Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd: BREED BOX
Country:	United States
Size:	35-70lb(16-32kg),18-23in(46-58cm)
Temperament:	Loyal
Grooming:	Once every couple of weeks
Recognition:	FCI,AKC,ANKC,KC (UK),CKC,UKC

History - Although the name implies otherwise, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia. According to popular speculation, the breed began in the 1800’s when the Basque people from Europe settled in Australia. The Basque brought with them their sheepdogs. Over time, the Basque migrated to North America and the breed caught on with the American farmers. Many cross-breedings were undertaken before the best of the breed was produced; a dog able to endure the rough terrain and inhospitable climate while herding livestock.

Because of the dog’s high energy level and intelligence, they found their way into the entertainment field and started working rodeos as trick dogs. Today, you can find Australian Shepherds working with clowns under the big top delighting audiences worldwide.

Appearance - The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog. He is well balanced, slightly longer than tall and comes in all colors. Breed standards allow for blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye or marbled eyes in the red and blue variety.

Description - The Australian Shepherd is happiest when he is working at herding. This is what he was bred for. Many people, who are taken by this breed and try to get the dog to conform to apartment life, end up with a dog with behavior issues, because this dog needs to work. If you are considering an Australian Shepherd for your home or apartment, you also need to include Obedience classes, and perhaps an agility training course.

With their strong herding instincts, Australian Shepherds will herd small children and other pets. But given the right set of circumstances; an active, stimulating life. The Australian Shepherd will prove himself a tireless match against restless livestock and will be completely devoted to his master.

This dog will not do well being placed in exile inside a kennel or a backyard. The Australian Shepherd is a true pack animal, and he needs either human or canine companionship. Otherwise, he becomes withdrawn and lethargic.

The Australian Shepherd comes in various colors, and the coat is spotted, with patches of darker color running through it. The legs are usually brown or beige.

Ideal Owners: The Australian Shepherd is suited to familes with active children, or owners who have the time to go for a run with their dog

Coat Color: Red, Liver, Blue-Merle, Black

Life Expectancy: 13 years

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Australian Shepherd Reviews

Grooming (80%)

Exercise (90%)

Feeding (60%)

Temperament (90%)

Watchdog (80%)

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Number of reviews: 2

S Kipper

Aussies

12/13/2005

Rating: TBA (8vote/s)

We got an Aussie mix from an adoption agency a little over a year ago. The poor thing had been found in a dump before being brought to the pound. She's a wondeful dog! She has never snapped (even when the five-year-old tried to ride her), gets along with other dogs, and cares about how everybody feels.

She has a long coat and sheds quite a lot, but a vacum and brushing takes care of this. Although she wouldn't intentionally hurt a fly, she can get a bit carried away and overpower whoever she's playing with. Whenever somebody comes to the door, she gives a bark to let us know, but doesn't go on and on.

She will always come up to you and give the friendly lick, and understands that if it walks on two legs, it's in charge of her. Australian Shepherds are great dogs no matter who you are!

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k spencer

Aussies

7/25/2005

Rating: TBA (9vote/s)

AKC or ASCA show-bred aussies are energetic heavy-coated dogs with high exercise and grooming needs. A highly intelligent, highly trainable, and loyal breed, good for people who will spend a lot of time with their dog, are athletic, and like to train.

The working type of Aussie usually is slighter, more athletic, with less coat, and possibly even more energy although not as bumptious and giddy as some show type aussies. Too high-energy for toddlers or fragile elderly people, too intelligent to be a parked-at-home all-day-long dog. A bored Australian Shepherd can make everyone very unhappy. Aussies can be trained to do almost anything. Read up on the significant health issues of Aussies on the ASCA website.

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