Australian Shepherds - Breed Introduction
A working dog with a high energy level and great intelligence, the Australian Shepherd is well known for its ability to herd livestock as well as its success in flyball and agility competitions. It’s athletic ability and powerful haunches have given this breed the ability to perform well in nearly any activity, including the ability to jump as high as four feet.
For those who are able to ensure these dogs are properly trained and exercised regularly, the Australian Shepherd is an intensely loyal dog that forms strong attachments with select family members. The Aussie is naturally sweet and good-natured, with strong protective instincts.
Australian Shepherds can vary quite a bit in size, weighing between 35 and 75 pounds (16 to 34 kilograms), and standing between 18 and 23 inches in height (43 to 58 centimeters).
History of Breed
Despite its misleading name, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia at all, but rather was developed as a herding dog during the Gold Rush days of the Western United States.
Settlers moving West brought cattle and sheep, as well as their dogs. Ranchers found they needed dogs that could adapt to extreme climates, from cold and snow in the mountains to the harsh, arid deserts. They needed animals that were obedient, yet intelligent enough to work unfamiliar cattle over enormous stretches of land.
It is thought that perhaps the Spanish and Australian settlers who imported their sheep into California also brought with them the predecessors of the Australian Shepherd. Many working breeds were crossed by the ranchers to develop the quickest, smartest, hardiest dogs possible.
It is only recently that the Australian Shepherd was recognized as a breed of dog rather than being seen as a type of working dog.
Color and Coat
The Australian Shepherd has a double coat of medium length and coarseness. There are a total of eight color combinations, but white splashes on the body between the withers and tail or on the sides between the elbows and back of the hindquarters are considered disqualifications.
The most readily recognizable color of the Australian Shepherd is the blue merle, which is black and grey with white patchwork. The Aussie can also be red merle (liver and beige with white patchwork), or black or red (which may or may not have white legs, chest, and collar). Copper points on the eyebrows, cheeks, and legs are permissible with all color combinations.
Dogs with copper and white in addition to the primary color are known as tricolor. Those with either copper or white in addition to the primary color are known as bicolor. Those with no white or copper markings are said to be self-colored.
Personality and Temperament
An alert, intelligent, and very active dog, the Australian Shepherd needs regular exercise or an actual job to do in order to be happy. Not necessarily a good choice as an apartment dog, the Aussie needs a yard and a variety of activity in order to keep him from becoming bored. Should boredom set in, the dog may partake in unusual or destructive behaviors, much to the owner’s chagrin.
For those who can handle a high-energy dog, they will find in the Aussie a loyal, lovable, good-natured companion. Known as the “velcro dog,” Aussies become intensely attached to their owners. They love to play and are very good at agility, Frisbee, flyball, and other such activities.
Those bred with a strong working instinct may be reserved and guarded toward strangers, with a tendency to chase after and nip at children. Normally sweet and loving, their protective instincts and high energy make some Aussies impractical for families with small children. There are Aussies that are bred with a more family-oriented temperament, which will be more affectionate towards children and strangers.
Since the Australian Shepherd’s job originally included protection, it tends to announce activity in the neighborhood by barking, but not obsessively.
The Aussie’s intelligence allows it the ability to invent its own games and activities when boredom sets in. However, when properly trained and sufficiently exercised, the Aussie is an excellent, adaptable animal with the ability to think quickly. For this reason, Australian Shepherds have been known to herd many unusual animals aside from cattle or sheep, including ducks, geese, and rabbits that have been commercially raised.
Show Characteristics
A solid, muscular dog of medium size and bone, Australian Shepherds are well-balanced and agile. They must have movement that is free and easy, allowing them to instantly change either their gait or direction.
The head of the Australian Shepherd should be proportionate to the body, with little taper from the base of the muzzle to the nose. He should have an alert, intelligent expression and appear attentive and eager. Almond shaped eyes can be brown, blue, amber, or any combination thereof including flecks and marbling.
Ears are set high on the head and are of moderate size. They should break forward and over when at full attention.
Normally seen with docked or naturally bobbed tails, Australian Shepherds can also be born with a full tail or partially bobbed tail. Some Aussie owners choose to keep the tail for a natural look, which is still permissible in the breed show ring.
Disqualifications include white splashes on the body, or any sign of fear, shyness, or aggressiveness.
Typical Health Concerns
The gene that creates the beautiful merle coloring that is so popular with the breed also carries the possibility of a blind/deaf factor that seems to appear in merle/merle crosses. Merle puppies should have their hearing checked. Miniature Blue Merles are known for a shorter than average life expectancy of only 5 to 7 years.
Spinal defects can occur in natural bobtail-to-bobtail crosses.
Australian Shepherds seem to be prone to eye disorders such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and cataracts. They should receive a thorough examination from a veterinarian including testing the eyes, hips, thyroid, and DNA (to check for CEA).
Some Australian Shepherds with a mutation of the MDR1 gene experience toxicity from anti-parasitics such as Ivermectin, which is found in heartworm medication. A test for the MDR1 gene mutation is available.
Grooming
The Australian Shepherd has a double coat of medium length that needs little care. An average shedder, the Aussie is easy to groom, needing to be brushed occasionally with a firm-bristled brush. Bathe only when necessary.
Country of Origin
Contrary to its name, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia, but rather was developed in the United States during the 19th century by combining several different breeds.
Average Life Span
The Australian Shepherd has an average life expectancy of 12 to 13 years.
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