Even though it says it in their name, the Australian Shepherd dog breed emerged in the western United States during the Gold Rush in the 1840s, not in Australia. They were bred to herd cattle and are still working dogs at heart. These canines can be found at animal rescues, so adopt if you want to!
The Aussie, as they’re known, is happiest when they’re working. If their intellect and enthusiasm are diverted into dog sports or hobbies, they may be fantastic family companions.
Giving your standard size Australian Shepherd a good night’s sleep is an excellent idea. You could also play fetch with him to burn off some of his pent-up energy!
A complete collection of dog breed characteristics and facts about this breed can be found here!
Size
The Australian Shepherd is significantly wider than tall, standing 20 to 23 inches in height at the shoulders for males and 18 to 21 inches for females. Males weigh 50 to 65 pounds on average, while females weigh 45 to 60 pounds.
You could come across ads for teacup, toys, or small Australian Shepherds. These canines are not recognized as authentic by Australian Shepherd breeders. The breed is intended to be a useful working dog capable of handling strong stock for kilometers in rugged terrain or snowdrifts. It does not come in smaller sizes. Read more on this link https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/australian-shepherd.
Personality
Australian Shepherds were bred to be aggressive with animals. If you don’t give them solid and confident leadership in the home, they might not turn out how you want them to be. This makes them unsuitable pets for inexperienced or fearful owners.
They, like many herding dogs, are naturally devoted to their family but wary of outsiders. When they’re young, they require early socialization – exposure to various people, places, noises, and activities.
Socialization is important in ensuring that your Aussie puppy develops into a well-rounded dog. Invite people over regularly, and take him to packed parks, pet stores, and leisurely strolls to visit neighbors can all help him enhance his social skills.
Care
If you have a yard, make sure there’s a sturdy barrier in place that your Aussie can’t dig underneath or jump over. For this breed, the underground electronic fence will not work: Your Aussie’s urge to go out and herd something will outweigh any fears he has about receiving a little shock. Unless you’re ready to train him to ignore his cravings, walk him on a leash for the same reason.
Every day, your Aussie needs at least a half-hour of exciting activity, such as a walk, a Frisbee game, or training or speed exercises. Puzzle toys like Buster Cubes are a terrific way to keep that intelligent imagination occupied when you’re not interacting with your dog. Click here for more.
Puppies don’t require the same amount of vigorous activity as humans, and you shouldn’t allow them to run on hard surfaces like concrete or leap until they’re at about a year old. It could put a strain on their still-developing skeletal structure, leading to eventual joint issues.
When it comes to herding sheep, the Aussie behavior of chasing and nipping is fantastic. Still, it’s awful manners when it comes to humans and other pets. Obedience classes can help you control your Aussie’s herding propensity while satisfying his mental stimulus and work needs.
Positive reinforcement training methods, such as praising, playing, and food, work well with Aussies. They are usually willing to obey their trainer’s directions. They simply want to know who is in control so that they can perform well for them.
Feeding
Your adult dog’s food consumption is influenced by his age, size, structure, metabolism, and level of activity. Dogs, just like people, are living and breathing beings who require varying quantities of food. It’s almost unavoidable that a highly active dog will demand more food. The sort of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more it will nourish your pet.
Take a close look at your pet. You should be able to see his waist. Then, with your thumbs down his spine and fingers stretched downward, put your hands on his back. Without pressing too much, you will be able to feel but not see his ribs. If you can’t, he’ll need to eat less and exercise more.
Other kids and pets
Because the Australian Shepherd is a livestock dog who considers children part of his “flock,” you’ll have to teach your pet that is nipping and chasing at children to herd them isn’t acceptable. Aussies make fantastic friends for families with children after they have learned this lesson.
Always teach youngsters how to engage and touch dogs. Monitor any encounters between pets and small children to avoid biting or tail and ear pulling on either party’s side. Teach your youngster to never approach a dog sleeping or eating or try to steal the dog’s food. Pet dogs can be great company for kids, but no animal should ever be left alone with a child, no matter how nice it is.
