Australian Shepherd breed characteristics and temperament
TEMPERAMENT
The
Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, medium-sized dog of strong herding and
guardian instincts. He is also a delightful and loyal companion and a great
family dog. He loves to be part of the daily hustle and bustle, and enjoys
riding in the vehicle just to be with his beloved master. As a farm dog, he
diligently carries out his responsibilities, be they bringing in the stock or
finding that stray one that got tangled in the brush. He is easy to train, easy
to housebreak, and eager to please.
Aussies
have been used as seeing-eye dogs, as utility dogs to the physically
handicapped, hearing aid dogs, police and narcotics dogs and search and rescue
dogs. In the northern areas they have also been used as sled dogs. Many go with
their masters as volunteers to children's homes and nursing homes to do therapy
work. Truly, the Australian Shepherd is a highly versatile dog.
The
Aussie (as he is lovingly nicknamed) is a very active dog that needs a great
deal of exercise on a daily basis to prevent him from become bored or frustrated
and developing destructive habits. Because of their high energy level, combined
with high intelligence, Aussies need to be given a "job" to perform,
be it shepherding the children, protecting the house, herding livestock or
competing in dog events.
One
of the most frequent reasons Aussies are turned over to rescue groups is because
their owners didn't realize how much energy the breed has, and weren't willing
to channel that energy through training. Aussies are also quite demanding of
their owners' time and attention and want to be constantly with them, following
them from room to room in the house, and going along in the car or truck on
errands. They can be highly territorial and protective of their masters'
possessions, which can cause serious difficulties unless controlled with proper
training.
COLORS
The
Australian Shepherd comes in four acceptable colors: black, blue merle (a
marbling of gray and black), red (ranging from light cinnamon to liver), and red
merle (marbling of red and silver or buff). A variety of white and tan markings
may appear on the face, chest, front and rear legs. The outer coat is of
moderate length, with a texture that is straight to wavy and weather resistant.
The undercoat is soft and dense, and the amount varies with climate. Tails are
naturally bobbed or docked. Ears are moderately sized, and break forward and
over, or the side as rose ears. Males weigh approximately 50 to 65 pounds,
measuring from 20 to 23 inches, and females weigh about 40 to 55 pounds,
measuring from 18 to 21 inches.
The
eyes of the Australian Shepherd are perhaps one of his most commented on
features because of the variety of colors. They may be any color or combination
of colors from glassy blue, amber, hazel, to all shades of brown.
BREED
HISTORY
While
there are many theories as to the origin of the Australian Shepherd, the breed
as we know it today developed exclusively in the
Australian
Shepherds have been registered by various registries since the early 1950's. In
1990, the United States Australian Shepherd Association was established as the
parent club of the Australian Shepherd representing the breed to the American
Kennel Club. On