Australian Shepherd Dog
Other names
Aussie
Life expectancy
14 years
Age adult
32 months
Height (Shoulder height)
52 cm
Weight
25 kg
Coat texture
medium length / undercoat / wavy / short straight hair on the face / tail feathered / legs feathered / crest / trouser like
Coat color
blue merle, red merle, tricolor, black, red with and without white and/or copper-colored markings
Common illnesses
dysplasia of the hip joint / elbow dysplasia
Food expenses per month in €
about € 57
Suitable for children
Rather not
Needs a garden
Rather not
Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment
Rather not
First dog suitable
Rather not
Allergy friendly
Rather not
Athletic
Very atletic
Attention
Needs much attention
Care and grooming
Medium grooming effort
Eager to learn
High
Exercise
Needs a lot of exercise
Nature
sporting / vivacious / alert / intelligent / prone to barking / likes learning / tenacious / territorial / protective / attentive / loving / likes to work
Bred for
drive and shepherd sheep
Common illnesses
dysplasia of the hip joint / elbow dysplasia
Dog type according to FCI
sheepdogs and cattledogs (exept swiss cattledogs)
FCI description
Shepherd dogs have the task to defend their herd from bear and wolf attacks. They are usually suspicious of strangers. Especially at dusk, when people go to rest, their instincts of defense and guarding become active. They are often insecure outside their territory. These animals need a task as working dogs. Shepherd dogs are not dependent on humans, because they must react independently and quickly to danger.
Cattledogs drive the cattle of the traders with a lot of barking, sometimes over long distances, to the market. They protect it from thieves and make sure that none escapes. These powerful, robust dogs have great assertiveness, because in certain situations they have to decide for themselves what to do.
Shepherd dogs emerged as agriculture grew and wolves were largely extinct. No longer protecting the independent, but keeping and driving the herd animals together without much barking became their tasks. They work together with the shepherd, have to react to his instructions as quick as lightning, but are also able to make their own decisions. They are fast, intelligent, agile, persevering and want to work.
Undemanded dogs in this group tend to have behavioural problems. Their instinct to keep the herd together is innate. For example, it happens that fast-moving children are tweaked into change. They need a clear, loving education, a task or a substitute task and are to be inspired for sporty activities.
Also, these animals must learn to come to rest. The active part is no problem for them, but if they are overstrained and do not come to rest, this can also lead to behavior problems.
Short description
The Australian Shepherd is an active and willing to work herding and cattle dog, that has a distinct guarding instinct. Around strangers he is rather sceptical and ready to defend. He is suitable with children when he grew up with children. He can be used as a family-dog but needs a firm and soft training. Owners should not underestimate his herding and protection instincts. He needs a lot of physical exercise and a purpose, otherwise this very vivid breed can develop unwanted behavior. Likewise, he may be prone to resource defence.
This information is indicative and adheres to the breed standard. Each animal is an individual and has a personal character, as well as its own needs. Thus, a breed is not a guarantee of certain behaviors, etc.