Although the exact origins of the Australian Shepherd are uncertain, the breed is thought to have originated from working dogs imported to North America from Australia with herds of sheep in the 19th century. These dogs were then crossed with other working dog breeds to develop the Aussie we know today.
The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog that is well-proportioned and muscular. Their weight generally varies between 18 and 30 kg (40-65 lb), and their height varies between 46 and 58 cm (18-23 inches) at the withers. Their coat is semi-long, dense and slightly wavy, with an undercoat that protects them from the elements. The most common coat colors are Merle Blue, Merle Red, Solid Red, and Solid Black, often with white and/or copper markings.
A remarkable characteristic of the Australian Shepherd is the variety of eye colors. Aussies can have blue, brown, amber, or even bi-colored eyes (one eye of each color) or marbled eyes (several colors mixed in the same eye).
Aussies can be born with a natural short tail or with a long tail that is often cut (shortened) a few days after birth. However, the practice of tail brokering is prohibited in some countries.
Australian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and loyal dogs, known for their desire to work and to please their humans. They are generally friendly, although a bit reserved towards strangers. Aussies can be protective of their families, but are generally not aggressive for no reason.
As working dogs, Australian Shepherds need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Activities such as running, hiking, agility, frisbee, and flyball are great for helping them burn off their energy and keep them in shape. Discover the list of sports to share with your dog.
The Australian Shepherd is intelligent and quick to learn. Positive education methods and positive reinforcement generally work very well with this breed. Aussies are often used as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and competition dogs because of their intelligence and ability to learn new skills.
Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be predisposed to certain conditions. Common health conditions for Aussies include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems (such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy), epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. It is important to choose a responsible breeder who performs health tests on breeding animals and to consult a veterinarian regularly to ensure the health of your dog.
The Australian Shepherd's coat requires regular maintenance to avoid knots and clusters of hair. It is recommended to brush their coat at least once a week, or even more often during periods of shedding. Occasional professional grooming can also be beneficial in maintaining the cleanliness and health of their coats.
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs and generally get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats if they are properly socialized from an early age. They are protective of their families and can be wary of strangers, so it is essential to socialize them properly and to teach them how to deal with unfamiliar people and animals.
In summary, the Australian Shepherd is a versatile, intelligent, and loyal breed that can excel in a variety of roles, from family life and livestock raising to competitions and therapy work. Prospective owners should be prepared to devote time and energy to meeting the exercise and mental stimulation needs of this active, intelligent breed.
