Australian shepherds were developed in the United States, not Australia. They are valued in both countries for their skills in working stock. As cattle and sheep dogs they have few superiors. The public know of the breed through their appearance in several films. Where horses, rodeos or western riding is on display, there is bound to be a few Australian shepherds around.
The breed is well regarded by ranchers and sheep-breeders. The same skills which make them such good herding dogs also see them excel at detection, search and rescue, guide duties and therapy dogs. They make very energetic pets with plenty of life and keenness. They train easily, are keen to please and will enjoy obedience trials, agility pursuits, Frisbee and fly-ball.
They are of medium size and build, ranging from 40 to 90 pounds. The height at the shoulder can be 18 to 26 inches. They are also bred in teacup size. There is quite a variation in color. Red, black, blue merle and red merle are the base colors. The points may be tan and various white markings are allowed and common.
The eyes of this breed are very distinctive. They may have any shade of blue or brown eyes. The pale-colored eyes led to the nickname 'ghost eyes'. Each eye may be a different color and occasionally the one eye may be half-brown and half-blue. Some even have merled eyes which contain blue and brown pigment in a swirled pattern.
Some are born with naturally short or bobbed tails. Others have partial bobs or full length tails. Pups were once docked if they were not born with bobbed tails. The hips and legs are strong giving fast acceleration and jumping ability. Some dogs are able to leap 4 feet.
While a few dogs are wary and reserved, most have tremendous energy. Unless they get plenty of exercise and occupation, they will not be happy. They take on a protective role to their surroundings and will bark at disturbances. Intelligent and playful, they will invent their own games if no-one has time for them.
It is valued for its herding skills. It has an ability to think for itself and is easy on stock. When cattle threaten to kick, the dog instinctively adopts a crouch position so the hoof goes over its head. Because of these factors and its ease of training, it is often chosen to work with less common livestock such as ducks and geese.
If not kept busy they can become destructive. They need space to run and play. It is high-spirited. If there are no stock for it to work, it will enjoy putting its energies into learning tricks. Because of their stamina, Australian shepherds make good trail dogs and running companions.
The breed is well regarded by ranchers and sheep-breeders. The same skills which make them such good herding dogs also see them excel at detection, search and rescue, guide duties and therapy dogs. They make very energetic pets with plenty of life and keenness. They train easily, are keen to please and will enjoy obedience trials, agility pursuits, Frisbee and fly-ball.
They are of medium size and build, ranging from 40 to 90 pounds. The height at the shoulder can be 18 to 26 inches. They are also bred in teacup size. There is quite a variation in color. Red, black, blue merle and red merle are the base colors. The points may be tan and various white markings are allowed and common.
The eyes of this breed are very distinctive. They may have any shade of blue or brown eyes. The pale-colored eyes led to the nickname 'ghost eyes'. Each eye may be a different color and occasionally the one eye may be half-brown and half-blue. Some even have merled eyes which contain blue and brown pigment in a swirled pattern.
Some are born with naturally short or bobbed tails. Others have partial bobs or full length tails. Pups were once docked if they were not born with bobbed tails. The hips and legs are strong giving fast acceleration and jumping ability. Some dogs are able to leap 4 feet.
While a few dogs are wary and reserved, most have tremendous energy. Unless they get plenty of exercise and occupation, they will not be happy. They take on a protective role to their surroundings and will bark at disturbances. Intelligent and playful, they will invent their own games if no-one has time for them.
It is valued for its herding skills. It has an ability to think for itself and is easy on stock. When cattle threaten to kick, the dog instinctively adopts a crouch position so the hoof goes over its head. Because of these factors and its ease of training, it is often chosen to work with less common livestock such as ducks and geese.
If not kept busy they can become destructive. They need space to run and play. It is high-spirited. If there are no stock for it to work, it will enjoy putting its energies into learning tricks. Because of their stamina, Australian shepherds make good trail dogs and running companions.
About the Author:
Learn more about how to choose and train Australian Shepherds today! You can get the information that will help you to train your Australian Shepherd more easily now.
