rush in the 1840s. Originally bred to herd livestock, they remain a working dog at heart.
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Group: Herding Dogs.
Australian Shepherd Height: 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder.
Australian Shepherd Weight: 40 to 65 pounds.
Australian Shepherd Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Intelligent, hardworking, and versatile, the Aussie is a no-nonsense dog who thrives in a home where his brains and energy are put to good use. You don't have to keep a flock of sheep if you live with an Aussie although it doesn't hurt but you do have to keep him busy.
Australian Shepherds are average shedders, and their coat needs regular maintenance, including weekly brushing to keep it clean and prevent matting, and possibly trimming to keep it looking tidy.
Australian Shepherds can be very destructive and bark for long periods if they're not getting the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
Australian Shepherd History:
This is an American-born breed. The Australian Shepherd was originally developed to herd livestock for ranchers and farmers in the western U.S., and some modern-day Aussies still hold that job. The breed enjoyed a popularity boom in the post-World War II years that went hand-in-hand with a renewed interest in Western-style horseback riding.
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Australian Shepherd Size:
Australian Shepherd stands 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder for males, 18 to 21 inches for females. On average, males weigh between 50 and 65 pounds, females 40 to 55 pounds.
Australian Shepherd Personality:
Australian Shepherds are by nature loyal to their family but standoffish with strangers. They need early socialization exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young. Australian Shepherds can and will take the dominant role in the home if you don't give them firm and confident leadership.
Australian Shepherd Health:
Aussies are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Aussies will get any or all of these diseases.
Hip Dysplasia.
Elbow Dysplasia.
Epilepsy.
Deafness.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD).
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Cataracts. Distichiasis.
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA).
Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM).
Hypothyroidism.
Allergies.
Drug Sensitivity.
Cancer.
Nasal Solar Dermatitis.
Detached Retina.
Australian Shepherd Care:
If you've got a yard, make sure you've also got a secure fence that your Aussie can't dig under or jump over. Australian Shepherds needs a half hour to an hour of stimulating activity every day, such as a run, a Frisbee game, or obedience or agility exercises.
Australian Shepherd Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Australian Shepherd Coat Color And Grooming:
The Australian Shepherd has a medium-length water-resistant coat to keep him comfortable in rain and snow. Aussies in cold climates have a heavier undercoat than those who live in sunnier areas.
Australian Shepherds come in several colors: blue merle, red merle, red, tri-color (white, black, and tan), and black. Brush the Aussie's coat weekly, perhaps more often during shedding season, to prevent matting.
Grooming sessions are a good time to check your dog's overall condition. Before you start brushing, check your dog for sores, rashes, dry skin, or signs of infection such as inflammation or tenderness.
Australian Shepherd with Children And Other Pets:
Australian Shepherds are herding dogs and many consider kids part of their "flock," so you'll need to teach your Aussie that chasing and nipping at kids to herd them isn't allowed. They can get along with other pets, too, although they may try to herd them. This may not go over too well, especially with cats.