All about the Australian Shepherd, info, pictures, breeders, rescues, care, temperament, health, puppy pictures and more.

Murray Bicycle Serial Numbers. Australian Shepherd Dog Temperament The Australian Shepherd has a great deal of stamina and is loving, bold, alert, confident, independent, smart and responsive. If he doesn't get a chance to exercise and challenge his strongly developed mental and physical activities, he is apt to become frustrated and difficult to live with. With proper exercise and training, he is a loyal, utterly devoted and obedient companion. Hp Dvd Ram Uj8b1 Driver Free Download.

It is reserved with strangers and has a protective nature. It may try to herd children and small animals by nipping. Australian Shepherd Dog Health Major concerns: cataract, CEA Minor concerns: CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger Huet syndrome, iris coloboma Occasionally seen: lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM Suggested tests: hip, eye Life span: 12-15 years Note: This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm preventive is considered safe. Merle-to-merle breedings result in some offspring that are homozygous merle, which is detrimental to health, commonly resulting in deafness and blindness. Natural bobtail-to-natural bobtail breedings can result in some offspring with serious spinal defects. The Australian Shepherd is not really an Australian breed, but came to America by way of Australia. One popular theory of the breed origin begins during the 1800s, when the Basque people of Europe settled in Australia, bringing with them their sheep and sheepdogs.

Shortly thereafter, many of these Shepherds relocated to the western United States, with their dogs and sheep. American Shepherds naturally dubbed these dogs Australian Shepherds because that was their immediate past residence. The rugged area of Australia and western America placed demands on the herding dogs that they had not faced in Europe, but through various crosses and rigorous selection for working ability, the Basque dog soon adapted and excelled under these harsh conditions. The breed kept a low profile until the 1950s, when it was featured in a popular trick-dog act that performed in rodeos and was featured in film.

Many of these dogs can be found in the pedigrees of today Aussies. The first Aussie was registered with the International English Shepherd Registry, now known as the National Stock Dog Registry.

In 1957 the Australian Shepherd Club of America was formed and subsequently became the largest Aussie registry in America. Because many ASCA members felt that AKC recognition was not desirable for their breed, proponents of AKC recognition formed the United States Australian Shepherd Association. The AKC recognized the Australian Shepherd in 1993.

The breed's popularity according to AKC statistics underestimates the popularity of this breed as a pet because a large proportion of this working breed remains unregistered with the AKC. The Australian Shepherd is among the most versatile of breeds, excelling at conformation, obedience, herding and agility competition.

The Aussie is also adept at working cattle; in fact, some believe his close working style is more suited to cattle than to sheep. Copyright © 1998, 2005 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc. Based on ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG BREEDS by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D.

Country of Origin The Australian Shepherd (affectionately called an ‘Aussie’) does not actually originate in Australia. It is believed that some Basque farmers brought ancestors of these dogs with them when they emigrated to Australia, then subsequently to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush. However, the breed as it is known today was developed in the American Southwest over the next few decades.

The Australian dog was crossed with several breeds in an effort to produce an animal able to deal with the harsh temperatures and demands of the American West. Breeding during this period was mainly focused on ability—speed, agility, and endurance--rather than appearance, which delayed the Australian Shepherd’s recognition as a breed. Australian Shepherds became popular pets after they were featured as rodeos performers in the 1950’s, and later in Disney films such as ‘Run Appaloosa Run’. Australian Shepherds were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1993. Size The standard Australian Shepherd has a shoulder height of 43-58 cm (18-23 in) and weighs 16-34 kg (35-75 lbs).

The Australian Shepherd has highly set, triangular ears, a moderately defined stop (point at which the muzzle meets the forehead), a scissors bite, and brown, blue, or amber eyes (or a combination thereof). It has a flat back, natural or docked bobtail, and oval feet.

The Australian Shepherd is slightly longer than it is tall. Coat The Australian Shepherd’s coat ranges from medium to long, with a dense undercoat. It can be straight or slightly wavy, and is highly weather resistant. The coat is short and soft on the head and legs, with a thick mane around the neck. The Australian Shepherd can be black, red, red merle (dark patches on a light colored background), or blue merle.

All may have white markings or tan points. Character The Australian Shepherd is intelligent and eager to learn. It is relaxed, loyal, and devoted, bonding closely with family, even to the point of developing separation anxiety. Aussies are confident and lively; they are known to behave like puppies. Temperament The Australian Shepherd is a great companion for children and other pets, especially if socialized as a puppy.

It can be shy around strangers, as it is territorial by nature. Australian Shepherds are affectionate and kindhearted.

They are easily bored. The Australian Shepherd can become nervous and destructive without frequent socialization and proper exercise. Care The Australian Shepherd requires relatively little grooming, but a thorough combing is required when shedding. Bathe only when necessary.

Australian Shepherds can tolerate warm or cool climates, but must live indoors as they require constant socialization. Aussies have a life span of 12-13 years and litters of 5-8 puppies. Training The Australian Shepherd is fun to train because it learns quickly and easily. Aussies are unusually eager to please and adept at a wide variety of sports and games, such as herding, Flyball, and agility competitions. Activity Not only does the Australian Shepherd need a lot of exercise, it needs to be kept occupied. The Australian Shepherd is an excellent companion for people that are active, particularly those who recreate outdoors.

Aussies will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. Finding the right Australian Shepherd puppy can be dog gone hard work. PuppyFind® provides a convenient and efficient means of selecting and purchasing the perfect Australian Shepherd puppy (or Australian Shepherd puppies) from the comfort of your home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take advantage of our PuppySearch or leisurely browse our directory of hundreds of dog breeds, Australian Shepherd dog breeders, Australian Shepherd dogs for adoption, and Australian Shepherd puppy for sale listings with photos and detailed descriptions. Some Australian Shepherd puppies for sale may be shipped Worldwide and include crate and veterinarian checkup. Many Australian Shepherd dog breeders with puppies for sale also offer a health guarantee. With thousands of Australian Shepherd puppies for sale and hundreds of Australian Shepherd dog breeders, you're sure to find the perfect Australian Shepherd puppy.