The Australian Shepherd Dog: Intelligent Beautiful Sheep Dogs

During our younger days, we may have mistaken an tri or bi-coloured Australian Shepherd for a Border Collie, which is rather unavoidable, given their similarities in appearances. Up until recently, we had the chance to encounter some unique looking Dogs, of which happened to be none other than the Australian Shepherd. What made them so special? For one thing, they stood out because of their Merle patterned coats and their uniquely odd-coloured eyes.

Little did we know, they’re amongst the top favourite breeds in many countries!

The Aussie Shepherd

On the contrary to their name, the Australian Shepherd has no relation that ties back to the country itself. In fact it is believed that Basque (mountainous region border between Spain and France) shepherds were the very people whom introduced the Australian Shepherd dogs into America, and may have stopped over at Australia whilst migrating for a while. Being a close relative to the Border Collies, the Australian Shepherd also has a myriad of aliases, such as Pastor Dog, Spanish Shepherd, California Shepherd, Bob-tail, and even Austrian Shepherd.

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What can be known for sure is that the Australian Shepherd breed was in fact developed in West America, and fondly nicknamed Aussie, for short. Back in the days, Aussies might have differed in appearances for different regions, mainly because Shepherds were only concerned with the physical capabilities of their sheep-herding Dogs, and Aussies were inter-bred to better cope with different weather conditions. Recent standards stem from the bloodlines of Aussies in West America, with the Australian Shepherd Club of America forming in the 1970's. Aussies were bred for extreme weather conditions, endurance and high stamina as a great working dog.

View related : Border Collie

What Does An Australian Shepherd Look Like?

Aussies are a medium sized breed weighing from 14 to 29 kilograms, with males usually larger than females. They have either straight or wavy medium-long hair around their bodies, and spot a thick mane around their necks, usually more visible on males. One of the distinct features of the Aussie lies in their coat colouration. Speckled and marbled patterns are known as merle, and they come in a combination of Black, Blue, Red, Grey, Tan and White.

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Though excessive White seen around the Ears could indicate deafness and also be susceptible to sunburn that leads to higher risks of skin cancer. Black nose, lips and eye rims are seen on darker colouration e.g. Black or Blue Merle, and brown nose, lips and eye rims are seen on lighter coat shades e.g. Red Merle. Their tails are full and long, but can sometimes be partially bobbled. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Aussies have beautiful odd-coloured eyes. Usually amongst Merle coated Aussies, this is referred to as Heterochromatic, which causes one eye to be Blue, and the other Brown.   

Fun Fact      Did you know, that Australian Shepherds’ tails were docked off at birth in the past? This odd practice has now thankfully been banned!

Grooming Requirements Of An Australian Shepherd

The medium to long coat should be kept tangle free and brushed weekly, as Aussies shed throughout the year. Regular combing and brushing will prevent any buildup of loose hair from the undercoat. As you brush and comb, be sure to reach the undercoat as deep as you can without hurting your Aussie. They only require baths if they are dirty i.e. outdoor activities, a healthy coat remains shiny instead of dull.

 Use a Vet-approved ear cleanser and cotton ball to swab out any dirt in their ears, and trim their nails whenever necessary. Practice good dental hygiene with regular brushing and a Vet-approved toothpaste. If you are unsure how to perfrom these tasks, approach your trusted Vetrinarian and Groomer for a professional and accurate demonstration!  

Australian Shepherd Behaviour And Personality

These are highly intelligent and affectionate Dogs whom remain devoted and loyal to their family. Because they were bred for working, they strive on learning new skills and training, to keep their brainy-self preoccupied and entertained. A bored or neglected Aussie may in turn become quite the opposite of fun, also deemed as destructive behaviour. They may also be rather reserved towards strangers due to their protective nature.

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Early socialisation with different sights, smells and sounds can easily curb those issues. An Aussie loves being around its human companions, so be readily committed to keep an Aussie fully entertained with play time and exercise outdoors, coupled with behavioural training. A properly trained Aussie makes a rewarding canine companion full of love and fun for their owners. And a healthy, happy Aussie has an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years ☺

Just how lovely can Aussies be? Have a look at these wonderful Pet-owner-relationships from around the world for instance!

My Aussie Gal

Australian Shepherd named Secret and her owner Mary show you just how well Secret can take to training! From enjoying fun outdoor times to helping Mary out with work-out exercise, Secret is just full of surprises.

– 211 K followers

Happy birthday to me!😊❤ And I spent it in the best way possible, running around (and matching😂💕) outside with Secret! Today I turn 17 years old! It's really hard to wrap my head around, I still feel more like 15!😅 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Follow my Pawtners @bluebearaussie @marvelous_marble_

A post shared by Mary & Secret 💞 (@my_aussie_gal) on Sep 15, 2017 at 11:54am PDT

Allie And Gator

Two Aussies from Sydney, Australia of Blue Merle coat (Gator) and Black Tri-clour coat (Allie) spend their days enjoying the outdoor weather and frolicking amongst greenery and sandy beaches. It’s just so much fun looking through the photographs.

– 60.5 K followers

"I'm tired of their stories. Let's write our own." --Atticus ⇹ Happy first day of fall (or Spring for my compatriots on the Southern Hemisphere) ✨ • • • • • #weeklyfluff #theweekoninstagram#dailyfluff#petsofinstagram #fluffypack #pawsome#furbaby#fluffball #dailydoseofcute #thestatelyhound #instapet#instapets#darlingmovement#instadaily #instadog #australianshepherd#igcutest_animals #thedodo#buzzfeedanimals #ruffpost #cuddlebug#dogsofinstaworld #dogscorner #excellent_dogs #blacktri #bluemerle #aussiesofsydney #aussiesofaustralia #dogsofsydney

A post shared by Allie ❤ Gator (@allie.gator.aussies) on Sep 22, 2017 at 4:03am PDT

Happy Aussie

Meet Tigger, the Aussie with a photojournal of wonderful moments amongst flowers, the woods and different seasons. We are calmed by looking at these photos, the tranquility is how charming Tigger looks, even within beautiful scenery.

– 28.5 K followers.

every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree. 🍂

A post shared by tigger 🍁 (@happy_aussie) on Oct 4, 2017 at 10:18am PDT

Mr.Bear

This is Cody, an Aussie from Hanover, Germany. Yet another Aussie with owners whom love enjoying great outdoor fun like they do! Capturing these perfect moments of love, friendship and peaceful landscapes.

– 14.8 K followers

#HappyMonday 💛 "Rain is just confetti from the sky" 🎊 • Remember how I told you that I was walking around in the rain, looking for heather? I proudly present: The one and only heather picture I got that day including a soaking wet Cody, who was sooo done with taking pictures 😅 • • • |180917

A post shared by Australian Shepherd Cody (@australianshepherd_mr.bear) on Sep 18, 2017 at 8:06am PDT

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Disclaimer

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