Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 35-75 lbs.
Life Span: 12-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Herding Dogs
Overview
Australian shepherds, although reserved with strangers, are loyal, affectionate,
and playful dogs that are good with children if socialized with them early.
Australian shepherds excel in herding, obedience, and agility trials.
Appearance
The Australian shepherd's outercoat is moderately coarse; the undercoat
is soft and thick. Coat color is blue merle, red merle, black, or red, with
or without white markings or tan (copper) points. The male has a more pronounced
mane than the female.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Weekly brushing and combing are required, especially during spring shedding.
The Australian shepherd must be kept busy with sheepdog trials, agility
sports, and/or long runs.
Origins
Australian shepherds, bred for herding and guarding livestock, arrived in
the United States by way of Australia in the 19th century, although they
may have originated in Spain.
Special Alerts
Avoid breed lines of Australian shepherds that show shyness or sharpness.
Breed-related health concerns: hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive
retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly (a congenital eye defect that occasionally
causes blindness), deafness, nasal solar dermatitis (a rare disorder in
which the nonpigmented areas of the nose become inflamed and sometimes ulcerated).
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
