Australian ShepherdCharacteristics, history, training and care

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the western United States in the 19th and 20th centuries as a working dog on ranches.

Evolution of the breed

• Basque and Australian connections - One popular theory says the breed's ancestors came with Basque shepherds, some of whom had worked in Australia before moving to the United States; the name may also come from sheep imported from Australia with their dogs.
• Development in the American West - Ranchers kept the most agile, intelligent and hard-working dogs, creating a versatile herding breed.
• Rodeos and films - The breed became better known after the Second World War through rodeo shows and films, especially the trick dogs of Jay Sisler.
• Official recognition - The American Kennel Club recognised the Australian Shepherd in 1993.

The Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent, affectionate and energetic dog, best suited to active owners. These are general editorial ratings, not measured scores; individual dogs vary.

The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, athletic and well-balanced dog, built for agility and stamina.

General appearance

• A strong but lean body, slightly longer than it is tall.
• A medium-length, weather-resistant double coat.
• Triangular ears set high on the head, which fold forward or to the side.
• Brown, blue, amber or odd-coloured eyes; many dogs have two different eye colours.
• A long tail, or a naturally short "bobtail" in some dogs; in some countries tails are docked, where this is legal.

The Australian Shepherd is an athletic, hard-working and intelligent dog with a lively, alert expression.

The Australian Shepherd learns very quickly, but needs consistent training and regular mental challenges to avoid boredom. It enjoys working with people, which makes it well suited to advanced training and dog sports.

Tips for effective training

• Start early - Puppies can begin learning simple commands as soon as they come home, from about 8 weeks old.
• Use positive rewards - This dog responds best to training with treats, praise and play.
• Give mental challenges - Aussies enjoy learning tricks and tasks; without mental stimulation they can become bored and destructive.
• Socialise widely - Introduce the puppy to many people, animals and places, as some Aussies can be reserved or suspicious with strangers.
• Manage the herding instinct - Some Aussies try to herd children, cyclists or other animals by circling or nipping at heels; training can redirect this behaviour.

Fair, varied training will help the Australian Shepherd become an obedient and well-adjusted family companion.

The Australian Shepherd is one of the most active breeds and needs daily physical and mental exercise. Without enough activity, it can become restless, anxious or destructive.

Recommendations for a balanced lifestyle

• Better with space - It is best suited to homes with a garden and owners who can give it plenty of daily activity.
• Ideal for active families - It suits people who run, hike or take part in dog sports.
• Does not like being alone - If left alone for long periods, it may become anxious and destructive.
• Great at dog sports - It is one of the most successful breeds in agility, frisbee, flyball and herding trials.

Without enough activity and mental challenges, the Australian Shepherd may develop unwanted behaviours such as chewing objects, digging or excessive barking.

The Australian Shepherd is not difficult to care for, but owners should know about some inherited health problems.

Fur and skin care

• Brushing 1-2 times a week - The double coat sheds moderately, and more during seasonal shedding, so regular brushing prevents tangles and loose hair.
• Occasional baths - Bathing is needed only from time to time, when the dog is dirty.
• Checking ears and claws – Ears should be cleaned regularly and claws trimmed if they don't grow naturally.

Common health problems

Other aspects of care

• Weight control - Food should match the dog's level of activity, as extra weight puts strain on the joints.
• Regular veterinary checks - Yearly check-ups and health tests of breeding dogs help reduce inherited problems.

The Australian Shepherd is generally a healthy, hardy breed, but responsible breeders test for inherited diseases.

The Australian Shepherd needs a balanced diet that supports its high activity level and joint health.

Recommendations for a healthy diet

Choose a complete, balanced diet suited to age, size and health. Plan home-prepared diets and supplements with a qualified veterinarian; raw pet food can carry harmful bacteria.

Forbidden foods

Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and xylitol - toxic to dogs. ; Cooked bones - can splinter and cause injuries or intestinal blockage. ; Very fatty food - can lead to digestive problems and pancreatitis. ; Overfeeding - can cause weight gain, which strains the joints.

The Australian Shepherd must be fed properly to keep its energy and healthy joints.

Breeding requires veterinary planning, suitable health screening and care for the mother and puppies. Pregnancy and birth can involve complications.

Physical and emotional maturity

• Physical maturity: Most Aussies reach adult size at about 12-18 months, but continue to fill out until about 2 years.
• Emotional maturity: Many become calmer and more settled at about 2-3 years.

Mating and Gestation

• Breeding decisions require veterinary assessment of maturity, health and suitable screening; a fixed age does not establish that breeding is appropriate.
• Duration of gestation: Approximately 58-68 days, usually about 63 days.
• Average number of puppies: Usually about 6-8 puppies per litter.

Puppy care

• The first 3 weeks: Puppies depend completely on their mother for warmth, milk and protection.
• Between 4-8 weeks: They begin to play, explore and learn from their littermates; this is an important time for socialisation with people.
• After 8 weeks: Puppies can go to new homes and begin basic training and house rules.

Australian Shepherd puppies develop quickly, and early socialisation is essential for a balanced temperament.

• It is not Australian - Despite its name, the breed was developed in the United States.
• A rodeo star - It became popular through rodeo shows, where trained Aussies performed tricks.
• Eyes of different colours - Many Australian Shepherds have two different eye colours or eyes with patches of colour.
• Dog sports champion - Aussies are among the most successful breeds in agility, frisbee and herding.
• Strong herding instinct - Some try to "herd" people and animals, which can be managed with training.
• Natural bobtail - Some Australian Shepherds are born with a naturally short tail; the same gene occurs in several other breeds, such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
• The Miniature American Shepherd - A smaller dog developed from small Australian Shepherds is now recognised as a separate breed.

Australian shepherd in modern media and culture

• Hyper Hank - In the 1970s, the frisbee-catching Australian Shepherd Hyper Hank became famous and performed at the White House during Jimmy Carter's presidency.
• Jay Sisler's trick dogs - The Aussies "Shorty" and "Stub" performed at rodeos and appeared in Disney films, including "Stub: The World's Greatest Cowdog".
• Working dogs - Many Australian Shepherds work as search-and-rescue dogs, detection dogs and therapy dogs.

Importance in modern culture

• A companion for adventurers - It is popular with hikers, runners and active families because of its energy and intelligence.
• A working breed - It was bred mainly for work and ability rather than looks, which explains its intelligence and stamina.