| Breed |
Australian Shepherd
|
| Life Expectancy |
12 – 15 Years
|
| Size |
Medium
|
| Origin |
America
|
| Shedding |
Moderate
|
| Energy |
5
|
| Attention |
5
|
| Training |
5
|
| Barking |
3
|
| Mental Stimulation |
5
|
| Drooling |
1
|
| Body |
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, athletic breed with a well-proportioned, muscular body. They are slightly longer than tall, solid and sturdy build with a deep chest. They have almond-shaped, medium-sized eyes that come in a range of colors including blue, brown, amber, and green. The breed has a medium-sized nose that is usually black, brown, or liver-colored, and their ears are set high, triangular in shape, and may be partially or fully pricked. Australian Shepherds have a distinctive, thick double coat that is weather-resistant and can come in a variety of colors, including black, blue merle, red, and red merle.
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| Coat |
The Australian Shepherd has a medium-length, double coat that is weather-resistant and comes in a variety of colors including black, blue merle, red, and red merle. The coat is straight to wavy and requires regular brushing to remove dead hair and prevent matting. During shedding season, the coat will require more frequent brushing. Bathing should be done only when necessary to avoid stripping the natural oils from the coat. Regular grooming of the ears, nails, and teeth is also important for the overall health of the Australian Shepherd.
|
| diet |
They require a high-quality and nutrient-dense diet to provide them with their daily dietary needs. They do well with a vet-approved raw diet, or a commercial size/activity appropriate kibble supplemented with fresh lean meats, vegetables, fruit and additional dietary supplements. Be sure to speak to your vet about what is appropriate for your Australian Shepherd's age and activity. Fresh water should always be available.
|
| exercise |
Australian Shepherds are active dogs and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They were originally bred as working dogs and excel at tasks such as herding, agility, and obedience competitions. A daily exercise routine of 1-2 hours of moderate to high-intensity activity, such as long walks, runs, or playing fetch, is recommended. Mental stimulation, such as training and interactive games, is also important to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Australian Shepherds thrive in environments where they have plenty of room to run and play, such as large backyards or rural areas. They absolutely love working and training and thrive in such an environment.
|
| health |
Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to some health issues. These can include hip dysplasia, eye problems, epilepsy, and certain genetic disorders. Australian Shepherds are also at risk for certain autoimmune diseases and may be sensitive to certain medications. It is important for owners to provide regular veterinary check-ups and to keep their Australian Shepherds up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. Be sure to speak to your vet about any medications before administering them.Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to some health issues. These can include hip dysplasia, eye problems, epilepsy, and certain genetic disorders. Australian Shepherds are also at risk for certain autoimmune diseases and may be sensitive to certain medications. It is important for owners to provide regular veterinary check-ups and to keep their Australian Shepherds up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. Be sure to speak to your vet about any medications before administering them.
|
| environment |
The Australian Shepherd is a highly adaptable breed and can thrive in a variety of environments, including apartments in the city, suburban homes with yards, and rural properties. However, they do require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so it is important for them to have access to outdoor spaces and opportunities to play and explore. They are also social dogs that crave human companionship and may become bored or destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
|
| maintenance |
Australian Shepherds are considered high maintenance due to their exercise needs as well as grooming requirements. They require at least 2 hours of daily exercise and training. They thrive in a working environment. They also require weekly brushing. Along with this they need regular vet check-ups and a high-quality nutrient-dense diet.
|
| personality |
Australian Shepherds are known for being intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable dogs. They are often described as being friendly, loyal, and affectionate towards their owners, but may be reserved or cautious with strangers. Australian Shepherds have a strong herding instinct and may try to herd small children or other pets in the household. They are also known to be active and enjoy participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking or playing fetch. These dogs require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
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| Family Life |
Australian Shepherds are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs that make great family pets. They are intelligent and easily trained, and they thrive on being part of a pack. These dogs love to play and have a lot of energy, so they require plenty of exercise and playtime. Australian Shepherds are also very protective of their families and are known to be good watchdogs. They tend to be good with children and other pets when socialized properly. As working dogs, they enjoy having a job to do, so they may do well in activities such as agility, obedience, and herding. They do best in households with active families who can provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
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| Fun Facts |
– Despite their name, Australian Shepherds actually originated in the western United States.<br />
– Australian Shepherds have a unique characteristic called "eye," where they can control and manipulate the movement of livestock through their gaze.<br />
– They are known for their distinctive coats, which come in a variety of colors including black, red, blue merle, and red merle.
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| Breed History |
The Australian Shepherd, commonly known as the "Aussie," is a breed of herding dog that originated in the western United States. Despite their name, the breed is believed to have been developed in the 19th century by European immigrants who brought their working dogs to the American West. These dogs were then crossbred with local breeds to create the Australian Shepherd. The breed became popular among ranchers and cowboys for their excellent herding abilities, and they were also used for other tasks such as guarding livestock and serving as a general farm dog. In the mid-20th century, the Australian Shepherd's popularity surged due to their appearance in rodeos and horse shows, as well as in movies and television shows. The breed kept growing and has since become a popular companion dog as well as a working dog in various fields, including search and rescue, therapy, and agility competitions.
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