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Short History of the Breed

While there are many theories as to the origin of the Australian Shepherd, the breed as we know it today developed exclusively in the United States. The Australian Shepherd was given its name because of their association with the Basque sheepherders who came to the United States from Australia in the 1800's. The Aussie rose rapidly in popularity with the boom of western riding after World War II, becoming known to the general public via rodeos, horse shows, movies and television. Their inherent versatility and trainability made them useful on American farms and ranches. The American stockmen continued the development of the breed, maintaining the versatility, keen intelligence, strong herding instinct and eye-catching appearance.

Copyright 1997- 2006 United States Australian Shepherd Association

Physical Description & Size

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent working dog of strong herding and guarding instincts. He is a loyal companion and has the stamina to work all day. He is well balanced, slightly longer than tall of medium size and bone, with coloring that offers variety and individuality. He is attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness. He has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. He has a docked or natural bobbed tail.

Size

Preferred height at the withers for males is 20 to 23 inches; that for females is 18 to 21 inches, however, quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size. There is no other recognized version of the Australian Shepherd (miniature, standard, giant). The breed adheres to only one standard.

Copyright 1997- 2006 United States Australian Shepherd Association

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, medium-sized dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is also a delightful and loyal companion and a great family dog. He loves to be part of the daily hustle and bustle, and enjoys riding in the vehicle just to be with his beloved master. As a farm dog, he diligently carries out his responsibilities, be they bringing in the stock or finding that stray one that got tangled in the brush. He is easy to train, easy to housebreak, and eager to please.

Copyright 1997- 2006 United States Australian Shepherd Association

Dog Care (exercise, grooming, diet):

The Aussie (as he is lovingly nicknamed) is a very active dog that needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis to prevent him from become bored or frustrated and developing destructive habits. Because of their high energy level, combined with high intelligence, Aussies need to be given a "job" to perform, be it shepherding the children, protecting the house, herding livestock or competing in dog events.

Copyright 1997- 2006 United States Australian Shepherd Association

Health Issues, Life Expectancy

Hip Dysplasia

• The most common orthopedic problem in dogs is hip dysplasia, a condition of the hip joint in which the bones are not properly formed. It results in a loose hip socket to thighbone connection causing hip pain and lameness ranging from mild to crippling.

Hereditary eye defects

• Aussies can inherit a number of eye defects which impair vision in varying degrees or cause complete blindness. They include ocular coloboma, iris coloboma, juvenile and senior cataracts, detached retina, persistent pupillary membrane, progressive retinal atrophy and distichiasis.

Other hereditary problems

• A few Aussies have other hereditary diseases including epilepsy, thyroid dysfunction, heart disease, elbow dysplasia, a familial tendency toward cancer, and allergies resulting in serious skin problems.

Copyright 1997- 2006 United States Australian Shepherd Association

AKC Group

Herding Group.

Additional Resources

• Australian Shepherd - Online Community

• Australian Shepherd Online Community - DogBreed.org
• Official Home Page of the United States Australian Shepherd Association
• Link the the AKC site for Australian Shepherds
• The National Specialty is the Australian Shepherd Club of America or ASCA.

Australian Shepherd History

Link to Australian Shepherd History documenting the Basque Connection

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