Aussiebreedinfo

What Is an Australian Shepherd?
Breed information

Buying a puppy of any breed can be a 12-15 year commitment. So often people fall in love with a cute puppy for all
the wrong reasons and end up with a lot of heartache or a dog that is not suitable for their lifestyle. If you are
considering buying or adopting an Australian Shepherd, you first need to learn as much as possible about the breed
and then decide if it is the right kind of dog for you.

Appearance
The four most common colorings of Aussies are blue merle, red merle, black tri(-color), black bi(-color), red bi(-color)
and red tri(-color). Aussies can come in many other colorings as well, such as solid red, or solid black (called self
black or self red); all can occur with or without white markings, tan (called "copper") points, or both. Dogs with tan
and white along with the primary color are called tri-color. Dogs with white or copper only along with the primary
color are called bi-color. Too much white around the eyes and ears on any Aussie is frequently accompanied by
deafness and/or blindness. Deafness and/or blindness does occur when two merles are bred together (a double merle
breeding, producing an aussie called a 'lethal white').

There is also great variety in the Aussie's eye color. An early nickname for the breed was "ghost-eye dog". Aussie eyes
may be green, hazel, amber, brown, or blue; they may have two different colored eyes, or even have bicolored or
"split eyes" (for example, a half-brown, half-blue eye), which appear to be linked to the merle coloration. Merled eyes
occur as well, where one color is mixed in and swirled with another. Any combination of eye color is acceptable in
the breed standard, so long as the eyes are healthy. In general, however, black Aussies (self, bi-color or tri-color) tend
to have brown eyes, while red (self, bi-color or tri-color) Aussies tend to have amber eyes.

The breed's general appearance also varies greatly depending on the particular line's emphasis. As with many
working breeds that are also shown in the ring, there are differences of opinion among breeders over what makes an
ideal Australian Shepherd.
Reflecting the great variation that still exists in the breed, an Aussie can stand between 18 and 23 inches (46 to 58 cm)
at the withers and weigh between 35 and 70 pounds (16 to 32 kg). For show dogs, females should fall in the lower
heights and males in the higher ranges.

A hallmark of the breed is a short bobbed or docked tail in countries where docking is permitted. Some Aussies are
born with naturally short bobbed tails, others with full long tails, and others with natural partial bobs, where the
tail is midlength and appears stubby. Most breeders dock the tails when the puppies are born.

Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is unique with regard to its temperament.
The Aussie was developed as a farm and ranch dog, not only to work livestock, but also to be a companion and
guardian of the family and the family's possessions. He is equally happy whether working or simply being with his
owner or family, to whom he is very devoted. Because the Aussie must be able to take his masters command in order
to control livestock, he is very trainable, intelligent and willing to please - without these traits he would be useless as
a livestock working dog.A versatile working dog, he is used across America to work cattle, sheep, goats and even
poultry. Aussies have long been popular with small farmers who need a dog to help them, but don't have enough
work to keep the dog continually busy. The Aussies' bond with his owner is a part of his heritage. Early day Aussies
were often depended upon to guard the children while both parents were in the field. Valuable equipment and
livestock were safe when the family Aussie was there.

Many Aussies are friendly with everyone, but the Australian Shepherd generally tends to be reserved and cautious
with strangers. Reserved dogs can be encouraged to accept people with some success, but some never accept
strangers. Aussies tend to form a stronger bond with their family and owners than some other breeds. This trait
causes some dogs to become protective against what they perceive as a threat. Remember that dogs of any breed may
become aggressive if they are poorly socialized and untrained.

Because these dogs were developed to manage livestock, their intelligence and energy needs to be used elsewhere if
they are not to be worked. Obedience training is highly recommended, and Aussies will learn quickly. When raised
with children, Aussies love kids and quickly become a playmate. Aussies don't necessarily need a farm to exercise on,
but they do need daily exercise and attention. Young dogs of any breed will require more exercise the first year of
their life than an older dog. Most Aussies love to play ball and Frisbee, and many love water and swimming.

Dogs with strong working instinct may show more reserved, guarding behaviors along with a tendency to chase or
nip at running children or strangers if not propely trained. Its protective instinct and behaviors can be frightening to
children, strangers, and small animals. Because the breed was developed to serve on the ranch, a job which includes
being protective of its property, it sometimes can be annoying with its inclination to bark warnings about
neighborhood activity, but it is not generally an obsessively barking dog.

Aussies may often greet you with a smile, snorting, and 'butt wagging' (earning them the name "wiggle-butt"s). The
Aussie has its own unique smile by showing all the teeth, and often by snorting in a fashion that resembles sneezing.
Since most Aussies don't have tails, they wag their butts instead. The Aussie is intelligent, learns quickly, and loves
to play. This means that a bored, neglected, unexercised Aussie will invent its own games, activities, and jobs, which
to a busy owner might appear to be hyperactivity in the house around fragile furnishings or involve the destruction
of yard and property. Without something to amuse them, Aussies often turn destructive. Aussies also do best with
plenty of human companionship: they are often called "velcro" for their strong desire to always be near their owners
and for their tendency to form intense, devoted bonds with select people.

The Australian Shepherd has a reputation as a highly intelligent and versatile stock dog with a range of working
styles. While improperly trained or frustrated Aussies may exhibit excessive running and barking, a good working
Aussie is quick, thoughtful, and easy with its stock. The ability for the breed to adapt to the situation and think for
itself makes it an excellent all-around worker. For this reason the Aussie is often chosen to work unusual livestock
such as ducks (e.g., Indian Runners), geese and commercially raised rabbits

.Generally the breed is an energetic dog that requires exercise and enjoys working, whether it is learning and
practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or any other physically and mentally involving activity. Many need to
run, full out, regularly. It is usually a sweet and affectionate dog who is faithful to its owners and may be good with
children, although its overwhelming instinct to work may subvert its ability to function as a family dog. You should
be aware of his territorial instincts and that he may be naturally possessive and protective of his owners and home.
You and your environment will greatly determine the dog you end up with.

HEALTH
Aussies are a breed known for its health, but like any purebred dog can be affected by several health issues. Pure bred
dogs are not any less healthy from a mix breed but because they share similar ancestors some health concerns are
more likely to show up. So pedigree research, Health testing and careful selection of breeding stock is vital.
No breeder can guarantee 100% that there dogs will never be affected by genetic health problems, or truthfully claim
that there dogs are 100% free and clear for most of the health issues of concern, But, when considering buying a dog
they should be able to offer you proof of testing, information offer a warranty if any dog they sell be affected. Most
offer partial or full refund and in some cases a replacement to assist with any finical and emotional cost involved. All
dogs used for breeding in this breed should be Certified Free of Hip Dyslplasia by either the OFA (orthopedic
foundation for animals) or PennHip and have there eyes checked Every year until over 8 years old by a
ophthalmologist and certified by CERF (Canine Eye Registry). Just saying I never had a problem or my vet says the
dog is healthy is not good enough. Along with Hip and Eye certification it is also common for breeders to test and
have there breeding dogs certified for Patellas, Elbows, Cardiac, and Thyroid and MRD1 (Multi drug sensitivity gean)

most common problems in order of frequency *
•Cataracts,may be more than one type • Epilepsy • Dental Faults • Autoimmune Disease •Hip Dysplasia • Iris
coloboma •Allergies •Cancer- not all Hereditary •Persistent Pupilary Membrane •Distichaisis •Retained Testicles
•Collie Eye Anomaly

The following are less common but occur often enough to cause concern *
• Corneal Dystrophy • Elbow Dysplasia •Hemophilia A & B • Muscular Dystrophy • Osteochondritis Desicans
•Patellar Luxation • Patent Ductus Arteriiosus •Pelger-Huet Anomaly •Porto-systemic (Liver) Shunt •Progressive
Retinal Atrophy (possibly not occurring at all, but mis-diagnosed in cases with retinal damage secondary to trauma)
•Rage Syndrome

* FromAussie Genetics Fact Sheet: Australian Shepherd Genetic Disease Prevalence by C.A. Sharp

MALE OR FEMALE
The choice of whether to buy a male or female is often just a personal preference. However, there are some differences
you should be aware of.

Females are usually smaller than males with preferred size for females between 18" and 21" at the shoulder while males
will stand between 20" and 23". Intact (not spayed) females will come into season approximately every six months and
must be completely confined for three weeks during that time. Intact (not neutered) males tend to wander, especially
if there are females in the neighborhood who are in season. If you spay or neuter your pet, these things will not be a
factor. Neutering will also prevent some health problems that can develop later in your dog's life.
Keep in mind that male or female when altered differ very little in temperament.

PET, SHOW, OR WORKING QUALITY

What is a pet puppy? This is a puppy that is healthy with a good personality but may lack desirable qualities when
compared to the breed standard. The breed standard is the written description of the ideal of the breed. Often the
imperfections of the pet puppy are minimal and are things that the person looking for a pet would never notice. A pet
puppy should not have any serious health or temperament problems! Some typical faults that may cause a breeder to
consider a happy, healthy puppy as pet quality are teeth imperfections (breed standard calls for a full compliment of
teeth which meet in a scissors bite), color that is not rich and clear, faults of toplines, legs, or earsets.

Australian shepherd can be registered with The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) The founding
Registry of the Australian shepherd and with recent AKC recognition now the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is
normal for Aussies to be Dual registered with BOTH ASCA and AKC or sometimes one or the other. You should
also advise the breeder as to your plans for the puppy. A show quality puppy should come as close as possible to the
breed standard. No one can guarantee just what the puppy will grow up to look like, but a knowledgeable breeder
can see potential and should be honest with you in evaluating their puppies.

If you are looking for a stockdog, it is extremely important that both parents are working stockdogs. If at all possible,
see the dogs work or see video or pictures of the dogs working. No one can look at the puppy and see the inherited
ability to work stock, as these traits cannot be tested until much older. Working ability can quickly be lost by
breeding individuals who may not have the intense instinct required of a working dog. Ask for a written guarantee
that the puppy will work livestock if buying the puppy for that purpose.

PUPPY, OLDER PUP, OR ADULT

Not all Aussies that are for sale are eight-week old puppies. Breeders and rescue often have older puppies and adults
for sale/adopion. Various factors play into the sale of puppies and why a breeder has kept one or more for a longer
time. Many breeders elect to wait for the right home to come along, rather than risk placing a pup in the wrong
situation. Or, they may be considering keeping the pup for themselves, but later change their minds. Rescues often
get dogs because the original owner made the wrong decision in the breed, and found the Aussie to much for them,
sometimes they no longer want the dog because of lack of time, costs of owning a dog, change in housing, jobs or
family situation. Although a puppy is usually cutest at eight weeks, it won't stay that way very long. They soon
progress to the leggy, awkward age and go through all the stages of young animals growing up. There are some
advantages to buying an older puppy. Because they do not need to go outside as often, they are often easier to
Housebreak. The temperament in a older dog is more stable and known and may be easier for the average family
home to add to the family. Aussie as puppies require a lot of training and socialization for the first year compared to
other breeds in order to shape the breeds characteristics into a positive manor. .

With a breed like the Aussie, it would seem like an older puppy or adult dog would not adjust to a new owner.
Given love and attention, Aussies will bond to a new owner even if they were previously part of another family.
These dogs relate to those who love, train and interact with them. So don't overlook the older dog if the work of a
little puppy seems like to much for you.

History
The Australian Shepherd's history is vague, as is the origin of its misleading name. The majority of the breed's
antecedents most likely originated in the Basque region near the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France.

Early European settlers took many of their herding dogs with them as they emigrated to the eastern United States in
the 19th century. Breeds included some that are now extinct or that have merged into other breeds. These probably
included the English Shepherd, Dorset Blue Shag, Cumberland Sheepdog, Scottish Collie, Glenwherry Collie, and
Bouvier des Flandres, as well as dogs from Germany and Spain. For many centuries, shepherds had more interest in
dogs who performed well when helping to manage flocks of sheep than they had in the specific appearance of the
dogs. As a result, over time, shepherds interbred dogs that they believed would produce better workers for the given
climate and landscape. Terrain and weather conditions in the eastern U.S. were similar to that of Europe, however, so
the existing imported breeds and their offspring worked well there.

In the western states, conditions were quite different. In the primarily arid and semiarid areas inhabited sparsely by
early Spanish settlers, temperatures reached extremes of hot and cold, and fields varied in altitude from sea level into
the higher, rougher Sierra Nevada and similar mountain ranges. A few Spanish and Basque shepherds, their flocks,
and their herding dogs came to California with the Spanish missionaries and other settlers in the 18th and early 19th
centuries.

With the 1849 California gold rush, a massive migration occurred from the east coast to the west coast, and along
with the people came flocks of sheep and the eastern herding dogs. But it was just as effective to bring sheep in by
ship, and in they came, including flocks from Latin America and other regions. Shepherds came along with the flocks
and also independently, from Latin America, Europe, and Australia, along with their own herding breeds.

Dogs from Australia had already begun to be selected and bred for climates and terrains that were often similar to
California.

As shepherds worked to develop dogs who could handle stock in harsh storms, high arid heat, and chilling cold, and
who could think on their own in challenging terrain, reacting instantly to the movement of sheep and to their
handlers' commands, the type that became the Australian Shepherd was born.

The name remains somewhat of a mystery, however; the largest influx of shepherds from Australia arrived in the
early 20th century, well after the breed had been established as a distinct type. It is possible that many of the imported
Australian herding dogs had merle coloring, which was also common in the American Australian Shepherd breed,
and so all merle herding dogs were simply referred to as Australian. This remains conjecture.

Recent history
Selective breeding for many generations focused on aspects of the dog that enabled it to function as an effective
stockdog in the American west. It had to handle severe weather; have plenty of speed, athleticism, energy, and
endurance; and be intelligent, flexible, and independent while remaining obedient. The Australian Shepherd remained
more of a type than a breed until the 1950s, when they became popular as performing dogs in rodeos. Their stunts
and skills earned them places in several Disney films, including Run Appaloosa Run and Stub: The Greatest Cowdog
in the West.

The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was founded in 1957 to promote the breed, and the National Stock
Dog Registry became its official breed registry the same year, which it continued until ASCA took over in the 1970s.
In the late 1970s, ASCA created a breed standard, which described exactly how a dog should look and be constructed
(its conformation). This was the first step in becoming a breed rather than a type.

In the United States, the AKC is the primary breed registry for purebred dogs. However, many Aussie breeders felt
that AKC put too much emphasis on conformation and not enough on performance, so ASCA declined to join the
AKC. Those breeders who felt that AKC membership had its advantages split off from ASCA to form their own
Australian Shepherd club, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, created their own breed standard, and
joined the AKC in 1993. The decision about affiliation with the AKC remains controversial, as it does with many
performance breeds.

These dogs excel at many dog sports, especially herding, dog agility, frisbee, and flyball.

Content taken and modified from the ASCA website, and other printed sources

TRAINING & ARTICLES