10 Amazing Unknown Facts About The Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a popular dog breed known for its intelligence, herding ability, and loyalty. However, there are many amazing unknown facts and features about this American dog that you may not know. Here are 10 of them:
1. The Australian Shepherd was originally developed in the United States, not Australia.
2. The breed was originally used for herding sheep, cattle, and horses.
3. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable.
4. They are also very loyal and affectionate dogs.
5. Australian Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including black, red, blue merle, and white.
6. They are medium-sized dogs, with males typically weighing between 50 and 65 pounds and females weighing between 40 and 55 pounds.
7. Australian Shepherds have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
8. They are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.
9. Australian Shepherds are a popular choice for families with children, as they are good with kids and other animals.
10. They are also a popular choice for working dogs, as they are intelligent, trainable, and eager to please.
History of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a relatively new breed, with its origins tracing back to the 19th century. The breed is believed to have originated in the United States, where it was developed by ranchers and farmers who needed a versatile herding dog that could work in a variety of conditions. The Australian Shepherd is a mix of several breeds, including the Collie, the Border Collie, and the Spanish Shepherd.
The Australian Shepherd quickly became popular with ranchers and farmers due to its intelligence, trainability, and hardiness. The breed was also used by the military during World War I and World War II. Today, the Australian Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
Physical Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog, with males standing between 20 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 50 and 65 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, typically standing between 18 and 21 inches tall and weighing between 40 and 55 pounds.
The Australian Shepherd has a double coat that is both water-resistant and weather-resistant. The outer coat is long and coarse, while the undercoat is short and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue merle, red merle, and tri-color.
The Australian Shepherd is a highly active breed and needs plenty of exercise. They are also intelligent and trainable, making them good candidates for obedience and agility training.
Temperament of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a versatile and intelligent breed that is known for its friendly and affectionate nature. They are also very active and playful, and they make great companions for families with children. Australian Shepherds are generally good with other animals, but they may be wary of strangers. They are also a protective breed and will bark to alert their owners to potential threats.
Australian Shepherds are highly trainable and they enjoy learning new things. They are eager to please their owners and they respond well to positive reinforcement. However, they can also be stubborn at times, so it is important to be patient and consistent with training.
Australian Shepherds are a great choice for active families who are looking for a loyal and loving companion. They are a high-maintenance breed, but they are well worth the effort.
Training the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and trainable breed. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. However, they can also be stubborn and independent, so it is important to be patient and consistent with training.
The best way to train an Australian Shepherd is to start early and use a variety of methods. Positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, is the most effective way to train this breed. However, you may also need to use some negative reinforcement, such as a firm voice or a leash correction, to discourage unwanted behaviors.
Here are some tips for training an Australian Shepherd:
- Start training early, when your puppy is still young and impressionable.
- Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to reward good behavior.
- Be consistent with your training methods.
- Break down training into small steps.
- Practice training regularly.
- Be patient and persistent.
With patience and consistency, you can train your Australian Shepherd to be a well-behaved and obedient companion.
Grooming the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a relatively easy breed to groom. They have a double coat that sheds heavily twice a year, so it is important to brush them regularly to remove loose hair. You should brush your Australian Shepherd at least once a week, and more often during the shedding seasons. You can use a slicker brush or a rubber curry brush to remove the loose hair.
You should also bathe your Australian Shepherd every few months, or as needed. When bathing your Australian Shepherd, use a mild shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs. Be sure to rinse your Australian Shepherd thoroughly to remove all of the shampoo and conditioner.
It is also important to trim your Australian Shepherd’s nails regularly. You can do this yourself or take your Australian Shepherd to a groomer. If you trim your Australian Shepherd’s nails yourself, be sure to use a nail clipper designed for dogs.
Finally, you should check your Australian Shepherd’s ears for dirt and debris regularly. If your Australian Shepherd’s ears are dirty, you can clean them with a cotton ball soaked in a mild ear cleaning solution.
Health Issues of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some health issues that they are prone to. These include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems (such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy)
- Heart problems (such as mitral valve dysplasia)
- Allergies
- Cancer
It is important to be aware of these potential health problems so that you can take steps to prevent or manage them.
For example, you can get your Australian Shepherd screened for hip and elbow dysplasia before they are bred, and you can make sure to feed them a healthy diet and provide them with plenty of exercise to help keep them at a healthy weight.
If you notice any signs of a health problem in your Australian Shepherd, it is important to take them to the vet right away so that they can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Where to Buy an Australian Shepherd
There are a few different ways to buy an Australian Shepherd. You can find them through a breeder, a rescue organization, or a pet store.
If you’re looking for a purebred Australian Shepherd, your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. A good breeder will be able to provide you with information about the parents of the puppy, as well as health clearances for both parents. They should also be able to answer any questions you have about the breed.
If you’re looking for an Australian Shepherd who needs a home, you can contact a rescue organization. Rescue organizations often have Australian Shepherds who have been abandoned or surrendered by their owners. These dogs are often in need of a loving home and a second chance.
You can also find Australian Shepherds at pet stores. However, it’s important to be aware that pet stores often get their puppies from puppy mills. Puppy mills are facilities that breed dogs in inhumane conditions for profit. The puppies from puppy mills often have health problems and may not have been properly socialized.
If you’re considering buying an Australian Shepherd, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder, rescue organization, or pet store. This will help you ensure that you’re getting a healthy and happy puppy.
Cost of Owning an Australian Shepherd
The cost of owning an Australian Shepherd can vary depending on the breeder, the location, and the individual dog. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for a puppy.
In addition to the initial purchase price, you will also need to factor in the cost of food, veterinary care, grooming, and training. The average cost of food for an adult Australian Shepherd is around $30 per month. Veterinary care can range from $500 to $1,000 per year, depending on the type of care your dog needs. Grooming costs can range from $50 to $100 per month, depending on how often you have your dog groomed. Training costs can range from $100 to $500, depending on the type of training you choose.
Overall, the cost of owning an Australian Shepherd can be significant. However, it is important to remember that these dogs are a long-term investment. With proper care, an Australian Shepherd can provide you with many years of love and companionship.
Here are some additional tips for keeping the cost of owning an Australian Shepherd down:
- Shop around for the best prices on food, veterinary care, and grooming.
- Consider adopting an Australian Shepherd from a rescue organization.
- Train your dog yourself using books, DVDs, or online resources.
- Make sure your dog has adequate insurance coverage in case of unexpected medical expenses.
By following these tips, you can help keep the cost of owning an Australian Shepherd within your budget.