The Australian Shepherd is among the most popular dog breeds in the world. Its intelligence, versatility, and playful character make it an ideal companion for families and active individuals. In addition to its role as a herding dog, it is appreciated in many other areas such as dog sports or simply as a pet.
The Australian Shepherd has many unique features to discover, and that is what we will explore here!
Origin of the Australian Shepherd #
Despite its misleading name, the Australian Shepherd was born in the United States in the 19th century. Its ancestors were herding dogs that came from Spain, passed through Australia before being imported by American breeders. This dog was initially used for herding livestock, particularly sheep. Its popularity has continued to grow, especially due to its agility and intelligence.
Today, it is not only an exceptional working dog, but also an excellent companion dog for active and sporty individuals. Its talents have even been recognized in dog sports competitions such as agility or obedience .
Physical Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd #
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a muscular and harmonious body. Its elegant and athletic silhouette is particularly suited for work, but it retains a noble and graceful appearance that attracts many admirers.
Different Types of Australian Shepherds #
The Australian Shepherd presents a great diversity in coat colors, making it a very unique breed. In terms of coat, it has a medium-length fur that is weather-resistant. Its fur can be wavy, giving it a soft appearance, or straight, showing a more imposing look.
In terms of color, there are no less than 4, with many variations:
- Blue merle single, bicolor, or tricolor
- Red merle single, bicolor, or tricolor
- Black single, bicolor, or tricolor
- Red single, bicolor, or tricolor
Another feature found in the Australian Shepherd is the color of its eyes. They are often bright and expressive, with a wide variety of colors and combinations.
- Eye Colors: The eyes can be brown, blue, amber, or even a combination of these colors. It is not uncommon to see Australian Shepherds with one eye of each color (heterochromia).
- Heterochromia: Heterochromia is quite common in this breed, and it is a trait particularly appreciated by Australian Shepherd enthusiasts. This phenomenon can manifest as one blue eye and one brown or amber eye .
This variety of colors, combined with the natural expressiveness of the Australian Shepherd’s gaze, makes it a particularly captivating dog. Its eyes are perceived as reflecting the intelligence and liveliness of this breed.
Size and Weight of the Australian Shepherd #
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, which gives them great agility, essential for herding work.
| Size and Weight | Description |
|---|---|
| Males | Height: 20 to 23 inches / Weight: 55 to 66 pounds |
| Females | Height: 18 to 21 inches / Weight: 40 to 55 pounds |
Behavior of the Australian Shepherd #
The Australian Shepherd is known for its intelligence, work capacity, and boundless energy. It is an affectionate dog, close to its owners, but can be reserved with strangers.
Behavior of the Australian Shepherd with Children #
The Australian Shepherd is generally an excellent companion for children. It is playful, protective, and very gentle, especially if it has grown up with them. However, as with any dog breed, it is recommended to supervise interactions between a dog and very young children to avoid any incidents. And if it starts to want to herd the children like a flock, don’t panic! It’s simply its herding instinct coming back.
Behavior of the Australian Shepherd with Other Animals #
With good socialization from a young age, the Australian Shepherd can get along with other dogs and even cats. However, its herding and hunting instincts can sometimes make it dominant, even territorial, especially towards small animals .
Health of the Australian Shepherd #
The Australian Shepherd is a relatively robust breed, but it can be prone to certain hereditary diseases, especially due to its growing popularity which has sometimes led to careless breeding.
Life Expectancy #
The average life expectancy of an Australian Shepherd is 12 to 15 years, with good nutrition and proper care .
Common Diseases in the Australian Shepherd #
While its life expectancy is relatively high, the Australian Shepherd can still present health issues. Here are some of the most common diseases in the Australian Shepherd:
| Disease | Description | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Joint problem that affects mobility and may require surgical intervention. | High |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Developmental joint anomaly causing lameness and pain in the front legs. | Medium |
| Eye Problems (cataracts, PRA) | Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and other eye disorders that can lead to vision loss. | Medium to High |
| Drug Sensitivity (MDR1) | Sensitivity to certain medications, which can cause severe or even fatal side effects. | Medium to High |
| Epilepsy | Neurological disorders leading to regular seizures. | Medium |
| Mitral Valve Disease | Heart disease that can lead to heart failure over time. | Medium |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | Disorder affecting the intervertebral discs, leading to back pain and sometimes paralysis. | Medium |
| Obesity | Excess weight that can exacerbate back and joint problems, as well as heart diseases. | Medium |
| Congenital Deafness | Hearing loss that can be partial or total, often associated with merle dogs. | Low to Medium |
Like all dogs, the Australian Shepherd requires regular veterinary check-ups. This allows you to be calm on a daily basis and to act as soon as the first symptoms of a disease appear!
Training the Australian Shepherd #
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and dynamic dog. But to develop its full potential as the perfect pet, it is essential to take the time to train it. Here are some tips for you!
✔️ Training the Australian Shepherd and Positive Training Methods #
The Australian Shepherd is an extremely intelligent and willing dog, making its training both exciting and demanding. To succeed in its training, it is essential to adopt positive methods based on reward and encouragement.
- Food Rewards: The Australian Shepherd responds very well to treats and food rewards. Every good behavior should be immediately associated with a reward to reinforce learning .
- Positive Reinforcement: Always praise your dog when it obeys a command or exhibits a desired behavior. Petting and verbal encouragement are just as important as treats.
- Interactive Games: The Australian Shepherd loves challenges and games that stimulate its intelligence. Incorporating games into its training, such as frisbee or agility courses, makes learning more fun and motivating for it .
✔️ Early Socialization for the Australian Shepherd #
Socialization is crucial for a balanced Australian Shepherd. It is important to expose your puppy to various environments, people, and animals from a young age to prevent it from developing anxious or aggressive behaviors.
- Exposure to Different People: Frequently invite friends and family members to your home or visit them so that your Australian Shepherd becomes familiar with unfamiliar faces. This will help reduce its natural distrust of strangers.
- Interactions with Other Animals: Arrange meetings with other dogs and pets so that your Australian Shepherd learns to interact peacefully with them .
- Exploring New Environments: Take it to various places (parks, urban areas, countryside) so that it gets used to different sounds, smells, and situations .
✔️ House Training #
House training can be a delicate step, but with patience and regular schedules, it is possible to succeed quickly.
- Regular Schedules: Take your puppy outside at specific times, especially after meals and naps, so it gets used to relieving itself outside .
- Designated Areas: Choose a specific area in your garden or nearby for it to learn where it should relieve itself .
- Patience and Consistency: As with any dog, it is essential to be patient and consistent. Never scold it for an accident, but praise it abundantly when it succeeds .
✔️ Teaching Basic Commands to the Australian Shepherd #
The Australian Shepherd is a model student when it comes to learning basic commands, thanks to its intelligence and desire to please its owner. Here are some important commands to teach it:
- Sit: Hold a treat above your Australian Shepherd’s head and lower it slowly towards its back until it sits down .
- Lie Down: Once it masters “sit,” hold a treat in front of its nose and lower it slowly to the ground to encourage it to lie down.
- Stay: Once it is sitting or lying down, gently back away while saying “stay” and return to reward it if it does not move .
❌ Managing Undesirable Behaviors #
Like any dog, the Australian Shepherd can develop undesirable behaviors if its energy is not channeled properly.
- Excessive Barking: Ignore unjustified barking and use commands like “quiet” accompanied by rewards to encourage calmness, which is the best approach .
- Nipping: Due to its herding instinct, the Australian Shepherd may tend to nip. Provide it with chew toys to divert this habit .
Examples of Training Exercises for the Australian Shepherd #
Here are some exercises you can practice with your Australian Shepherd to stimulate its mind and body:
- Hide and Seek: Hide treats or toys in the house or garden, and ask your dog to find them. This stimulates its sense of smell and mind .
- Obstacle Course: Use household items to create a course that your dog must navigate. Australian Shepherds love physical and mental challenges .
- Frisbee: Throw a frisbee for it to bring back to you. The Australian Shepherd enjoys activities it can do with its favorite human!
Character of the Australian Shepherd #
The Australian Shepherd is a multifaceted dog, known for its boundless energy, great intelligence, and affectionate nature.
An Energetic and Dynamic Dog #
The Australian Shepherd is primarily a working dog. This means it has boundless energy and needs a lot of exercise to be happy. If you are an active person, this dog will be the ideal companion to follow you in all your activities, whether it’s hiking, jogging, or dog sports .
A Very Intelligent Dog #
Its great intelligence is one of the most striking traits of the Australian Shepherd. It is capable of quickly learning commands and complex tricks, and it loves to be challenged with intelligence games. However, this intelligence also requires daily mental stimulation to prevent it from getting bored and developing destructive behaviors .
An Affectionate Dog Close to Its Family #
The Australian Shepherd is very attached to its owners. It constantly seeks companionship and does not like to be left alone for long periods. This dog is very affectionate and protective of its family, and it tends to want to keep an eye on all its members, a legacy of its herding instinct .
A Dog Wary of Strangers #
Even though it is very close to its family, the Australian Shepherd can be reserved, even wary, of strangers. This characteristic, inherited from its role as a herd guardian, makes it a good watchdog, capable of alerting its owners in case of danger .
A Protective Dog #
The Australian Shepherd has a strong protective instinct, especially towards children and household pets. However, it can also be territorial, especially if it has not been properly socialized from a young age .
Care and Hygiene of the Australian Shepherd #
If you have ever encountered an Australian Shepherd, you must have noticed its thick coat. Well, it requires proper maintenance, but that’s not all!
Shedding and Brushing #
The Australian Shepherd has a medium-length coat that requires regular maintenance to avoid tangles and keep its coat healthy. This type of coat is weather-resistant, but it can easily become matted. Generally, weekly brushing is sufficient to remove dead hair and tangles.
However, the Australian Shepherd also sheds its coat seasonally. During these shedding periods, daily brushing may be necessary to control hair loss .
Dental, Eye, and Ear Care #
Like all dogs, dental care and hygiene of the eyes and ears are essential to keep an Australian Shepherd healthy.
- Teeth: It is advisable to brush the Australian Shepherd’s teeth at least two to three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and avoid gum disease .
- Eyes: Regularly check your dog’s eyes for signs of irritation or infection. Wipe away secretions with a soft cloth to avoid irritation .
- Ears: Due to their floppy ears, Australian Shepherds are more susceptible to ear infections. Clean the ears regularly with an appropriate product to prevent the buildup of wax and dirt .
Bathing and Grooming #
The Australian Shepherd does not require frequent baths, unless it has gotten very dirty during its outings. A bath every two to three months is sufficient, using a shampoo specially designed for dogs, to avoid irritating its skin.
If you are not comfortable with grooming, you can take your dog to a professional for regular trimming and maintenance !
Diet of the Australian Shepherd #
The diet of the Australian Shepherd should be adapted to its activity level and size. It is an energetic dog that needs a protein-rich and balanced diet to maintain its vitality. Of course, you should also adapt to its age before making your choice of kibble or wet food!
It is recommended to divide its daily ration into two meals to avoid stomach torsion, to which dogs of this size can be prone. The diet should be rich in nutrients, proteins, healthy fats, and fibers to meet its needs .
Adoption and Cost of an Australian Shepherd #
Purchase Price of an Australian Shepherd #
The price of an Australian Shepherd depends on several factors such as lineage, breeder reputation, and geographical location. It is generally estimated that its adoption price is between $770 and $1,650.
Maintenance Costs #
The Australian Shepherd is an active dog that requires regular maintenance, and this is reflected in the annual costs related to its health and well-being. On average, the annual cost of caring for an Australian Shepherd can vary between $1,320 and $1,980. This budget includes:
- Food: About $550 to $770 per year for quality kibble suitable for its size and activity level.
- Veterinary Care: Between $220 and $440 for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.
- Grooming and Maintenance: If you opt for professional grooming, expect to pay about $220 to $330 extra per year.
- Health Insurance: If you choose pet health insurance, it can cost between $220 and $440 per year, depending on the coverage chosen.
- Accessories and Toys: Costs related to accessories, toys, collars, and leashes can amount to about $110 to $220 per year.
It is important to note that this budget can vary depending on location, the specific needs of the dog, and its health conditions.