In spite of its name, the Australian Shepherd originated in the US with a view to herd livestock for farmers and ranchers in US western states.
The Australian Shepherd’s lineage is somewhat mixed and in all probability include shepherd-type and collie dogs that were exported to the US from Australia along with sheep in the 1840s. Breeders worked on this breed’s herding, intelligent and hardworking abilities to develop the dog as we see it today.
Vital Statistics
The Australian Shepherd belongs to the category of herding dogs and records a height of 1&1/2’ and 11” inches tall at the shoulder. It weighs between 40 to 65 pounds and has an average lifespan of between twelve to fifteen years. It has an attractive medium-length coat and its eyes are either dark brown, blue, yellow, amber, or green.
Personality
An ever active dog, the Australian Shepherd makes an excellent family companion provided its energy and intelligence are channeled into dog activities or sports. Its movements are athletic and sure as it herds up a flock of sheep with its short sharp barks. This is one breed that has to be kept active as its energy levels are high and who’s constantly on the move.
Australian Shepherds however, can be pushy and need to be dealt with a firm hand. They are loyal to their owners but somewhat standoffish with strangers which makes early socialization with people, sounds, and sights necessary when they are young. Taking him to parks for regular strolls and to allow this dog to run around for some early training will make him a well-rounded dog.
You want to form that bond with your dog. You also want to introduce your dog to the world.
Caring for the Australian Shepherd
This breed thrives on exercise and he needs ample space to run. Lack of physical activities can make him bored, loud, and destructive. So if you do not have time to engage with a dog and take them to go running or brisk long walks, don’t press the button for this breed.
However, should you want your dog to participate regularly in competitive sports, then the Aussie’s your right choice because they also make excellent guide, hearing, assistance, police, and search & rescue dogs. They can also be trained to do simple household chores like picking up toys and bringing them to you or putting in a basket kept in the corner of the children’s playroom.
A daily exercise schedule spanning thirty to sixty minutes is critical for the Australian Shepherd. He then needs to undergo his daily herding or obedience training as also his agility trials. This is compulsory as a lack of this makes them destructive and prone to barking for long periods which can certainly be an irritant. It’s just their way of saying that they aren’t getting the required mental stimulation and exercise.
They want and need some attention. All dogs do really. If you want to have a pet but do not have time to do anything with them, you may want to consider getting some fish.
As they grow older, they usually tend to have one major meal in a day and love meat and other animal proteins. A bath ever two to three weeks during summer and regular daily brushing help to keep their coat clean and glossy and free of matting. Also regularly check for foot infections or long nails which may require clipping as this breed is prone to such conditions because of their hyper active nature.
But if you allow the dog to run enough you probably do not have to worry about clipping their nails.