SCRAPS Breed Profile AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD

Stats

Country of Origin: Basque region of the Pyrenees Group: Herding Use today: Herding trials, sheep herding Life Span: 14 to 16 years Color: The only acceptable body colors are solid red, solid black, blue and red merle, with or without white and/or tan markings. Coat: Double-coated . medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an undercoat. Grooming: Weekly brushing; more so during the summer Height: Males 20 - 23 inches; Females 18 - 21 inches. Weight: Males 45 - 65 pounds; Females 35 - 55 pounds.

Profile

In Brief: Historians debate the Australian Shepherd's breed origin. Some argue an Australian origin; some accept a Basque heritage; some a Spanish origin. There's probably a little truth in each theory. The breed an undercoat. The quantity of undercoat varies has been well known in the livestock industry in with climate. Hair is short and smooth on the the United States for more than a century. head, outside of ears, front of forelegs and Regardless of its origin, the Australian Shepherd below the hocks. Backs of forelegs are is a much-loved breed in the United States. It's a moderately feathered; breeches are moderately working , capable of controlling livestock. full. There is a moderate mane and frill, more The Australian Shepherd is either born with a pronounced in than bitches. An identifying or has its tail docked while still a characteristic is his natural or docked bobtail. He pup. The medium-length coat comes in black, should be attentive, lively and agile with a body red, blue merle or red merle, all with or without slightly longer than its height at the withers. The white or tan markings. The coat sheds heavily, Aussie has a strong, deep chest and stands but weekly brushing helps keep it mat-free and squarely on all fours. The front legs are straight. under control. As you can imagine from their Front dewclaw removal is optional, but rear heritage, Australian Shepherds like activity and dewclaws are generally removed. The feet are should be exercised and played with several compact and oval with arched toes. The top of times daily. Aussies make wonderful pets if their the head is approximately the same length as exercise needs are met. They are good with the slightly tapering muzzle. The head has a children and make excellent watchdogs. These moderate stop. The teeth form a scissors bite. smart dogs can learn just about anything, so The medium-sized oval eyes come brown, blue, begin training early. amber, or any variation or combination including flecks and marbling. The ears are set on high at Description: The Aussie, as it is known, is a the side of the head, triangular and slightly medium-sized, robust, well-balanced, rustic dog. rounded at the tip, of moderate size with length The coat is of medium texture, straight to slightly measured by bringing the tip of the ear around wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with to the inside corner of the eye. The medium length coat comes in blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black, and solid red (liver) all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points with no order of preference. The hair defects. Major concerns: cataract, CEA. Minor around the ears and eyes should not be white. concerns: CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, The tail is generally docked if it is longer than 4 Pelger–Huët syndrome, iris coloboma. inches, though most are naturally short. Each Occasionally seen: lumbar sacral syndrome, individual's masculinity or femininity is clearly epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM. defined. Suggested tests: hip, eye. Some are prone to hip dysplasia This breed is often sensitive to Temperament: Australian Shepherds are easy ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm going, perpetual puppies that love to play. preventive is considered safe. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great Living Conditions: This breed is not with active children. A devoted friend and recommended for apartment life. They are guardian, for they are naturally protective. Very moderately active indoors and will do best withat lively, agile and attentive - they are eager to least a large yard. please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly Exercise: This energetic working dog needs intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, or when at work with livestock, the Aussie is gentle better yet, some real work to do. with human friends. Australian Shepherds need lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is Origins: Despite the misleading name, the very intelligent, active and easily bored. They Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but can become nervous and destructive if left alone may have been developed in the U.S, Spain, or too much without exercise. They are naturally the Basque regions to work as a on suspicious of strangers, so they should be well ranches. It is possible that the name was socialized as puppies. Working lines of derived from one of the dog's ancestors. The Australian Shepherds may be too energetic to breed's principal forebears were most likely be suitable pets. Some like to nip people's heals Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque in an attempt to herd them. They are quiet shepherds and herds of fine Merino sheep workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to exported to both America and Australia in the bark constantly at livestock. This breed is not early days of the colonies. At some point it usually dog aggressive. probably crossed with stock. It has only recently gained recognition as a distinct breed. Health: The gene for the beautiful merle Its many talents include, retrieving, herding, coloration also carries a blind/deaf factor. This guarding, police work, narcotics detection, may be expressed only in merle/merle crosses. search & rescue, agility, competitive obedience Be sure to check the hearing on merle puppies. and performing tricks. Natural bobtail-to-natural bobtail breedings can result in some offspring with serious spinal

Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 6815 E. Trent • Spokane Valley • Washington • 99212 (509) 477-2532 voice (509) 477-4745 fax www.spokanecounty.org/animal