Breed Type The Australian Shepherd is a working dog. Popular among ranchers due to its skill in herding, the Aussie is also great at sports. This breed is adaptable to a variety of climates.
Background The Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia but rather was developed entirely in the United States. Some say its name comes from its lineage, others say it is because of the blue merle coloring of some Aussies, and still others believe it is a result of the breed's popularity among Australian ranchers who relocated to the U.S.The Australian Shepherd's history is rather vague as well. It is accepted that the breed was developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but it is unclear exactly which breeds were crossed to create it. Likely candidates include the sheepdogs of Spain and Collies.
Description The Australian Shepherd is a dog of medium size with a well balanced build. Its muzzle is fairly long and tapered, its ears set high and triangular, and its eyes medium
and oval. Eyes may be brown, blue or amber, and are often marbled or flecked.
The Aussie's coat may be straight or a little wavy. It is short and smooth with the exceptions of the back of the forelegs, breeches, mane and frill. Many Australian Shepherds have naturally short tails, and those that do not are usually docked shortly after birth. Coat colors include blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, and may have white markings or copper points.
Aussies with two copies of the merle gene will turn out mostly white. Some unscrupulous or ill-advised breeders sell these dogs at a premium due to their rarity, but most of these dogs suffer from serious health problems.
and oval. Eyes may be brown, blue or amber, and are often marbled or flecked.
The Aussie's coat may be straight or a little wavy. It is short and smooth with the exceptions of the back of the forelegs, breeches, mane and frill. Many Australian Shepherds have naturally short tails, and those that do not are usually docked shortly after birth. Coat colors include blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, and may have white markings or copper points.
Aussies with two copies of the merle gene will turn out mostly white. Some unscrupulous or ill-advised breeders sell these dogs at a premium due to their rarity, but most of these dogs suffer from serious health problems.
Care and Feeding Australian Shepherds do well on diets that include lamb, poultry, oats, potato and wheat. Aussies are easy to groom, requiring only occasional brushing and as-needed bathing. For longer or feathered coats, brushing is more important to help avoid matting and tangling.
Many Australian Shepherds are born with short tails, but tails over 4 inches long are usually docked at 2 to 3 days of age. Rear dewclaws are usually removed, and front dewclaws may or may not be removed when the dog is very young.
Many Australian Shepherds are born with short tails, but tails over 4 inches long are usually docked at 2 to 3 days of age. Rear dewclaws are usually removed, and front dewclaws may or may not be removed when the dog is very young.
Australian Shepherds need yearly checkups to stay healthy. Vaccinations are due as follows:
- 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
- 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
- 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
- Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
Aussies shed moderately. If kept indoors, regular vacuuming of carpet and furniture is recommended. Some Australian Shepherds have allergies, so extra cleaning may be necessary.
Housing Your Dog This active breed needs plenty of space, so it does not make a good apartment dog. A large yard is recommended.
Family: Canidae
Breed Type The Australian Shepherd is a working dog. Popular among ranchers due to its skill in herding, the Aussie is also great at sports. This breed is adaptable to a variety of climates.
Background The Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia but rather was developed entirely in the United States. Some say its name comes from its lineage, others say it is because of the blue merle coloring of some Aussies, and still others believe it is a result of the breed's popularity among Australian ranchers who relocated to the U.S.
The Australian Shepherd's history is rather vague as well. It is accepted that the breed was developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but it is unclear exactly which breeds were crossed to create it. Likely candidates include the sheepdogs of Spain and Collies.
The Australian Shepherd's history is rather vague as well. It is accepted that the breed was developed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but it is unclear exactly which breeds were crossed to create it. Likely candidates include the sheepdogs of Spain and Collies.
Description The Australian Shepherd is a dog of medium size with a well balanced build. Its muzzle is fairly long and tapered, its ears set high and triangular, and its eyes medium and oval. Eyes may be brown, blue or amber, and are often marbled or flecked.
The Aussie's coat may be straight or a little wavy. It is short and smooth with the exceptions of the back of the forelegs, breeches, mane and frill. Many Australian Shepherds have naturally short tails, and those that do not are usually docked shortly after birth. Coat colors include blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, and may have white markings or copper points.
Aussies with two copies of the merle gene will turn out mostly white. Some unscrupulous or ill-advised breeders sell these dogs at a premium due to their rarity, but most of these dogs suffer from serious health problems.
The Aussie's coat may be straight or a little wavy. It is short and smooth with the exceptions of the back of the forelegs, breeches, mane and frill. Many Australian Shepherds have naturally short tails, and those that do not are usually docked shortly after birth. Coat colors include blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, and may have white markings or copper points.
Aussies with two copies of the merle gene will turn out mostly white. Some unscrupulous or ill-advised breeders sell these dogs at a premium due to their rarity, but most of these dogs suffer from serious health problems.
Care and Feeding Australian Shepherds do well on diets that include lamb, poultry, oats, potato and wheat. Aussies are easy to groom, requiring only occasional brushing and as-needed bathing. For longer or feathered coats, brushing is more important to help avoid matting and tangling.
Many Australian Shepherds are born with short tails, but tails over 4 inches long are usually docked at 2 to 3 days of age. Rear dewclaws are usually removed, and front dewclaws may or may not be removed when the dog is very young.
Many Australian Shepherds are born with short tails, but tails over 4 inches long are usually docked at 2 to 3 days of age. Rear dewclaws are usually removed, and front dewclaws may or may not be removed when the dog is very young.
Australian Shepherds need yearly checkups to stay healthy. Vaccinations are due as follows:
- 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
- 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
- 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
- Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
Aussies shed moderately. If kept indoors, regular vacuuming of carpet and furniture is recommended. Some Australian Shepherds have allergies, so extra cleaning may be necessary.
Housing Your Dog This active breed needs plenty of space, so it does not make a good apartment dog. A large yard is recommended.
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