When you first see the Aussie at the exhibition, you can freeze with delight. The Australian Shepherd impresses with the beauty of its coat, harmonious physique and a penetrating, smart look. But a beginner should know that this breed is not decorative, but working, it requires a special approach and understanding.
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Origin history
Aussies were bred in America about 100 years ago. The ancestors of dogs - Basque dogs - arrived on the American continent from Europe along with shepherds. At the beginning of the XIX century, thanks to the development of cattle breeding, shepherds came here not only from Europe, but also from Australia. In association with the Australian shepherds, the shepherd shepherd also became known as the Australian.
The popularity of Aussies increased in the middle of the last century, when dogs began to take part in horse shows, feature films and various shows. Excellent shepherd qualities, easy learning and a keen mind were appreciated by American farmers. Until recently, the breed was more official than exhibition.
The first Australian Shepherd was introduced to Russia in 2002 and quickly gained popularity. Unusual appearance, beautiful coat and good-natured character distinguish it from other dog breeds.
Description and characteristics of the breed
For those who love large dogs with long hair, Aussies are perfect. Males of this breed are always larger than bitches. They have more hair, thick heavy legs. Females are more elegant, more elegant, smaller in size, they have 2 times less hair and cute doll faces.
Australian Shepherd dogs have excellent health and great industriousness. All they need is to please the owner.
They are accustomed to hard work on grazing, they are not afraid of bad weather and can sleep peacefully in the snow without harmful consequences. They need the praise of the owner, his approval.
Dogs are not cowardly, they do not run away from punishment and danger, they easily master a new type of activity. Aussies can be seen in the circus, and during the war they were used as messengers.
Shepherd Dog Life Span
The Australian Aussie Shepherd lives an average of 13 to 15 years. She is distinguished by good health.
At the moment, about 40 hereditary diseases are known, therefore it is better to get a puppy in a kennel with a good reputation.
Purpose and character of the dog
The characters of dogs in one breed group are always different. You can choose a calm puppy or a more nimble, active. All Australian Shepherd dogs are very emotional - at the meeting of the owner they reveal their fangs in a smile and joyfully wag their tailless backside.
Aussie is a family breed, she loves people very much. At the same time, it is a working dog with a well-developed shepherd and guard instinct.
She does not trust strangers, can cast her voice when they invade the territory. The dog has a balanced psyche, good-natured character. The animal is very hardy, and will be a good companion for sports, children's games, hiking.
The Australian Shepherd is a companion dog, she quickly learns unfamiliar skills, always trying to understand the owner and please him. Very loyal to the owner and his family, can help in cattle grazing on the farm or participate in international dog shows.
Breed standard and puppy selection
In appearance it is a rather large breed of dogs - the maximum growth of dogs is 58 cm. There is a miniature Australian shepherd, whose height is from 33 to 46 cm, but it is not very popular with breeders.
A variety of colors of Aussi wool are interesting, the most common ones are marble blue and marble red. It is difficult to find two dogs of the same color. Eyes can be of the most diverse color - amber, brown, blue, multi-colored.
Breed Standard:
- a skull of the same length and width, rounded at the top;
- stop pronounced;
- black or brown nose;
- muzzle of the same length with the skull or slightly shorter;
- scissor or tick bite;
- almond-shaped eyes, penetrating and kind look;
- the ears are small, they are refracted at a certain angle forward or to the side;
- neck of medium length;
- the back is strong, the stomach is tightened;
- the chest is not wide but deep;
- tail preferable short (up to 10 cm);
- limbs straight and strong, with strong bones;
- movements are light;
- medium-long hair with a good undercoat that warms in winter.
Of the congenital diseases in the Australian Shepherd, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atherosclerosis are most common, sick carriers are not used in breeding.
When buying a puppy, the breeder needs to ask all the necessary certificates about the health of the parents of the litter. For a purebred animal, you can also get a pedigree, an act of sale, a veterinary passport with marks on the first vaccinations made.
If an animal is bought for breeding, its price will be 2 times higher than that of an ordinary pet. The cost of puppies in the kennel is 20 - 40 thousand rubles.
Breeders tell how the first Aussi litter was distributed in Russia for free, because no one knew about the breed, and there was no demand for dogs. But if you are selling puppies of the Australian Shepherd at a low price, this should alert. In addition to the lack of documents and problems with the health of the pet, there may be difficulties with his education and socialization.As a result, funds spent on veterinarians and trainers will be much higher than the cost of a purebred puppy.
Maintenance, care and feeding
It is more convenient to keep Aussies in a country house than in an apartment. Very helps out his fenced yard. City dwellers will have to love daily jogging and walking in the fresh air. You cannot chain a dog. She should have her own aviary with free access to the yard. She can also sleep on a straw bed in the barn, which contains livestock that she guards.
The dog loves to eat. For a tidbit, she will willingly learn new commands and tricks. It is undesirable to overfeed the Aussie, she may develop obesity and heart problems. Access to food should be limited to a certain portion and time of feeding. It is advisable to observe the same time of delivery of food, and do it after a walk.
Puppies are fed 3 or 4 times a day for up to a year, then transferred to 2 meals a day.
It is more convenient to use dry, high-quality food for good nutrition.
For example:
- Akana
- "Still holistic";
- Grandorf;
- Golden Eagle, etc.
The dog will have a beautiful, healthy coat and good health. In addition to dry, moist, canned premium and super premium class food, sour-milk products, cheese, raw frozen meat are useful. Some animals willingly eat vegetables and fruits, others categorically refuse such a treat.
Particular care efforts will require pet hair.
It is combed daily, using special combs with iron teeth, and during molting this is done several times a day. After the walk, some animals need to wash not only their paws, but also the smeared coat. Bathing home-made Aussies is often not recommended, it is enough to do this once every few months with the use of special shampoo and conditioner.
The claws, ears and eyes of the dog also require care. The ears are wiped with a special tool once a week. Animals that are planned to be shown at exhibitions are sometimes artificially corrected for the shape of their ears using fixation (in puppyhood). In purebred Aussies, ears should not stand upright or hang too low. They look behind their eyes so that they do not turn sour or blush. Claws are sheared once a month with special clippers.
Aussie Australian Shepherd Training
They engage in various sports with the dog - frisbee, freestyle, skijoring, agility. She is very easy to learn, sociable and hardworking.
It is important to have time for classes with Aussies, so that there is sufficient output for e-energy, otherwise in a city apartment it can break things, gnaw furniture. When a dog reaches a "transitional" age, it is necessary to suppress unwanted behavior, she perfectly understands the punishment and praise.
From 4 - 5 months, it is advisable to take an OKD course in a group with other dogs and an experienced instructor. Dog handler will tell you how to manage the animal, help to cope with problematic behavior.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
Aussie requires a lot of physical activity, with it you need to engage and walk every day. She is very energetic, smart, suitable for people who are active, loving sports. If this does not bother you, and buying a puppy remains a cherished dream, you can take a closer look at the pros and cons of the breed.
Advantages of the breed according to owners reviews:
- developed intelligence;
- responsibility in the performance of the assigned task;
- ease in training;
- developed shepherd's instinct;
- devotion to the owner and his family;
- diligence;
- stamina and strength.
Aussies are good companions, ready to fulfill any desire of the owner. They are happy to babysit and play with young children, patiently waiting for a delicious reward.
There are fewer shortcomings in the breed, but they also need to be considered:
- daily hair care;
- shepherd’s instinct when kept in a city apartment;
- hard to tolerate hot weather;
- a purebred puppy is expensive.
In Russia, there is an Aussie lovers club that brings together the many owners of these wonderful dogs. Any problems with the pet will help solve the experienced owners, if you ask for help on the club forum.
