Welcome Dog Breed Info Share With Us Shopping Dog Health Dog Videos Legals, Misc
Subscribe To Pedigreedpups
Australian Shepherd Purebred Dog Breed Information
The Australian Shepherd, a member of the AKC Herding group, is an intelligent working dog of strong herding and guarding instincts.
The Aussie is an intelligent, active dog with an even disposition; he is good natured, seldom quarrelsome, attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular.
He is an agile dog who has the stamina to work all day as needed. Not a dog for couch potatoes, these dogs need a lot of exercise. Like all other working dog breeds, the Aussie has LOTS of energy and a very high drive. They do best when they have a job to do. Overall they excel at many dog sports such as frisbee or dog agility and came to fame back in the 1940's or so as trick rodeo dogs.
These dogs have a double coat of moderate length and coarseness triangular shaped ears, and a tapered muzzle. They are well known for their striking coat color patterns and beautiful eye colors. They were nicknamed Ghost Eye by the native Americans out west because they of their striking eyes.
Learn more about the Australian Shepherd
One distinguishing characteristic of the Australian Shepherd is its tail, which is usually a naturally bobbed tail or it may be docked. This is a very helpful trait, especially when herding cattle.
Another distinguishing characteristic is the beautiful and amazing choice of coat colors within the breed. Most often seen: blue merle (black and gray with white patchwork), red merle (liver red and beige with white patchwork), black (which may or may not have white legs, a white chest, or a white collar), and red (which may or may not have white legs, a white chest, or a white collar).
Also, it is not unusual to see many different eye colors such as: green, hazel, amber, brown, or blue; they may have two different colored eyes, or even have bicolored or "split eyes" (for example, a half-brown, half-blue eye).
The Aussie is very, very intelligent, can learn anything very quickly, and loves to play, play, play. Keep in mind, a bored, neglected, and under exercised Aussie will invent its own games, activities, and jobs, to keep it busy.
Australian Shepherds can turn destructive without something to keep them busy without trying to be bad dogs. Aussies do best with lots and lots of human companionship. They are often referred to as "velcro dogs" because they have such a strong desire to always be near their owners.
Country of origin: United States
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors:Variety of colors and patterns: red, red merle, blue merle, bi-color, tri-color
Known health problems: Hip dysplasia, cataracts, collie eye anomaly, blindness, deafness
"I have a great dog. She's half Lab, half pit bull. A good combination. Sure, she might bite off my leg, but she'll bring it back to me."- Jimi Celeste
Subscribe To Pedigreedpups
