Australian Shepherd

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Australian Shepherds are loyal and intelligent dogs, bred so that they are powerful enough to work all day. They are devoted to their family and love to be around them all the time. Commonly known as Aussie, they are energetic dogs and are the happiest when given any task to accomplish.
Origin
The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, is not originated in Australia. They were originated in the Western United States during California’s Gold Rush in the 1840s. It is said that when Basque farmers emigrated from Europe to Australia, they carried the ancestors of these dogs with them. The primary purpose of creating this dog was to create a working dog. Aussies were used to herd livestock with farmers.
Size
Male Australian Shepherd has a height of 20-23 inches and weighs 50-65 pounds. The Female breed of this dog is 18-21 inches tall and weighs around 40-55 pounds. It has a flat back, triangular ears, and oval feet with blue, brown, or amber eyes.
Coat
An Australian Shepherd has a medium to long coat with straight or wavy hairs. The coat is weather-resistant to protect it from rain or snow. Aussies who live in colder climates have a dense and heavy undercoat than those who live in sunnier regions. Aussies come in several colors like blue merle, black, red merle, and tricolor (white, black, and tan). All dogs of this breed may have white or tan markings on their body.
Temperament
An Australian Shepherd can be the dominant member of the family if you don’t train them correctly; this makes them unsuitable for novice owners. They are eager to learn and develop a close bond with their family. They can be destructive if they are left alone, even for a shorter period. An Aussie is excellent with kids and other pets. They get bored very quickly, so engaging them in activities like hiking, Frisbee is essential to keep them happy. An Australian Shepherd is kind-hearted and obedient by nature but a little shy among strangers as they have a territorial nature. Early socialization is important so that your pup grows into a well-mannered dog.
Care
Because these dogs were bred to work all day, they require ample exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy. Training them is quite easy as they are always eager to learn. It needs to be occupied all the time as they get bored very easily. They need around 40-60 minutes of exercise daily and high-energy exercises to fulfill their energy requirements. The breed sheds throughout the year but shedding increases during the spring season. Brushing the coat twice a week is enough to avoid matting. They need to bathe only when they are dirty. Trim nails regularly and keep a check on cleanliness. Make the grooming session a fun experience for your pet.
Health
Like all other dogs, an Australian Shepherd is also prone to some health conditions. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Cancer, Deafness, Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cataracts, Hypothyroidism, Allergies, Drug Sensitivity, and Detached Retina are some of the health concerns to which your pet could be prone to.
Ask for a health clearance from the breeder to make sure you bring home a healthy pet.