A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
History
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd is actually the only herding breed that developed in the United States.
History
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd is actually the only herding breed that developed in the United States.
Basque shepherds along the Western coastline were known to have used with great success "little blue dogs". Farmers and shepherds were impressed with the performance of these dogs, and began breeding them for their working ability, developing the Australian Shepherd we know of today. Since the original dogs accompanied Basque shepherds from Australia, the dogs were given the name "Australian Shepherd" even though the breed itself was established in the US.
About the Australian Shepherd:
An intelligent, active dog, with a good friendly disposition, the Australian Shepherd is of medium size, averaging between 18 and 24 inches, males larger than females, and their weight averages between 40 and 70 pounds. This high-energy stock dog comes in four accepted colour types; blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, with blues and blacks having black eye rims and noses, and reds having brown (liver) coloured rims and noses.
An intelligent, active dog, with a good friendly disposition, the Australian Shepherd is of medium size, averaging between 18 and 24 inches, males larger than females, and their weight averages between 40 and 70 pounds. This high-energy stock dog comes in four accepted colour types; blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, with blues and blacks having black eye rims and noses, and reds having brown (liver) coloured rims and noses.
Although this is a long haired breed, Australian shepherds require minimal grooming, just a brushing now and then and baths when needed. Daily exercise is an absolute must, as Aussies, like many other energetic breeds and working dogs can be destructive when bored.
Considered the ideal working partner by many, the Aussie makes an great companion for a person with an active lifestyle. Not content to be a couch potato! The desire to please is a large part of the Aussie's personality and the energy these dogs can put out is astounding.
Official Breed Standards:
American Kennel Club
English Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
United Kennel Club
Société Centrale Canine pour des Races de Chiens en France
(Enter the name of the breed in the Search box at the left.)
American Kennel Club
English Kennel Club
Australian National Kennel Council
United Kennel Club
Société Centrale Canine pour des Races de Chiens en France
(Enter the name of the breed in the Search box at the left.)
Favourite Australian Shepherd Links:
Inheritance of Color in the Australian Shepherd
United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. (USDAA)
Awesome Aussies
Perennial Australian Shepherds
The North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)
The American Herding Breed Association
Marquis Kennels
The Australian Shepherd Gallery
Australian Shepherd Rescue
Australian Shepherd Breed Clubs
Inheritance of Color in the Australian Shepherd
United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. (USDAA)
Awesome Aussies
Perennial Australian Shepherds
The North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC)
The American Herding Breed Association
Marquis Kennels
The Australian Shepherd Gallery
Australian Shepherd Rescue
Australian Shepherd Breed Clubs
About Herding and Stock Breeds in General:
Livestock and herding dogs, pride, nobility, bravery, and loyalty all rolled up into one animal. The desire to keep their "flock" together, be it children, the neighbourhood cats, or sheep, oftimes frustrates the owner, but it is what they were bred for. The drive to work in these dogs is strong and they need to be given a job to do in order to at peace with themselves.
Like many dogs, herding breeds can be destructive and irritating when bored. Lots of exercise is the key to a happy and healthy herder.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Livestock and herding dogs, pride, nobility, bravery, and loyalty all rolled up into one animal. The desire to keep their "flock" together, be it children, the neighbourhood cats, or sheep, oftimes frustrates the owner, but it is what they were bred for. The drive to work in these dogs is strong and they need to be given a job to do in order to at peace with themselves.
Like many dogs, herding breeds can be destructive and irritating when bored. Lots of exercise is the key to a happy and healthy herder.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
