Mary Allen
This four-legged friend is full of energy: as a family pet or a simple companion on vacation, the Australian Shepherd is completely unsuitable. The temperamental workaholic wants to work. If you have experience and enough jobs appropriate to the breed, you will end up with an active and loyal dog with an Australian Shepherd.
American from Australia
Its name causes confusion because the Australian Shepherd is not an Australian dog breed. The situation is more complicated: at the turn of the 20th century, the export of sheep from Australia to the United States flourished. The herds were managed by trained herding dogs. Clever four-legged friends found many friends in the States who mated with them, but the first studbook was not published there until 1957, and since 1977 a mandatory breed standard has been in effect. Official dog breed recognition was not granted by the FCI until 1996; beautiful animals have been widespread in Europe since the 1970s. The FCI divides dog breeds into groups and sections. The Australian Shepherd belongs to group 1: herding dogs and herding dogs. Other dogs in the same FCI group are Shetland Sheepdogs and Collies.
Nature of the Australian Shepherd
Like most German Shepherds, the Australian Shepherd’s personality is characterized by numerous virtues. Dogs are alert and quick-witted, as befits the four-legged leaders of the herd. By their nature, animals are obedient and hardworking, but also demanding. If you can offer your dog tasks that suit his needs, such as using him as a herding dog, he will feel completely at ease and conscientious about his job. If it is not sufficiently disposed of, its pronounced watchdog and protective instinct can quickly slide down undesirable paths. However, his will to please the owner and perform the tasks required of him prevails. He is always affectionate and kind to those he trusts. With strangers, he needs some time before he confides in them and becomes approachable. Many consider the Australian Shepherd to be a tough breed with a strong personality that wants to make a statement about its stubbornness. However, as a herding dog, he was bred to act independently. Thanks to his good powers of observation, nothing escapes him. Runners, playing children, cyclists, and other pets can also stimulate his herding instinct. Therefore, as an owner, you also need good observation and consistent training.
Training & Maintenance of the Australian Shepherd
The intelligence and great readiness for work of this dog make high demands on its owner. The Australian Shepherd can weigh up to 70 pounds. Its size should not be neglected: depending on the gender, the height at the shoulders is from 46 to 58 centimeters. If we add to this the lively temperament of the animal, then it becomes clear that you cannot keep a four-legged whirlwind in an apartment in a specific way. In any case, the big city is only a suitable environment for the Australian Shepherd to a limited extent: the animal needs fresh air and as many tasks as possible to be able to live up to its breed characteristics and not develop any behavioral problems.
The dog’s condition can push you to the limit: even a full program of agility and agility games fuels the dog’s desire. Tracking games present a more intellectual challenge to the dog. The hardest part of training an Australian Shepherd is learning how to rest and balance activity and relaxation. In order to achieve this, you need time, patience, and empathy.
A great willingness to learn and a constant desire to please his owner should not be classified as easily trainable. Because just as quickly as he obeys commands, the Australian Shepherd learns unwanted behavior. Therefore, training this breed is especially difficult for beginners. Because it requires patience, loving consistency, but also straightforwardness. Errors or deviations are unscrupulously exploited by him. Especially when the Australian Shepherd is not tested or needs to be left alone for long periods of time, it develops unwanted behavioral problems. A strong desire to be busy prevents him from fully relaxing. Often the home environment suffers from his craving for action.
Australian Shepherd Care, Diet & Health
The coat of the Australian Shepherd is fairly easy to care for. It is enough to comb it weekly, daily during the molting period, to remove loose undercoats. The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Unfortunately, the breed is prone to hereditary diseases and disabilities such as deafness and blindness. Make sure you are buying from a responsible breeder. Due to the growing popularity of dogs, there are more and more out-of-control breeds. Hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as malocclusion, eye diseases, and epilepsy are breed-specific diseases of the Australian Shepherd.
The diet should be adapted to the physical activity of the dog. A balanced proportion of carbohydrates is used for energy production, especially in active animals. Nutritional requirements depend on height, weight, age, and activity level. Additional treats should also be included in the daily diet as an encouragement or motivation for training.
What to Look for When Buying an Australian Shepherd
Due to their energetic nature, the Australian Shepherd is not for everyone. Before you buy, you should think twice about whether you can meet the high demands of this breed, and know that the whole family should come together when raising a dog. Look for a reputable breeder who ensures that the animals are well socialized right from the start. Most Australian Shepherds are now considered family and companion dogs. However, in many regions, it still serves as a shepherd dog. Thus, there is a working line and a more calm tribal form in which the temperament is somewhat restrained. So be sure to ask the breeder about the purpose of breeding to find a dog that adapts to your lifestyle and activity level. Vaccinations, deworming and a sales contract are standard with a reputable breeder.