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Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Characteristics, and Diseases

Australian Shepherd The Famous Breed

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Australian Shepherd

 

Origin: United States
Popularity Rank: 12 Since 2020
Life Span: 12-15 years
Color: The main colors are Blue or red merle, solid black or red, and/or white markings and/or tan points or a mixture of all.
Size: Medium in size
Height:  The Height of Males is 20-23 inches (52-58cm) and Female height is 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Group: Australian Shepherd dog belongs to the herding group.
Pricing: Australian Shepherd price ranges are from $1000 to $2000 USD.
Weight: The average weight of an Australian Shepherd dog is 35 to 70 pounds.

 

Australian Shepherd History

 

The Australian Shepherd dog originated in the United States in the 19th century. This dog, commonly known as Aussie, Australian sheepdog, and Australis Cher Schafer Hund, is famous in California and gaining worldwide popularity. In addition, it is reported that the breed descended from many herding breeds, including collies introduced into California with sheep imported from Australia and New Zealand. This type of dog breed gains its name from the former. Native Americans supposedly referred to Australian shepherds as having “ghost eyes” and revered them, according to specific accounts. This may be due to some Australian shepherds’ “ghostly” light blue eyes.

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd did not come from that country. Its progenitors were working dogs used by shepherds in the Basque region of Europe, where they can be found today. Feeding them a balanced diet, scheduling routine veterinary checks, and maintaining a healthy weight are all important for their overall health. They became very well-liked in the American West, particularly among ranchers. Australian Shepherds were first-prize winners in herding, obedience, and agility contests because of their intelligence, agility, and herding prowess. They have since evolved into adored household pets and multi-talented working dogs.

 

Australian Shepherd Qualities

 

The dog is intelligent, active, devoted, protective, playful, and adaptable. Breeders primarily breed the Australian Shepherd for companionship and to instill a strong herding tendency, leading them to attempt herding youngsters or other pets. Moreover, this dog is a highly active dog breed requiring enough exercise. Male dogs are taller than female dogs. Additionally, Family dogs, in particular, are particularly courageous canines.

In conclusion, They serve as livestock guard dogs and are known for their barking tendencies. These dogs fulfill herding roles and possess traits of being energetic, clever, and adaptable canines. Giving Australian Shepherds tasks and providing them with regular mental and physical stimulation allows them to thrive in their environments.

In addition, Australian shepherds make powerful, devoted, and intelligent working dogs. They are strong enough to work all day. They have medium-length, coarse coats. Most Australian shepherd dogs have tails that are docked or naturally bobbed. They come in four colors: red, blue, merle, black, and merle. Australian shepherds like spending time with their families and working. They are a highly clever and loving breed. Australian shepherds were initially bred to work on farms and ranches.

 

Australian Shepherd Body

 

Strong legs, expressive pale blue eyes that might occasionally differ in each eye, and a bobbed or docked tail are all characteristics of Australian Shepherd dogs. This dog has triangular ears that are high on the skull. Australian Shepherds can have a full, long or docked, short tail. Also, if their coat is merle, they have pink dots on their noses, which are straight and have rounded black or brown tips. The toes are closely spaced, well-arched, and oval in shape.

Furthermore, Back dewclaws are usually permanently removed, although the front ones are occasionally left in place. The snout should be equal to or slightly shorter than the back skull for the head’s overall size to be proportional to the body. The snout should be equal to or slightly shorter than the back skull for the head’s overall size to be proportional to the body. The breed standard defines the stop to have some definition. The desired bite is either level or scissors. The eyes are of medium size and oval-shaped. Brown, blue, amber, or any variant or combination, including specks and marbling, are just a few examples of eye colors. The ears are triangular, high on the head, and have a rounded tip.

 

Coat

 

This dog’s coat is medium in length with a fluffy undercoat and feathering on the backs of the legs. The coat hues have no particular order, including blue, black, red merle (liver), and solid red. The coat has a medium length, straight to slightly wavy texture, and weather resistance.

 

Australian Shepherd Diseases

 

Every breed, including Australian Shepherds, is susceptible to some health problems. Following is a list of diseases that might affect Australian Shepherds: For Australian Shepherd dogs, hip dysplasia, cataracts, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, distichiasis, nasal solar dermatitis, Huet syndrome, iris coloboma and epilepsy are common health issues. Hip dysplasia is a disorder that causes arthritis and joint instability because the hip joint does not develop properly. Australian Shepherds are predisposed to hip dysplasia.

Collie Eye Anomaly: In Australian Shepherds, this genetic condition affects the retina and can result in vision loss or possibly blindness.

Epilepsy: Recurrent seizures are a hallmark of epilepsy, which can affect some Australian Shepherds. Progressive Retinal Atrophy  is a genetic disorder that causes the retina to deteriorate and gradually impairs eyesight.

Autoimmune Disorders: Australian Shepherds have a predisposition to two autoimmune diseases: autoimmune thyroiditis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Like many other dog breeds, Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma are two malignancies that Australian Shepherds are susceptible to.

 

Treatment

 

Australian Shepherds need to be physically and mentally active regularly. Owners should engage them in daily activities such as walking, playing, and exercises like agility training with their Australian Shepherds. Australian Shepherd dog needs regular mental exercise. Owners keep their sharp minds busy by engaging Australian Shepherds in interactive games, puzzle toys, and obedience training. Their medium-length, weather-resistant coat needs proper care. Regular brushing and occasional baths may keep their fur clean and healthy. Australian Shepherds are prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia. Their general health depends on feeding them balanced food, arranging regular veterinary checkups, and keeping a healthy weight.

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