This is the region occupied by the Basques who were known as world-class shepherds for centuries. The Pyrenean Shepherd was their preferred herding dog and is the ancestor of the modern Australian Shepherd. In the early 1800s, many Basques headed to Australia with their dogs to find rich pastures for cattle and wide-open space for sheep.
Along the way, the Basque shepherds further refined their dogs by crossing Pyrenean Shepherds with Collies, Border Collies, and other British imports. After shepherding and building herds in Australia, some Basques took their dogs and headed to California.
California ranchers were impressed with these new herding dogs and, assuming they were a breed from Australia, the dogs were called Australian Shepherds. It is from these dogs the modern Australian Shepherd was created in the United States. These dogs were popular on rodeo circuits and in cowboy culture.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Australian Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in 1993. Aussies can still be found working as herding dogs in the American West and are even sometimes still rodeo performers. In addition to being beloved family companions and one of the most popular dog breeds, they also work as service dogs, therapy dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, and more.
Aussies tend to feel right at home helping to herd animals, gather children, or, once trained, even pick up around the house or other jobs your dog can do at home. They may be initially wary of strangers and can be protective of their families, but they tend to warm up quickly once they are introduced.
Aussies are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they are best suited to homes with yards where they can run and are one of the best dog breeds for farms, they can adapt well to apartment living. You will just need to make sure plenty of time is dedicated every day to giving them enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Because they get bored easily and like to be around their favorite humans, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Their water-resistant double coat makes them a good fit for colder and warmer climates.
As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Even though Aussies that live in colder climates tend to develop a heavier undercoat than dogs living in warmer climates, they still may need some winter dog products to stay warm on walks during the winter.
Potential health concerns to be aware of in Australian Shepherds can include epilepsy, hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, and cancer. They can also be prone to allergies and deafness, especially if they have the merle coat coloration. Aussies are also more prone to heterochromia in dogs than other dog breeds.
Having differently-colored eyes does not usually cause health issues, unless it is due to albinism. In Aussies with a merle pattern, heterochromia can be inherited; you just want to make sure the parents are not also passing along eye disorders. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Australian Shepherd puppies.
Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. This type of transparency paired with knowledge of the breed and willingness to answer questions are qualities to look for in a great dog breeder.
You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA) recommends an elbow evaluation, a hip evaluation, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. Testing for hereditary cataracts (HSF4), collie eye anomaly (CEA), and multi-drug sensitivity (MDR1) are considered optional, but are also highly recommended.
Australian Shepherds have a waterproof double coat that is medium-length and may have a slight wave. Coat colors typically fall into three categories: Merle, Tricolor, or Red/Black. The Red/Black coat is characterized by a single coat color in red or black with white fur commonly on the chest, neck, and legs, and often in a stripe from the muzzle to the head.
The Merle color is characterized by dark spots or blotches on a lighter background, often creating a patchwork look. The common variations in this category include Merle, Red Merle, and Blue Merle. A Tricolor coat is characterized by having a white and tan coat paired with another solid color. The variations here are Red Tricolor and Black Tricolor.
Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs and are one of the most active dog breeds. They need a lot of daily activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are.
These dogs are also versatile and athletic. Once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a variety of higher-impact activities with them. Aussies are known as one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. They also tend to be a good fit for hiking, playing frisbee or fetch, training for dog sports, and more.
The Toy Australian Shepherd originated in the United States. They are a smaller version of the Miniature Australian Shepherd, or Miniature American Shepherd as the American Kennel Club now recognizes them. The Miniature Australian Shepherd...
The Mini Australian Shepherd, abbreviated as MAS, and also referred to as a Miniature American Shepherd or Mini Aussie, is considered a small herding breed. The dog breed originated during the late 1960s in California...
Are you looking for a Aussie puppy? Here at Quality Puppies we have Australian Shepherd puppies in all different colors. We have blue merle Australian shepherd puppies, black tri Australian shepherd puppies, red tri Australian shepherd puppies and red merle Australian shepherd puppies.
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Intelligence: Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that are known for their problem-solving abilities and trainability. They are quick learners and enjoy being challenged mentally, which makes them excellent candidates for obedience training, agility, and other dog sports.
Athleticism: Australian Shepherds are bred to be working dogs, which means that they have a lot of energy and stamina. They excel at activities such as hiking, running, and agility, and they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Adaptability: While Australian Shepherds are often used as working dogs, they can also make excellent family pets. They are good with children and other pets, and they can adapt to a variety of living situations, including apartments (with proper exercise and stimulation) and rural properties.
Versatility: Australian Shepherds are versatile dogs that can excel in a variety of roles. They can be trained for herding, search and rescue, therapy work, and other jobs that require intelligence and athleticism.
Health: Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.
Browse our nationwide selection of adorable, healthy Australian Shepherd puppies for sale. Australian Shepherds are smart, work-oriented, and spirited large sized dogs and your perfect companion. Our rigorous breeder screening, dedicated support, and expertise in getting your puppy to you gives you peace of mind. With PuppySpot, you'll get a well-bred puppy from a trusted source. Start your journey to find your Australian Shepherd puppy today!
Australian Shepherds are the ultimate working dogs. Actually not from Australia, as one might rationally conclude, these pups grew in popularity as herding dogs because of their high energy levels and impressive intellect. These dogs like to be occupied with a job to do and excel at many activities, including herding, search and rescue, and agility. Aussies often have distinctive merle coloring and bright, striking eyes that come in a variety of colors. They are medium-sized, smart, loyal dogs and make devoted companions to active families.
Like all dogs, however, there are some things to keep in mind before you go searching for Australian Shepherd puppies to bring home. Australian Shepherd puppies often have distinctive merle coloring and bright, striking eyes that come in a variety of colors. They are medium-sized, smart, loyal dogs and make devoted companions to active families, but their activity level and exercise requirements may be too much for low-energy families.
The best way to keep your Australian Shepherd puppies from chewing shoes and sprinting around the house is to ensure they get the exercise and activity they need. In addition to frequent exercise, Australian Shepherd puppies also need a nutritious diet and regular trips to the groomer. Australian Shepherd puppies are very smart but it can be hard to hold their interest - they need an owner who is committed to training them at the level they require.
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