Australian Shepherds Dog Breed information

Australian Shepherd dog standing on a grass

The Australian Shepherd Dog Breed are actually a crossbreed of several different breeds including the Hungarian sheepdog, Border collie, and German shepherd. Australian Shepherds have a double coat that helps regulate their body temperature, shaved Australian shepherds are not advisable reason because they won’t keep the Australian Shepherds cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Yes, it is achievable to shaved Australian Shepherds coat, however, this is not advisable.

The Australian Shepherds Dog is called such because, in the late 19th century, they were associated with Basque shepherds who traveled from Australia to the US.

A theory of the breed’s origin is that it began when the Basque people in Europe settled in Australia and brought their sheepdogs with them. The shepherds then relocated to the western part of the United States, bringing their dogs and sheep. American shepherds called these dogs Australian Shepherds because they were from Australia.

The Australian outback and western America are areas where sheepherders have used dogs for centuries. These areas are too rugged for many other breeds, but Basques dogs thrived in these conditions. The breed was bred with other herding dogs to create the ideal dog to work in these harsh environments. They became popular in Australia and New Zealand during the 1950s.

The Basque region of Spain and France is a mountainous area that was difficult to farm, so people who lived there needed a herding dog that could work in the mountains. They crossed their dogs with many other breeds until they got a dog that worked well in this environment. This breed remained mostly unknown until the 1950s when it became popular as a pet in western countries.

The Australian Shepherds Dog is a medium-sized dog that is about 18 to 23 inches in height and weighs from about 18 to 27 kilograms. Males are generally taller and heavier than females. Aussies have a straight or slightly wavy coat that ranges from medium to long in length. They have feathers on the back of the legs and a generous mane around the neck. Coat colors vary; they might be blue or red merle, red or black tricolor, all with white markings. Most Aussies have naturally short tails. The Australian Shepherd is a balanced dog with strong legs. The breed has a long back and bushy tail.

Australian Shepherd displaying its physical appearance

They are slightly taller than they are long. This breed has a muscular body with a coat that can vary in color, work all day without losing its energy. The double coat is weather-resistant, with an outer coat of medium texture and length. This breed’s undercoat has a fine texture and can be wavy or straight. The hair on the ears should not exceed 1/2 inch (13 mm) in length. The tail should be well-rounded and set high, but not carried over the back.

The Australian Shepherds Dog is a high-energy, intelligent dog that needs exercise and training. If they don’t get a chance to exercise and challenge their mental and physical activities, they are apt to become frustrated and difficult to live with. With proper exercise and training, this dog is a loyal, great companion. Aussies are known for their herding instincts. They are very protective of their families and territory, often letting you know if strangers approach. The Aussie is reserved with strangers but becomes trusting of those it knows. This breed has an independent nature and may try to herd children or other animals by biting at their heels.

Australian shepherd displaying its behaviour

The Australian Shepherd needs a lot of exercises every day. He should have access to a large, fenced-in yard where he can run for at least an hour or two. The Aussie loves to be with his owner and will accompany him on long walks. Australian Shepherds shed a lot of hair throughout the year, and they need to be brushed regularly. This breed sheds heavily twice a year, but all of the time needs some brushing. However, many Aussies have short coats that are easier to care for than others who have lots of feathering.

Aussie undergoing training

Australian shepherds are generally healthy dogs but are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, and certain forms of cancer. A dog’s ears should be checked regularly to remove debris and prevent wax buildup. The average life span is between 12–15 years.

Shaved Australian shepherds

When it comes to shaved Australian shepherds, Shaving an Australian Shepherd is generally not recommended unless there is a specific medical or grooming reason to do so.Shaved Australian Shepherds

Here are reasons not to shaved Australian Shepherds:

  • Shaving an Australian Shepherd can disrupt its natural coat-regulating mechanisms and potentially lead to various issues.
  • Without their protective coat, they may be more susceptible to sunburn, skin irritation, and insect bites
  • their coat may not grow back the same, and it can take a significant amount of time for it to fully regrow

Choose every 2-3 days for brushing and grooming which can also help remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition at all times.

Blue Merle Australian Shepherd

A Blue Merle Australian Shepherd is a specific color variation of the Australian Shepherd breed. The Blue Merle Australian Shepherd has a base coat color that is predominantly black or dark gray, with random patches or marbling of lighter gray or blue.

This creates a superb and unique appearance, often with speckles or flecks of different shades within the patches.

border collie Australian shepherd mix

A Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix, also known as a Border Aussie or Aussie Collie, is a hybrid dog breed that combines the traits of both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd

Appearance-wise, the physical characteristics of a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix can vary depending on the individual dog and the traits inherited from each parent.

Border Collie Australian Shepherd mixes are typically highly intelligent, alert, and energetic dogs.

Border Collie Australian Shepherd mixes require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential behavior issues.

How Big Does a Mini Australian Shepherd Get?

On average, a fully grown Mini Australian Shepherd will stand between 13 to 18 inches (33 to 46 cm) tall at the shoulder. In terms of weight, they usually range from 20 to 40 pounds (9 to 18 kg).

Australian Shepherd is typically a medium-sized dog, but the Mini Aussie is bred to be smaller, size can vary within a breed, and there may be some slight variations in height and weight among Mini Aussies

How To Groom Australian Shepherd

Grooming an Australian Shepherd involves regular brushing, bathing, and general coat care. As discussed earlier, to keep your Australian Shepherd in good shape, avoid shaved Australian Shepherds to keep its natural coat-regulating mechanisms which might lead to some issues within your capacity.

Here are some steps on how to groom Australian Shepherd:

  • Brushing
  • Bathing
  • Coat Care
  • Nail Trimming
  • Ear Cleaning
  • Dental Care
  • Professional Grooming

Regular grooming sessions provide an opportunity to bond with your Australian Shepherd and ensure their well-being and also keep your Australian Shepherd healthy and comfortable.

How Much are Australian Shepherds

On average, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,500 for a pet-quality Australian Shepherd puppy. However, if you’re looking for a show-quality or a puppy from champion bloodlines, the price can be significantly higher, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 or more.

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Pros
  • Affectionate and loyal
  • Trainable and eager to please
  • Excels at “jobs” and athletic endeavors
Cons
  • Boundless energy that must be channeled through training
  • Can become destructive without enough mental and physical stimulation
  • Can be wary of strangers

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Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.