| Breed Description
- Australian Shepherd |
|
| Kennel Club Group |
Pastoral |
|
|
| General Size |
Large |
Exercise requirements |
High |
| Adult Height |
18" - 23" (46 - 58 cms) |
Suitability for Children |
Medium |
| Adult Weight |
45 - 65 lb (20 - 30 kgs) |
Compatibility other pets |
Low |
| Average Lifespan |
11 - 14 years |
Grooming Requirements |
Medium |
|
 |
| The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog, solid, muscular and slightly longer than it is tall. The straight, or slightly wavy, coat is of medium texture and medium length, weather resistant with an undercoat and a ruff above the shoulders. Their gait demonstrates the agility and stamina that a sheepdog would need. Colours are blue merle, black, red merle, red all with or without tan points. The coat may also have white areas around the collar , chest, muzzle and feet. |
| Despite it's name the Australian Shepherd was actually developed in the United States as a herding dog for ranches. It's origins are not completely clear but it seems likely that they were originally derived from Spanish dogs brought to both America and Australia by shepherds from the Basque region during the early years colonies, possibly crossed with imported Collie stock. |
| Their herding instinct is very strong and they must be taught that not all people take kindly to being herded, early socialisation and formal obedience training is highly recommended - they are perhaps not a good choice for the novice dog owner. The Australian Shepherd is a one person, or one family, dog suspicious of strangers and make good protectors, they can also be quite vocal. Lively, agile and intelligent they need to keep busy to avoid boredom manifesting as behavioural problems. |
| The Australian Shepherd needs plenty of exercise, both long walks and time running free off of the lead. Off the lead play must be closely supervised and, preferably, in a secured area as their herding instincts extend to road vehicles which could be fatal. Despite the moderately long coat grooming isn't hugely demanding just needing the occasional brush, the exception to this is during the moulting season when they do shed heavily and more attention will be needed. |
| Potential
Health Problems |
| With their Collie heritage the Australian Shepherd inherited some of the collie eye diseases, among them the collie eye anomaly Coloboma, an abnormal development of the eye, and microopthalmia, an abnormally small eye, cataracts, retinal detachment and progressive retinal atrophy which can cause blindness. The potential for hip dysplasia and seizure / epilepsy are also present. |
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