Learn More About Australian Shepherd

Summary

The Australian Shepherd, often simply “Aussie” is a dog breed that is listed as a herding dog under FCI Group 1, Section 1. Its attractive appearance includes a muscular body and a magnificent, semi-long coat that keeps it warm in the cold. He often has striking coat colors and patterns, and sometimes he even has two different colored eyes, which is known as heterochromia. There are two main lines of Australian Shepherds: the working line, known for its herding qualities, and the show line, which is bred more for looks. The working line tends to be slightly leaner and more agile, while the show line often has a fuller coat and a more powerful appearance.

Character

If you are looking for an intelligent, energetic and committed companion and can do it justice, the Australian Shepherd could be just the thing for you. Due to its original work on herds of cattle, the Australian Shepherd is less sensitive than the Border Collie, which can have advantages and disadvantages depending on the person and the type of husbandry. The Aussie was bred as a herding dog and therefore has a natural willingness to work. This means that he enjoys being given tasks and needs to feel mentally and physically stretched. The working line in particular often displays a more pronounced herding instinct and may sometimes attempt to "herd" children or other pets. Both lines are extremely intelligent and learn quickly, which is why it's important to keep them busy with meaningful activities so that they don't find things to do on their own. The Aussie has a lot of energy and is very active. He's not the type of dog to lie on the couch all day. He loves being outside, running, playing and learning new things. Because of his attachment to family, the Australian Shepherd may develop separation anxiety or control compulsion when left alone for long periods of time. It is advisable to get him used to staying alone as a puppy and to exercise him before you leave the house. He is very alert and often wary of strangers, making him a good watchdog, but with proper socialization he is polite and non-aggressive. The Australian Shepherd can be very prey-obsessed, and it is not uncommon for them to chase after small animals or even shadows and anything that moves. It is important to get him used to controlling his impulses from a young age and to teach him to listen to commands.

What to Expect

Australian Shepherds are very active and hard-working dogs. You need active and experienced dog owners who can find the right balance between exercise and rest. The same applies to these puppies: Rest training is more important than activity, but this becomes more important as they get older. When mating, you should pay attention to the Merle factor, as health problems can be associated with it.

Care

The Australian Shepherd is an active and intelligent dog and is more suited to a home with a garden than a city apartment. He needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. He is generally friendly with children and other pets, especially if he is used to them from an early age and learns that he is not allowed to look after them.

Training & Education

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and hard-working breed that is suitable for various dog sports such as agility, obedience, or even herding dog competitions. He needs a lot of activity, but you also have to be careful not to "over-occupy" the dog. and give him enough rest breaks. Some Aussies can become "ball junkies" if you play with the ball too much. It is important that the dog is well socialized and learns to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control. Especially when it comes to herding, you should make sure that the dog can live out this disposition in appropriate ways, for example through appropriate sports. At the same time, you should offer him alternatives and teach him to stay calm in different situations and to tolerate "doing nothing". Positive training based on rewards is particularly effective with this breed.

Nutrition & Grooming

An Australian Shepherd benefits from a balanced diet with high-quality food. Make sure the food contains the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Because some Aussies can be prone to being overweight, it is important to monitor the amount of food they eat and ensure regular exercise. In terms of grooming, the Australian Shepherd has a thick undercoat and a medium-length topcoat that should be brushed regularly to prevent matting. During the shedding period, which often coincides with the seasons, the Aussie sheds more hair and requires more frequent brushing. The Australian Shepherd's fur offers protection from the cold, so it can cope well with the German climate.