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Tailster / Dogs / Breeds / Pastoral / Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd Breed Guide

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.

Breed Facts

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

Appearance

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

Australian Shepherd Front-On

This is what a Best In Show at Crufts Australian Shepherd Looks Like



What are the Differences between the Standard Australian Shepherd vs Miniature vs Toy?

The Australian Shepherd is recognized in three distinct sizes - Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The key differences are primarily their size.

Standard Australian Shepherd

The Standard Australian Shepherd is the most common and the oldest, with the males standing as much as 2 feet tall and weighing up to 65lbs for healthy dogs.

Australian Shepherd Lying

Miniature Australian Shepherd

Miniature Australian Shepherds are a smaller version of their standard counterparts. They typically stand 15-18 inches tall and weigh between 25 - 40 pounds

They were developed in the 1960s by Doris Cordova, who partnered with a veterinarian and established a breeding program to produce Aussies of compact size.

See more about Miniature Australian Shepherds here >>

Miniature Australian Shepherd

Toy Australian Shepherd

Toy Australian Shepherds still possess most of their larger cousin's personality traits, such asss their strong herding instinct and may even give you a friendly nip at your heels to get you penned!

These smaller Aussies typically range from 10-14 inches tall and weigh between 6 and 23 pounds and can make great family pets

See more about Toy Australian Shepherds here >>

Toy Australian Shepherd

Is Your Australian Shepherd Bored? Here Are The Signs To Look For

If you think your Australian Shepherd is likely bored – here’s some tips for you to understand if this is the case and what you may want to do.

20th August 2021

Best Ways To Exercise Your Toy Australian Shepherd?

Short walks and runs are always good for your Toy Australian Shepherd. Here’s some other helpful exercise ideas for you to follow.

20th August 2021

Best Ways To Exercise Your Miniature Australian Shepherd?

Short walks and runs are always good for your Miniature Australian Shepherd. Here’s some other helpful exercise ideas for you to follow.

20th August 2021

Exercising your australian shepherd dog

Best Ways To Exercise Your Australian Shepherd?

Short walks and runs are always good for your Australian Shepherd. Here’s some other helpful exercise ideas for you to follow.

20th August 2021

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