About The Australian Shepherd


Australian shepherds , commonly called "aussies",are  categorized by the
america kennel club as a member of the herding group.

aussies were bred to herd livestock. if they see
sheep,chickens,goats,ducks,geese,or even a group of children their instincs
is to start herding them.

despite his name the australian shepherds  did not originate from
australia. many historians have theorized that the breed came to america
with the early settlers from europe. others believe  the breed originated in
spain ,went to australia,then came to california during the gold rush in
1849.

Australian shepherds love to play ball,go for  hikes ,catch flying disks and
participate in obedience,agility,tracking,herding,and carting events.while
suited to many activities,they are "not hyper" dogs. but they do need to
have a job,sometimes to keep their minds challenged and their bodies busy.

The australian shepherds coat color is black,blue merle,red merle,and red
with or without white markings and /or tan points.

The aussies water-resistant coat enables him to adapt to various
conditions and to work long hours in harsh weather.

The australian shepherd is a amazingly strong dog for his size, but can
easily learn to control his power,using it only when required,

Australian shepherds are instinctively protective and make great guard
dogs.




The characteristics of an australian shepherd:

active,protective,intelligent,needs stimulating activity and strenuous
exercise,affectionate, loyal to those they consider friends.



The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized, robust, well-balanced, rustic
dog with pendant ears, an abundant, medium length coat and a bobtail. He
should be attentive, lively and agile with a body slightly longer than its
height at the withers. The Aussie has a strong, deep chest and stands
squarely on all fours. The front legs are straight. Front dew claw removal
is optional, but rear dew claws are generally removed. The feet are
compact and oval, with arched toes. The width of the top of the head is
approximately the same length as the slightly tapering muzzle. The head
has a moderate stop. The teeth form a scissors bite. The medium sized oval
eyes come in many shades of blue, amber and brown, often combined or
with flecks. The triangular, pendant ears are set high on the head. The
medium length coat comes in blue merle, red merle, red or black; either
with or without white and/or copper trim. The hair around the ears and
eyes should predominated by a color other than white. The coat may be
straight or slightly wavy, and should have feathering on the backs of the
forelegs, and a mane or frill around the neck. Hair on the head, front of the
legs and on the outside of the ears is shorter than the rest of the coat. The
tail is generally docked if it is long at birth, though many are naturally
short. Each individual's masculinity or femininity is clearly defined.    


Although many Aussies are friendly to all, as a breed they tend to be
somewhat reserved and naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should
be well socialized as puppies.  


Aussies can be easy going, perpetual puppies who love to play. They can
also make excellent children's companions (with children they grow up
with). They are devoted friends and guardians, naturally protective,
courageous, loyal and affectionate. They are very lively, agile and
attentive. The Australian Shepherd is eager to please, with a sixth sense
about what the owner wants. They are highly intelligent and easy to train.
Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Aussie is gentle with
human friends. The Aussie needs lots of exercise and a job to do, as the
breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored which can lead to
destructive behavior if left alone too much without exercise.
Erica Peter
813-951-7041
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