The Australian Shepherd's popularity is mainly due to the unusual color of the coat and ice-blue eyes. He is a very clever, active dog with a friendly disposition. He is hardworking, faithful and easy to train. All these qualities make this breed more and more popular
Contrary to its name, the Australian Shepherd does not come from Australia, but from the USA. This versatile and reliable quadruped is an excellent shepherd dog on American farms. He gained enormous popularity in the 50s - 60s of the twentieth century, thanks to rodeo shows, where he presented his amazing skills. The audience was delighted with the beauty and intelligence of the Australian Shepherd and in a short time this breed turned from a simple shepherd dog to a popular family dog. Officially, the Australian Shepherd breed was recognized by the FCI in 1996. Together with other herding dogs, she belongs to Group I, Section 1: Sheepdogs and herding dogs.
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog, reaching 51 to 58 cm at the withers for males and 46 to 53 cm for females. The weight of representatives of this breed ranges from 16 to 32 kg. It has a straight or wavy, medium-length topcoat and a dense undercoat that adapts to the seasons and the climate. Its fur keeps it warm in winter and protects it from heat in summer. The Australian Shepherd has a magnificent mane that adorns its neck. It has fringes on the back side of the front legs and pants on the thighs. A characteristic feature of dogs of this breed is extremely effective color. The most common are: chocolate, blue-marbled, black, chocolate-marbled and brown with rust tan or white spots. A unique feature of this breed is the variety in terms of eye color, which are amber, dark brown, blue, green, yellow and ice blue. In some cases, a combination of these colors can be found in one Australian Shepherd.
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
The Australian Shepherd is considered a relatively healthy and hardy breed. Nevertheless, these animals suffer from certain genetic diseases. They are prone to eye diseases and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, most often hip and elbow dysplasia. These extremely active dogs are at risk of injuries due to excessive strain on their paws and joints. In addition, they are prone to thyroid diseases and epilepsy. Some representatives of this breed also have retinal atrophy and epilepsy.
The Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent, hardworking and persistent dog with a balanced character. He is characterized by a friendly disposition, extraordinary loyalty and extraordinary devotion to the owner. He is very vigilant and caring towards all household members. It is generally a great companion for older children. Gets along well with other pets. However, he is suspicious and distrustful of strangers, and accentuates his anxiety with excessive barking. Due to its strong herding instincts, the Australian Shepherd has a tendency to keep an eye on everything that moves. For this reason, for example, people running, cycling or scooters can stimulate him to act.
The Australian Shepherd is alert and has a well-developed sense of observation. He conscientiously performs each task. If he is bored, he looks for a challenge himself, which does not always meet the owner's expectations. He needs a large dose of physical activity and constant mental stimulation. It is a perfect partner for active people. For harmonious development, it needs a tutor who skillfully combines physical challenges with play and rest.
Australian Shepherds reach sexual maturity in 6-12 months, and full emotional maturity at the age of 3-4 years. They are a volcano of energy, always full of enthusiasm for action. They require early, consistent, friendly obedience training. Training should be based on learning to control his tendency to be overactive. The Australian Shepherd needs a varied training, combining a walk with elements of fun (ball, stick or Frisbee throwing) and dog spots, i.e. the optimal combination of physical and mental effort.
The Australian Shepherd requires systematic care. Thick, dense fur should be combed regularly. For a shiny coat, it should be brushed at least twice a week. Under no circumstances should you cut your pet's hair, so as not to disturb the two-layer fur. Routine care procedures should also include cleaning the ears, teeth and eye area. The Australian Shepherd does not need frequent baths, although it is a good idea to remove dust and dirt from the coat with a soft-bristled brush after each walk.
The most famous Australian Shepherds are dogs named: Stubby, Shorty and Queenie. They owe their popularity to their own TV show called "Stub". They can also be admired in Disney movies.
There is also a miniature version of the Australian Shepherd that has yet to be recognized as an independent breed.
The common opinion is that there are many stereotypes about dog hair. One of them is related to the belief that apart from quadrupeds, which do not have hair for genetic reasons, there are two categories of dogs. The first includes four-legged friends with fur. The second includes dog breeds with hair. The time has come to clear your doubts on this point.
The proud and beautiful Akita is a natural monument in its native country. This Japanese hunting dog is a symbol of loyalty, fidelity and protectiveness. He exudes dignity and is famous for being able to stay calm, even in the most stressful situations.
Unlearning your puppy to chew is an extremely important part of training your four-legged friend. The positive effects of this learning are of great importance for the safe and friendly coexistence of humans and dogs. In order to get a chance for an effective solution to the problem, it is worth finding out why your young pet chews on everything. How to disenchant a puppy from biting?
