Are you the proud father or mother of an Australian Shepherd who’s seeking to be taught extra or are you fascinated by getting an Australian Shepherd? Learn the information about this breed right here.
Quick Facts About the Australian Shepherd
- Weight: 50 – 65 kilos | male
40 – 55 kilos | feminine - Height: 20 – 23 inches | male
18 – 21 inches | feminine
Australian Shepherds are vigorous, well-proportioned and rustic canines — a bit of longer than tall. Their barely domed heads and medium-length muzzles are about the identical size, with almond-shaped eyes that may be blue, brown or amber. Their ears are triangular and set excessive, their chests are deep and their tails are straight and naturally quick. They have a weather-resistant coat with a reasonable texture, creating a bit of little bit of a mane. Their hair is brief and smooth across the head, ears and entrance legs. Australian Shepherds will be present in black, blue merle, crimson merle, solid-red or crimson with white and/or tan markings. Overall, Australian Shepherds have robust, sq., balanced frames.
Australian Shepherd Traits
- Easygoing
- Playful and puppy-like
- Bold and constant
- Protective
- Intelligent
- Easy to coach
Who Gets Along With Australian Shepherds?
- Singles
- Ranchers
- Outdoorsy sorts
- Families
What Are Australian Shepherds Like to Live With?
What is the Australian Shepherd temperament like? Australian Shepherds are loyal, reliable, easygoing companions. When it involves their love of play, they by no means actually outgrow the pet stage. For this purpose they’re wonderful with youngsters — and the extra lively, the higher. But they’ve a delicate nature that forestalls their play from ever getting tough. They are additionally desirous to work: Give them a job and so they’ll get it finished with a great deal of power to spare.
Australian Shepherds is usually a little standoffish at first. Given time, nonetheless, they may turn into comfy with new folks and are available out of their shells. They have wonderful guarding instincts and a powerful sense of loyalty to their households. Australian Shepherds will bark when strangers strategy the home, and so they’ll generally run just a few laps round the home for good measure.
What to Know About Australian Shepherds:
Like most herding breeds, Australian Shepherds have a powerful work ethic. They love having a job to do. Left alone indoors for too lengthy, they’ll go a bit of batty. For this purpose, they don’t seem to be actually suited to flats. Take them out to work within the discipline or for a future within the woods — the exercise and psychological stimulation will end in a really glad Australian Shepherd.
Some Australian Shepherds retain robust working-dog genes. This makes them extra desirous to be within the discipline and fewer keen to hang around with the household. These canines are extra inclined to herd folks and nip at heels to maintain everybody shifting, however with correct coaching these quirks will be labored out.
A wholesome Australian Shepherd can stay so long as 15 years. Common well being points embody hip dysplasia, cataracts and hypothyroidism. Australian Shepherds don’t shed excessively and solely want occasional brushing.
Australian Shepherd History
The Australian Shepherd we all know as we speak was developed primarily within the U.S. In truth, this breed has no actual connection to Australia. Originating within the Basque area between Spain and France as a working canine and sheepherder, the breed drew the title “Australian Shepherd” as a result of lots of the Basque shepherds got here from Australia. Australian Shepherds grew to become extra well-liked within the mid-twentieth century, favorites of ranchers and cowboys for his or her distinctive herding abilities, however didn’t enter the AKC Stud Book till 1991.
Thumbnail: Photography ©chris-mueller | Getty Images.