What You Need To Know About Australian Shepherds
Australian shepherds actually originated in the United States, despite the name. In both countries, they are renowned for their herding skills with both sheep and cattle. The breed is reasonably well known by many people as it has featured in several Disney films. It is commonly associated with horses, western riding and rodeos.
As a working dog, stock-men value this breed. Like most working dogs, they have huge amounts of energy and are highly intelligent. They are keen to please and have been used as therapy and guide dogs. They have also found occupations in search and rescue and detection areas. As pets, they need to be kept busy. Luckily they are easily trained and enjoy Frisbee, obedience and agility work and fly ball.
They are of medium size and build, ranging from 40 to 90 pounds. The height at the shoulder can be 18 to 26 inches. They are also bred in teacup size. There is quite a variation in color. Red, black, blue merle and red merle are the base colors. The points may be tan and various white markings are allowed and common.
The eye-color is most unusual. The term 'ghost-eye' was once used to describe the eyes. Any combination and hue of blue and brown is seen. One eye of each color is quite common. Bi-colored eyes occur with the eye being half-blue and half-brown. Merled eyes are a mix of swirled blue and brown.
Short or bobbed tails occur naturally. However others have a half-tail or full tail. Pups not born with bobbed tails were once docked. The dogs have great power in the hindquarters with some jumping 4 feet in height. They can also accelerate very quickly.
While a few dogs are wary and reserved, most have tremendous energy. Unless they get plenty of exercise and occupation, they will not be happy. They take on a protective role to their surroundings and will bark at disturbances. Intelligent and playful, they will invent their own games if no-one has time for them.
It is valued for its herding skills. It has an ability to think for itself and is easy on stock. When cattle threaten to kick, the dog instinctively adopts a crouch position so the hoof goes over its head. Because of these factors and its ease of training, it is often chosen to work with less common livestock such as ducks and geese.
If not kept busy they can become destructive. They need space to run and play. It is high-spirited. If there are no stock for it to work, it will enjoy putting its energies into learning tricks. Because of their stamina, Australian shepherds make good trail dogs and running companions.
As a working dog, stock-men value this breed. Like most working dogs, they have huge amounts of energy and are highly intelligent. They are keen to please and have been used as therapy and guide dogs. They have also found occupations in search and rescue and detection areas. As pets, they need to be kept busy. Luckily they are easily trained and enjoy Frisbee, obedience and agility work and fly ball.
They are of medium size and build, ranging from 40 to 90 pounds. The height at the shoulder can be 18 to 26 inches. They are also bred in teacup size. There is quite a variation in color. Red, black, blue merle and red merle are the base colors. The points may be tan and various white markings are allowed and common.
The eye-color is most unusual. The term 'ghost-eye' was once used to describe the eyes. Any combination and hue of blue and brown is seen. One eye of each color is quite common. Bi-colored eyes occur with the eye being half-blue and half-brown. Merled eyes are a mix of swirled blue and brown.
Short or bobbed tails occur naturally. However others have a half-tail or full tail. Pups not born with bobbed tails were once docked. The dogs have great power in the hindquarters with some jumping 4 feet in height. They can also accelerate very quickly.
While a few dogs are wary and reserved, most have tremendous energy. Unless they get plenty of exercise and occupation, they will not be happy. They take on a protective role to their surroundings and will bark at disturbances. Intelligent and playful, they will invent their own games if no-one has time for them.
It is valued for its herding skills. It has an ability to think for itself and is easy on stock. When cattle threaten to kick, the dog instinctively adopts a crouch position so the hoof goes over its head. Because of these factors and its ease of training, it is often chosen to work with less common livestock such as ducks and geese.
If not kept busy they can become destructive. They need space to run and play. It is high-spirited. If there are no stock for it to work, it will enjoy putting its energies into learning tricks. Because of their stamina, Australian shepherds make good trail dogs and running companions.
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