The Beautiful and Unique Australian Shepherd

Why This Breed is So Beloved

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Is the Australian Shepherd right for you?

  • 1

    Australian Shepherd puppies are energetic and well regarded for their trainability and obedience.

  • 2

    Aussie dogs excel in dog sports, as well as service dogs.

  • 3

    The Australian Shepherd was developed in the Western United States, not in Australia!

HISTORY

The Australian Shepherd is a deceptive name for this breed, considering that they are thought to have roots in Spain, and being bred first in the United States. Initially used to herd cattle and other livestock on ranches, this breed was primarily used in the USA and Australia. At some point, it is thought that this breed crossed with Collies, making them one of the most versatile of the working dogs.

quick facts

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    Size

    Large

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    Lifespan

    12-15 years

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    Hair Length

    Medium

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    Male Height

    20-23 inches at the withers

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    Male Weight

    50-65 pounds

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    Female Height

    18-21 inches at the withers

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    Female Weight

    40-55 pounds

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    Litter Size

    6 - 9 puppies; average is about 7

APPEARANCE

The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog that has an athletic body. They are very sporty looking dogs, with a thin but muscular frame. They have a medium to long coat that appears short on the face and back, but long on their chest, neck, legs, and tail. One of their most notable features is the variety of colors their eyes can be, from brown to sky blue, and in many instances, both.

PERSONALITY

The Australian Shepherd is an extremely energetic, intelligent, and trainable dog. They make for a great family dog, assuming the family is an active one, otherwise this breed can become destructive if they are not adequately exercised. Although they make good family dogs, they should be socialized early to avoid discomfort around strangers. Because of their herding background, they may snap at, or nudge, children to corral them. They are also excellent guard dogs and perform very well in competitive training arenas.

color

The Australian Shepherd can come in a wide variety of colors, from red or blue merle, to black, red, and tricolor (both red and black). One constancy is the patches of white found on their chest, paws, and (almost always) down the center of their muzzle.

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health concerns

Merle to merle breeding is prone to produce deaf/blind puppies; therefore it is important to check the lineage, especially when it comes to sense of hearing. Other major concerns are:

  • 6nasal solar dermatitis
  • 7heartworm
  • 8iris coloboma

More on Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherd Informaion: Breed and Health
How Much Should an Australian Shepherd Eat?
How to Trim Australian Shepherds
Agility Training for Australian Shepherds
How to Raise an Australian Shepherd

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