Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds will confuse you. Just when you think you have dogs all figured out, along comes a breed whose very name can fool even the most ardent dog lover. So it is with the Australian Shepherd who, while certainly being one of the best “herding” dogs in the entire canine world, doesn’t appear to have originated from Australia after all.
Origin
Dogs have been with us for so long that it’s often nearly impossible to trace the exact origin of certain breeds. The Australian Shepherd, while primarily developed here in the U.S., certainly didn’t originate here. It is widely believed that the forebears of this dog were from Spain. These Spanish dogs accompanied sheep exports to the U.S., by way of Australia, during colonial times when wool was at peak demand. At some point, it was probably crossed with Collie stock, based on appearance.
Without doubt, this dog was bred primarily to herd sheep and other livestock. Basque sheepherders from Australia accompanied some of these dogs into the U.S., and the name simply stuck. Today, it is still commonly known as an “Aussie” The agility and intelligence of the breed is unquestionable and no doubt was brought to national prominence in the 1950’s by a gentleman named Jay Sisler. Sisler featured Aussies performing amazing tricks in a dog act and the act caught the eye of the Walt Disney people, who then put them in films. They have been prized for decades by stock handlers everywhere for their inherent ability to herd livestock. And while that remains a primary function of the breed, the Aussie’s intelligence makes it easy to train. As such, it has led the breed into any number of fields, including search and rescue, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and of course beloved family pets.
Appearance
The Aussie is a “medium-sized” dog with a lean, muscular body and a coarse coat. The ears, chest, and underbody, as well as the tops of the legs are well feathered with a thick ruff. Coat color with this breed is remarkably varied, but red merle, blue merle, red, or black are most common. A featured characteristic of the breed is its tail. The tail is either very short (referred to as naturally bobbed or docked) or it can be missing altogether. Another interesting characteristic of an Aussie is the wide variety of eye color. Brown, Hazel, Green, Amber, Blue, and even White eyes, are possible.
Males are 20-23 inches and 40-70 lbs. Females are 18-22 inches and 35-65 lbs.
Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent, easily trained, and very responsive. So much so that the Aussie often seems to know exactly what is required of it. Although at times reserved with strangers, they are generally loyal, playful, and affectionate dogs, with people they know. Its inherent breeding traits as a herder, which include well developed protective instincts, make it a good watch dog. It will certainly bark warnings if it suspects danger, but is not an excessive noise maker.
The Aussie will make a terrific family pet, provided the family has plenty of time for it. As with many intelligent dogs, they can become easily bored, especially if left alone for extended periods. They will chew up virtually anything if they get restless and are notorious hole diggers when this happens. Be advised.
Exercise
As you would imagine from one of the world’s best herding breeds, the Australian Shepherd needs plenty of vigorous exercise. Running free in a field is ideal. Better yet, is giving it some real work to do. That’s not always easy if one is kept simply as a family pet. It needs plenty of games of catch with ball or Frisbee, and / or long runs. This cannot be overstated. Abundant exercise is a virtual must for an Aussie!
Grooming
While not a high-maintenance dog to keep, the Australian Shepherd will benefit from weekly combing and brushing, as well as the occasional bath. This is especially true during spring shedding. Aussie’s, like many dogs, aren’t crazy about having their nails trimmed. However, doing so on a regular basis, while making certain the ears remain clean of wax and mites, and other irritants is prudent. Obviously, extra grooming would be the rule if your Aussie is of the “working” variety.
Summary
The Australian Shepherd is a dog of tremendous energy and drive. Extremely intelligent, and eager to please, he excels at a number of endeavors. From search and rescue dog to drover on a cattle ranch, he’s happiest when he has a job to do. By all means he can make a delightful family companion too, provided the family that adopts the Aussie as a companion pet is a family that has ample time for him along with abundant space.
For more information on the this fantastic herder please read the Australian Shepherd