Tailster
While the origins of the Australian Shepherd (or Aussie) was Australian, the modern version was actually bred in California during the 19th century.
Their ancestry is believed to include Basque and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs and Collies that were taken to Australia and New Zealand by the European settlers.
Although the breed was developed in California, the Australian part of the name is believed to have come from the association with the original herding dogs that came over with the flocks of sheep imported from Australia and New Zealand and with the prospectors during the California Goldrush - after all, an Aussie can make a very good guard dog too!
They became popular outside farming circles in the mid 20th century when Jay Lister, and other rodeo performers, used Australian Shepherds as part of their act. Since then they have become more even popular outside their traditional livestock working habitat than within.
Height (Adult): Male: 51–58 cm / 20-23 inches, Female: 46–54 cm / 18-21 inches
Weight (Adult): Male: 25–32 kg / 50-65 pounds, Female: 16–25 kg / 40-55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: USA
Temperament: Intelligent, Playful, Energetic, Loyal, Protective (with a strong herding instinct) and Adaptive
The Australian Shepherd is an athletic, medium-sized breed. Their tails vary in length. Longer-tailed dogs traditionally had their tails docked, but this is rarely the case now.
Their coat is a moderately long and wavy double coat with a dense undercoat and coarse topcoat that is feathered on the rear of the legs.
Their colours range widely and the breed standard allows for merle (a mottled pattern with contrasting shades of either blue or red), solid black or solid red, with or without white markings, and with or without tan points
The Australian Shepherd is recognized in three distinct sizes - Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The key differences are primarily their size.
All the questions you may not even know to ask in relation to microchipping your Toy Australian Shepherd – learn about your microchipping responsibilities as a responsible pet owner.
We outline the different questions that you’ll be asking in relation to microchipping your Miniature Australian Shepherd. How much it costs, who is responsible for microchipping and your legal requirements in ensuring these details are kept up to date and much more.
Dealing with your microchip for your Australian Shepherd is a boring administrative task, but one of the most important things to ensure is kept up to date. Read more to find out why.
Aussies are such high-energy, intelligent pets, you cannot expect them to just sit around the house.
Find the best jobs to give them here >>
Australian Shepherds have 4 officially recognized coat colors – Black, Red, Red Merle, and Blue Merle.
However this is only part of the story. Read on for more >>
Australian Shepherds are working dogs, bred to cover distances without sacrificing agility.
This means they employ many gaits, but what does an ideal Aussie gait look like?
Is there a reason to dock Australian shepherd tails? What is docking? Does it hurt the dog? Is it legal?
Find out all you need to know here >>
Wanting to know when is best to spay or neuter your Australian Shepherd? We’ve worked out the typical timeframes and let you know more about what you need to consider.
Wanting to know when is best to spay or neuter your Miniature Australian Shepherd? We’ve worked out the typical timeframes and let you know more about what you need to consider.
Wanting to know when is best to spay or neuter your Toy Australian Shepherd? We’ve worked out the typical timeframes and let you know more about what you need to consider.
We’ve noted the signs you need to look out for that might suggest that your Toy Australian Shepherd is potentially bored or lonely. Read them and see what options you may have.
We’ve noted the signs you need to look out for that might suggest that your Miniature Australian Shepherd is potentially bored or lonely. Read them and see what options you may have.
