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Australian
Shepherd Dog Breed
Dog Breed Information
Despite it's name, the Australian Shepherd as we know
it today was developed completely within the United States. In the
late 1800's and early 1900's the for-runners of today's "Aussies"
came to the western and north-western states as stock-dogs for the
Basque shepherds that accompanied the vast numbers of sheep then
being imported from Australia. These hard working, medium sized,
"little blue dogs" impressed the American ranchers and
farmers, who began using them as well. Breeding was done for working
ability rather than appearance, and occasionally dogs of other herding
breeds were bred into the lines. However, today's Aussie still resembles
the dogs that came from Europe via Australia, and great numbers
of Aussies are still working stock on ranches in the western states.
Today the Australian Shepherds bred for show tend to be bigger boned
and have more coat than those dogs of "working lines",
but the breed is unmistakable in type. Four basic colors are acceptable:
black, blue Merle, red, and red Merle. All these can have white
and copper trim on the face and feet, as well as a white collar
and white down the chest. Aussies should be well balanced, with
strength and endurance, moderate coat length, and a bobbed tail.
Preferred size for males is 20-23 inches at the withers, and for
females 18-21 inches.
The Australian Shepherd was developed to be a moderate
sized, intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and
endurance. Many Aussies today still do the work they were bred for,
and even those that have never seen sheep or cattle usually have
a strong herding instinct. This means that Aussies need fenced yards
and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children, and traffic
can simply overwhelm them.
Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not
content to be couch potatoes, although Aussies have individual characters
and some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the
most part, however, these are high-energy dogs who need a purpose
in their lives, a job as it were. Owners must be committed to give
these dogs the time and attention they require through play and
training, for as with any dog undirected energy can turn towards
destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Running, jumping,
and rough-housing are all a part of being a normal Aussie.
The great intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and
control livestock, can be detrimental when left untrained and unused.
Aussies are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Obedience
training is highly recommended as a means of teaching owners how
to channel the typical Aussie's innate desire to please into appropriate
behaviors. Aussies learn very quickly, so be certain you are willing
to keep your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to benefit
both mind and body.
Although many Aussies are friendly with everyone, the Australian
Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved and cautious around
strangers. With Aussies of this nature owners should encourage the
dog to meet people but not force encounters. Aussies are often quite
protective of their family and property, a desirable trait in some
situations but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept
strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussies may become
aggressive without proper training.
Aussies are generally healthy dogs, and can be expected to live
up to twelve years or more, so ownership can be a lengthy commitment.
Although minimal, there is some grooming required to keep the coat
clean and conditioned, such as regular brushing and nail trimming.
To maintain their high energy levels, typical active Aussies may
eat more than other, more sedate dogs of similar size, so be prepared
to feed plenty of high quality food.
However, Aussies are perfect for people wishing to own a highly
trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that can work/play "till
the cows come home". If you have the time and commitment for
an Aussie, you won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve
special owners. Their loyalty, drive, character and whimsical sense
of humor place them in a class by themselves!
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