Australian Shepherd

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD: A Cowboy’s Working Dog

Overview

Group: Herding Group
AKC Breed Popularity Rank: No. 15 of 195
Height: Male – 20-23 inches; Female – 18-21 inches
Weight: Male – 50-65 lbs; Female – 40-55 lbs
Life Span: 12-15 years
Temperament: Intelligent; Exuberant; Hard-working

The Australian Shepherd is known as “the cowboy’s herding dog of choice” because of its outstanding service of a herder of various livestock, ranging from sheep to cattle. While the Aussie continues to be an indispensable worker on farms and ranches, the dog has also made its way into urban homes as companions to individuals who can match its boundless energy and enthusiasm.

History

The Australian Shepherd did not originate from Australia, despite its name. Its earliest ancestor was the Pyrenean Shepherd, the herding dog of the indigenous people known as the Basques who resided along the borderlands of Spain and France near the Pyrenees mountains.

Eventually, the Basques immigrated to Australia in the 1800s, bringing their dogs along with them. Breeders refined the breed through crosses with British breeds, namely Collies and Border Collies. These dogs were, in turn, brought by their Basque to California.

Upon seeing these dogs, California breeders thought they were bred in Australia (hence, the misleading name). With further refinement, American breeders came up with the Australian Shepherd that we know today.

Aussies have come to be identified as icons in America’s cowboy culture. Famous Aussies who appeared in Hollywood’s silent western movies, included actor Jack Hoxie’s dog Bunk. They also excelled as rodeo performers. Good examples are Stub and Shortie, who also appeared in Disney movies. In 1986, an Aussie named Wizard appeared in the film, The Flight of the Navigator.

General Appearance

Aussies are medium-sized dogs that are not tall but long in body. Their coats are medium in length and texture, either straight or wavy. The hair on the head, ears, fronts of the forelegs, and below the hocks are short and smooth. Aussie coats come in a variety of colors, giving the dog different looks. One distinctive pattern is called merle, wherein you have mottled patterns of contrasting shades of red or blue. Another distinguishing characteristic of Aussies is their natural bobbed or docked tail.

The Aussie is an even-tempered, intelligent dog. Possessing strong herding instincts, expect your dog to herd anything and anyone, including your kids. They are also quite mischievous and can trick owners who are unfamiliar with their antics.

Nutrition

Australian Shepherds can thrive on high quality dog food – whether home cooked or commercially manufactured – that is appropriate to their age. Dry food is helpful in keeping your dog’s teeth healthy by scraping away plaque while it chews. If you give your dog moist food, you need to take extra care of their teeth and gums by brushing and inspecting them regularly.

Grooming

To keep your Aussie’s double coat in its fine condition, you should brush it weekly. However, during shedding season, you may need to brush every two to three days using an undercoat rake to get the dead hairs out and then with a wire brush for a total cleanup. Unless they’re really dirty, you only need to give your Aussie the occasional bath. Make sure that you trim its nails short so it doesn’t hurt its feet while walking or running.

Exercise

With its boundless energy and athleticism, your Aussie needs lots of exercise daily. At a minimum of an hour a day, let your dog loose in your fenced backyard and play with it. Another great option is to bring your dog on long walks, jogging, or hiking. If you live on a farm or ranch, set your Aussie free to indulge in its herding instincts by letting it roundup your livestock or wayward children. Have them participate in canine sporting events, such as agility, dock diving, herding, and obedience.

Training

As early as puppies, Aussies need to undergo obedience training and socialization. Take note that Aussies are easy to train because of keen intelligence. But because of their high energy levels, their training should focus on channeling those energies into more constructive activities. Aussies form strong bonds with their human families and tend to be overprotective and territorial. When left alone for long periods of time, they can exhibit destructive behavior. Socialization can help overcome these tendencies.

Health

Australian Shepherds purchased from responsible breeders are healthy dogs in general. However, it is wise to remain vigilant for symptoms of certain diseases, including hip dysplasia, cataracts, epilepsy, and cancer. Make sure that you check your dog’s ears on a regular basis to clean it of excess earwax and foreign matter. Again, make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly.

Costs

The average cost of an Australian Shepherd puppy is $800. But puppies from championship lines can cost between $1,900 and $10,000. Regular upkeep of the dog is usually more expensive, going as high as $2,000 per year. Expect costs to go down to $1,000 in succeeding years.

While an Australian Shepherd can be a great family dog, owners should be able to match its boundless energy through proper training and socialization.

SOURCES:

1) Australian Shepherd https://www.nextdaypets.com/Australian-Shepherd.htm
2) Famous Australian Shepherds http://australianshepherdpassion.com/famous-australian-shepherds/
3) How Much Should An Australian Shepherd Eat? https://www.petcarerx.com/article/how-much-should-an-australian-shepherd-eat/522
4) Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale https://www.nextdaypets.com/Australian-Shepherd.htm

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