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Australian Shepherd
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The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog that was
developed on ranches in the Western United States. Despite its
name, the breed, commonly known as an Aussie, did not originate
in Australia. They acquired their name because of association with
Basque sheepherders who came to the United States from
Australia.
Australian Shepherds rose rapidly in popularity with the boom of
western riding after World War II. They became known to the
general public through rodeos, horse shows, and through Disney
movies made for television.
For decades Aussies have been valued by stockmen for their
inherent versatility and trainability. While they continue to work as
stockdogs and compete in herding trials, the breed has earned
recognition in other roles due to their trainability and eagerness to
please, and are highly regarded for their skills in obedience. Like
all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive,
and usually needs a job to do. It often excels at dog sports such
as dog agility, flyball, and frisbee. They are also highly successful
search and rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, guide,
service, and therapy dogs. And, above all, they can be beloved
family companions.
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Red Australian Shepherd
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Color variants: Black tricolor, red
merle, blue merle, liver tricolor.
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Description
Appearance
The breed's general appearance varies greatly depending on the
particular line's emphasis. As with many working breeds that are
also shown in the ring, there are differences of opinion among
breeders over what makes an ideal Australian Shepherd. In
addition the breed can be split into two distinct lines - working and
show dogs. Working dogs tend to have shorter coats, thinner and
are sometimes smaller while the show lines are bred according to
breed standard and can have long fur. Most Australian Shepherds
have docked tails and are extremely reliable if one is need of a
best friend. The most popular name for an Australian Shepherd is
Sierra.
Temperament
The breed is an energetic dog that requires exercise and enjoys
working, whether it is learning and practicing tricks, competing in
dog agility, or any other physically and mentally involving activity.
Dogs with strong working instinct may show more reserved,
guarding behaviors along with a tendency to chase or nip at
strangers. Its protective instinct and behaviors can be frightening
to children, strangers, and small animals. They are kind, loving,
and devoted to those they know. They are very loyal to their
owners, and are rewarding dogs if treated well. Because the breed
was developed to serve on the ranch, a job which includes being
protective of its property, it is inclined to bark warnings about
neighborhood activity, but it is not an obsessively barking dog.
The Aussie is intelligent, learns quickly, and loves to play. This
means that a bored, neglected, unexercised Aussie will invent its
own games, activities, and jobs, which to a busy owner might
appear to be hyperactivity: for example, an Aussie may go from
being at rest to running at top speed for several 'laps' around the
house before returning to rest. Without something to amuse them,
Aussies often become destructive. Aussies also do best with plenty
of human companionship: they are often called "velcro" for their
strong desire to always be near their owners and for their tendency
to form intense, devoted bonds with select people. Recent studies
have also shown that shepherds work well with special-needs kids
and babies.
Health
There are many health problems that an Australian Shepherd can
acquire, including back and hip problems, vision problems, and
pancreatic problems. Also, an Aussie can develop bladder
problems and urinary infections over time. Many can be epileptic.
Thyroid problems are also appearing.
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Country of origin
United States
Weight
Male: 45-60 lb
Height
Male: 21-23 in
Female: 18-21 in
Coat
Medium texture and
length
Color
Black, Red, Blue Merle,
Red Merle (marbled)
Life span
11-13 years
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