Are you looking for a loyal and active companion to join your family? Look no further than the Australian Shepherd!
Despite their name, these dogs have roots in Europe and have become a beloved breed in America.
Known for their striking white markings and often blue eyes, these pups were originally bred for herding livestock.
But their talents don’t stop there – Australian Shepherds have also been trained as service dogs and have even assisted in rescue missions.
Don’t let their impressive skills intimidate you, though. These furry friends also enjoy a peaceful life of walks in the park and playing fetch and Frisbee as long as they’re by your side.
Characteristic | Information |
Breed name | Australian Shepherd |
Origin | Europe (developed in California) |
Height | 18-23 inches (46-58 cm) |
Weight | 45-65 pounds (18-29 kg) |
Coat | Medium-length, straight or slightly wavy |
Coat colors | Any color, most seen in reds, browns, blacks, and whites |
Tail | Often docked, but some Aussies are born without a tail |
Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Temperament | Intelligent, loyal, playful, active |
Care | Needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation, regular grooming |
Price | $800-$1,500 USD (may vary depending on breeder, location, and other factors) |
What is an Australian Shepherd Dog?
The Australian Shepherd is a brilliant and versatile dog initially bred as a working dog for herding livestock, mainly sheep, in the American West.
The Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia but on the European continent with Basque shepherds who brought their dogs to America during the 19th century.
The breed was first developed in California. Its agility, intelligence, and work ethic quickly gained popularity among farmers and ranchers.
Today millions of people worldwide enjoy this loveable companion animal – but did you know there’s more than meets the eye?
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that stands between 18 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder. However, it can weigh anywhere from 45 to 65 pounds.
Their coats can be any color, but they are most seen in reds, browns, blacks, and whites.
If you’re looking for information about caring for your Aussies (or want some inspiration), here are some things you might not know about these delightful creatures:
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: History
The Australian Shepherd is a breed of dog with a complex origin that traces back to the Pyrenees Mountains in Europe.
The indigenous people of the Basque region developed one ancestor of the modern Aussie, known as the Pyrenean Shepherd, as the perfect herding dog.
Shepherds from this same area emigrated to Australia to herd sheep and cattle; they brought their loyal canine companions with them when they did so.
The Basque people also traveled to America, where their well-known devotion to sheep made them welcome among American ranchers.
The abundant coat of long, curly hair that shed dirt and water quickly made these dogs the perfect choice for herding in harsh environments—especially by people on horseback. For this reason, Americans dubbed them “Sheepdogs.”
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: Size
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog, except for the mini–Australian Shepherd, a smaller version.
The breed tends to be longer than taller and has a distinctive short tail.
If you have an Australian Shepherd with black eyes and blue or red merle markings on its coat, then you should expect the average size of your new best friend to be:
- Height: 18-23 inches (46-58 cm)
- Weight: 45-65 pounds (18kg)
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: Coat & Color
The Australian Shepherd’s lush, medium-length coat is typically straight or slightly wavy.
The breed must have feathers on the back of the legs and a great mane around the neck, which adds to their distinctive appearance.
The variety of coat colors and patterns means that Australian Shepherds have a unique look that sets them apart from other dog breeds.
The thick coat of an Australian Shepherd requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep it clean and healthy.
Proper grooming also includes regular brushing and bathing to keep the coat shiny and to look its best.
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: Tail
The Australian Shepherd’s tail is a common practice among breeders and owners alike.
Many Australian Shepherds have their tails surgically removed at an early age, while others are born without one.
However, not all Aussies without tails are docked; about 1 in 5 puppies are born without a tail.
Some Australian Shepherd owners choose to have their dog’s tail docked. It can be dangerous if the breed works or participates in sports (such as agility).
Most pet owners who elect to dock their puppy’s tail do so because they believe it will make the animal look better or perform better as a breed standard (e.g., show dogs).
There has been a long-standing debate about whether tail docking should be allowed or required by dog breeding standards bodies worldwide, including the Australian standard.
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: Temperament
Australian Shepherds are brilliant dogs with a natural drive to work.
These dogs have a high level of intelligence. They need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and engaged.
Games, puzzles, and training exercises can provide the mental stimulation these dogs need and help them develop their unique personalities.
Australian Shepherds are not typically interested in tricking or manipulating their owners. Still, they love to impress them with their loyalty (and cute looks).
Aussies are adaptable and playful dogs that can thrive in various homes and environments–they require the proper care!
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: Care
The Australian Shepherd is a breed that needs plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise.
Their energy level can be low without stimulation, so giving them plenty of mental activity opportunities is essential.
If you’re considering adopting an Aussie pup or already have one at home, consider taking them for walks or runs outdoors on long leashes.
The Australian Shepherd has short legs with big feet, making grooming difficult due to their natural shedding coat (which sheds twice yearly).
Regular brushing helps prevent mats from forming. However, if your dog gets heavily matted, specific products are available online, such as “Doggy Den Pro.”
This will help remove mats from dogs’ coats faster than ordinary dog grooming tools by removing dead skin cells through grooming sessions.
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: Training
Australian Shepherds are highly trainable and love to please their owners. They’re also brilliant, making them an ideal option for those who want a fun-loving dog that can be trained well at home.
Early training is crucial for Aussies to develop good doggy skills and become well-behaved adults.
With proper training, engagement, and encouragement, Aussies can learn puppy manners quickly and become great companions.
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: Lifespan
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog originally bred to herd sheep. Still, today it’s known for its intelligence and trainability.
The Australian Shepherd’s lifespan can vary depending on the breeders’ decisions about breeding practices.
Still, most Aussies live between 12-15 years old on average.
Australian Shepherds are active dogs that need a lot of exercises and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.
They’re well-suited for families with an active lifestyle with a large, fenced yard where they can run around searching for squirrels or rabbits (or both).
Australian Shepherd Dog Breed: Price
The price of an Australian Shepherd varies based on several factors, including the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s coat color, pedigree, and location.
You can expect to pay between $650 to USD 850 for an Aussie. However, some breeders may charge between $300 to USD 1,800+.
Researching for an Aussie breeder is essential to ensure they are reputable and ethical. Beware of breeders who prioritize profit over the health and well-being of their dogs.
Adoption is also an option for those looking to add an Australian Shepherd Dog Breed.
Final Words?
As you can see, the Australian Shepherd is an excellent breed with many different qualities.
They are intelligent and easy to train, but they also get along well with other pets and children.
They are loyal and protective, but they also love to play. They make great family dogs and are a lot of fun.
If you are interested in adopting an Australian Shepherd, be sure to do your research.
Make sure you find a reputable breeder and the dogs are healthily cared for before making any decisions.
If you have any questions about adopting an Australian Shepherd or need help finding a breeder, don’t hesitate to contact us.