Australian Shepherd | The Energetic Herding Dog Breed
The Australian Shepherd, usually just referred to as the Aussie, is a very smart and athletic breed that possesses an exceptional herding ability, as well as a distinctive coat. Although born in the United States, the Australian Shepherd was named after the country where it was developed. Australian Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, agility and work ethic and as such make good companions for active individuals, families and those requiring a dog that will excel at dog sports or work activities.
The Australian Shepherd is an incredibly popular and versatile dog breed in the world; so much so, that it is loved all over the world. In this article, we are going to discuss the traits, care tips, history, and more to help you understand why this breed is so loved.
History of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd’s history is one of necessity for a hardworking herding dog. The Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia, although the breed was given this name because its working style resembled that of the Australian Cattle Dog. Although the exact origins of the breed are not known, it is believed that the ancestors of the Australian Shepherd were herding dogs brought over by European settlers.
The breed was bred specifically for its intelligence, agility and its ability to work independent. An Australian Shepherd is known for his herding abilities, most especially for working difficult terrain with livestock. Although originally bred for farm work, the Australian Shepherd’s intelligence and agility have led to a high interest in the Australian Shepherd for dog sports, including obedience, agility, and herding trials. Because of their loyal and loving nature, they are also loved as family pets today.
Classification of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is bred for a purpose, that of being a herding dog, to herd sheep and cattle. Intelligent, fast, and naturally inclined to herding, they were perfect for managing great numbers of cattle across wide areas. Most modern Australian Shepherds are domestic pets these days but they still have strong herding instincts and they still make good working dogs.
According to Size: Australian Shepherd is a medium size dog, with males measuring 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder and females 18 to 21 inches. An Australian Shepherd can weigh from 40 to 65 pounds. They are muscular and strong, but compact size makes them fine at agility and other dog sports.
Most Popular Australian Shepherd Traits
The Australian Shepherd has a striking appearance, is well known, and very athletic, intelligent dog!
Australian Shepherds have a weather resistant medium length coat, that comes in a variety of colors including merle (a mottled pattern of two colors), red, black or blue, and usually with white and tan markings. Another breed feature is their expressive eyes, and some Australian Shepherds possess eyes of different colors or eyes that seem to be ‘half-blue’.
Physical Activity and Mental Stimulation: Australian Shepherds have a tendency to retain tons of energy and therefore require a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation as well. They are a working breed that does best in an environment where they have lots of room to run and lots of opportunity to use their intelligence. If they are not given sufficient exercise and stimulation, they may become bored and start behaving like chewing or excessive barking.
Australian Shepherds are very intelligent and eager to please. As a result, they are known to be loyal to the family and are usually described as protective but friendly. Properly socialized they are good with children and other pets, but they are reserved or cautious with strangers. Australian Shepherds are noted for their affection for their owners.
Factors to Choose an Australian Shepherd
There are some factors you need to consider before bringing an Australian Shepherd to your home.
Australian Shepherds have high exercise needs and need daily exercise to remain happy and healthy. To burn off all of the excess energy they possess, they will need long walks, runs, as well as interactive playtime. An Australian Shepherd will love it if you like the idea of hiking, running or playing dog sports. If they do not have enough physical activity they can become restless and destructive.
Australian Shepherd has a medium length coat which needs regular grooming to avoid matting and tangling. They should be brushed once or twice a week, though they may shed more in seasonal changes. Bathing should be as needed, and ear cleaning and nail trimming should be routine. As their herding instinct is strong, it’s important to check their coat regularly for debris (e.g. sticks or burrs) if they spend a lot of time outdoors.
Intelligence: These dogs are very intelligent, making training one of the easiest things you can do with your Australian Shepherd. Yet, they have to be intellectually stimulated regularly or they will become bored. Australian Shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement methods and early socialization will ensure that they behave well around other pets and people. However, if not trained properly, their herding instincts may motivate them to herd small children or other animals.
Australian Shepherds are generally healthy, but some may be prone to health issues such as: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Eye Problems such as Cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). The best way to keep their health good is regular vet check ups and good healthy diet. It is recommended that genetic testing is carried out in case of potential health issues in breeding dogs.
Tips for Responsible Australian Shepherd Ownership
In order to keep an Australian Shepherd mentally and physically stimulated, make sure you provide enough exercise. Also, besides walks and playtime, taking part in dog sports such as agility or obedience training will keep their mind sharp.
Australian Shepherds are a breed that requires regular grooming, especially when they are shedding. Be prepared to brush them at least once a week, even more during shedding periods.
Early and consistent socialization is important for an Australian Shepherd, as they may develop a territorial or anxious nature if they are not properly introduced to new people, animals and situations. Positive reinforcement training will teach them the appropriate behaviors and generalizing to different environments.
Regular vet visits are important to monitor the Australian Shepherd’s health. Take a proactive approach to detection of early signs of genetic conditions in dogs and have them routinely screened for eye and hip health issues.
Fun Facts About Australian Shepherds
Additionally, Australian Shepherds are famous for their extremely high intelligence, which means that some can pick up new tricks after hearing them just a few times.
They have a high drive to work and herd because of which they perform very well in dog sports like agility, obedience and herding trials.
Australian Shepherds are trained as therapy and service dogs because they have an intelligent, loyal and trainable nature.
Although the name indicates that Australian Shepherds were created in Australia, the breed actually originated in the United States, probably in California, to help farmers herd livestock.
For Sale: Where to Find Australian Shepherd
When getting an Australian Shepherd, always choose a responsible breeder who takes care of the dogs and doesn’t have only money on their mind. Responsible breeders also test a dog’s genes for common health problems and will give you a line of pedigree and temperament information on your dog. There are many breed specific rescues that will help you adopt an Australian Shepherd if you are seriously interested.
FAQs about Australian Shepherd
Conclusion
The Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent, energetic, and loyal dog breed, that does well in both work and play. Although they need a lot of exercise, mental stimulation, and grooming, they return the favor with loyalty, affection, and a desire for adventure. The Australian Shepherd is a breed that will impress you with their intelligence, agility and, with any of these qualities, with their heart, whether you are looking for a dog to participate in dog sports, to accompany you on outdoor activities or to be a loving family companion.