Australian Shepherds

The Australian Shepherd dog breed is highly versatile, intelligent and easy to train to herd livestock. It likes activity and should be exercised and played with several times daily. Aussies make wonderful family dogs, as they are good with children and make excellent watchdogs. These smart dogs can learn just about any farm job, so begin training early.

farm-breed-profiles/australian_shepherd_new.jpg

Photo Credit:

 

Use: The Australian Shepherd dog breed has been well-known as a working dog in the livestock industry in the United States for more than a century.

 

History: Historians debate the Australian Shepherd’s breed origin. Some argue an Australian origin; some accept a Basque heritage; some a Spanish origin. It is also believed the dog breed was developed in the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France, and worked in the United States as a herding dog. There’s probably a little truth in each theory. The breed has been well-known as a working dog in the livestock industry in the United States for more than a century.

Subscribe now

 

Conformation: The Australian Shepherd dog breed’s outer coat has a straight to wavy texture, is medium in length and is weather resistant. The undercoat is soft and dense, and the quantity of fur varies with the current climate of its location. The Australian Shepherd dog breed’s eyes come in a variety of colors. They may be any color or combination of colors from blue, amber, hazel to all shades of brown. Their coat coloring comes in black, red, blue merle or red merle. They may or may not have white or tan markings on the face, chest, front or rear legs. The Australian Shepherd is either born with a natural bobtail or has its tail docked while still a pup. Males can measure 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder and females can measure 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder. The breed’s weight ranges between 50 and 65 pounds for males and 40 and 55 pounds for females.

 

Special Considerations/Notes: The Australian Shepherd dog breed’s coat sheds heavily, but weekly brushing helps keep it mat-free and under control. Its life expectancy is about 12 to 15 years. It is easy to groom and requires an occasional combing and brushing. Bathe it only when necessary, as the soap could remove the natural oils in its weather-resistant coat and dry out its skin.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CAPTCHA Image