The Australian Shepherd (known as “Aussie” in common) is not developed in Australia as one may think. In fact, it is a breed that was developed in the western US ranches as early as the 19th century. It looks similar to Border Collies and English Shepherds.
With a height of 20 to 23 inches and weighing 50 to 65 pounds (the measurements little lesser in females), the Australian Shepherd’s overall size of the head is in proportion to the body (should be slightly longer that the height as per the standard of the American Kennel Club), with the muzzle slightly shorter compared to the back skull. The ears are triangular, little rounded at the tip, and set high on the sides of the head. When extremely alert, the ears either break to side as rose ear or break forward and over. The eyes are mediumsized, oval, and are seen of different colors—blue, amber, brown, or in combination that includes marbling and flecks. Deep but not broad, the chest reaches the elbow at the lowest point. Moderate mane and frill around the neck area are pronounced more in the males. It has a moderate to well-defined stop. The tail is either docked or natural bobtail. The straight front legs are perpendicular to the ground with compact, oval feet and well-arched, close knit toes. The back of the legs has feathering. While the back dewclaws are always removed, the front dewclaws removed sometimes. The easy-to-groom coat is of medium texture, weather resistant, medium length and ranges between straight and wavy. The coat colors can be solid red, red merle, blue merle and black. Bathe only when necessary and use firm bristle brush for occasional brushing as it is an average shedder.
Highly regarded in intelligence and obedience skills, the easy-going, easy to train and courageous Australian Shepherd is a working breed, and as such, has plenty of drive and energy. It excels as a guide, excellent watchdog, detection dog, therapy dog, search dog, and rescue dog, and in dog sports like frisbee, flyball, and the likes. An interesting fact is that even as an adult, it remains puppy-like! Attentive and lively, it seems that it already knows beforehand what its owner wants, and as such, is always eager to please. Aggressive at work, it is gentle and kind to humans, especially children as it loves to play. Even an active and naughty child does not pose a problem. It is not aggressive towards other dogs and pets. It needs plenty of mental and physical exercises because of its high level of energy. It should never be left alone—it becomes destructive and nervous. Moderately active indoor, the best place for it would be outdoor—say, a large yard. It should be fed balanced food twice a day but in exact measurements.
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is about 12 to 15 years. Major concerns with its health are cataracts, iris coloboma, Pelger-Huet syndrome, nasal solar dermatitis, epilepsy, lumbar sacral syndrome, deafness, blindness, hip dysplasia, and Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.
With a height of 20 to 23 inches and weighing 50 to 65 pounds (the measurements little lesser in females), the Australian Shepherd’s overall size of the head is in proportion to the body (should be slightly longer that the height as per the standard of the American Kennel Club), with the muzzle slightly shorter compared to the back skull. The ears are triangular, little rounded at the tip, and set high on the sides of the head. When extremely alert, the ears either break to side as rose ear or break forward and over. The eyes are mediumsized, oval, and are seen of different colors—blue, amber, brown, or in combination that includes marbling and flecks. Deep but not broad, the chest reaches the elbow at the lowest point. Moderate mane and frill around the neck area are pronounced more in the males. It has a moderate to well-defined stop. The tail is either docked or natural bobtail. The straight front legs are perpendicular to the ground with compact, oval feet and well-arched, close knit toes. The back of the legs has feathering. While the back dewclaws are always removed, the front dewclaws removed sometimes. The easy-to-groom coat is of medium texture, weather resistant, medium length and ranges between straight and wavy. The coat colors can be solid red, red merle, blue merle and black. Bathe only when necessary and use firm bristle brush for occasional brushing as it is an average shedder.
Highly regarded in intelligence and obedience skills, the easy-going, easy to train and courageous Australian Shepherd is a working breed, and as such, has plenty of drive and energy. It excels as a guide, excellent watchdog, detection dog, therapy dog, search dog, and rescue dog, and in dog sports like frisbee, flyball, and the likes. An interesting fact is that even as an adult, it remains puppy-like! Attentive and lively, it seems that it already knows beforehand what its owner wants, and as such, is always eager to please. Aggressive at work, it is gentle and kind to humans, especially children as it loves to play. Even an active and naughty child does not pose a problem. It is not aggressive towards other dogs and pets. It needs plenty of mental and physical exercises because of its high level of energy. It should never be left alone—it becomes destructive and nervous. Moderately active indoor, the best place for it would be outdoor—say, a large yard. It should be fed balanced food twice a day but in exact measurements.
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is about 12 to 15 years. Major concerns with its health are cataracts, iris coloboma, Pelger-Huet syndrome, nasal solar dermatitis, epilepsy, lumbar sacral syndrome, deafness, blindness, hip dysplasia, and Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.