| Breed Information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popularity (2015) | #17 | ||||
| Name | Australian Shepherd | ||||
| Other names | Aussie, Little Blue Dog | ||||
| Origin | United States | ||||
| Breed Group | Terrier (AKC:1991)(UKC) | ||||
| Size | Medium | ||||
| Type | Purebred | ||||
| Life span | 12-15 years | ||||
| Temperament | Active Affectionate Friendly Good-natured Intelligent Protective Loving |
||||
| Height | Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm)Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) | ||||
| Weight | Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg)Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) | ||||
| Colors | BlackBlue MerleRedRed Merle | ||||
| Litter Size | 6-9 puppies, average 7 | ||||
| Puppy Price | Average $600 - $800 USD | ||||
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | 5 stars |
| Apartment Friendly | 3 stars |
| Barking Tendencies | 2 starsOccassional |
| Cat Friendly | 3 stars |
| Child Friendly | 5 starsGood with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
| Dog Friendly | 3 stars |
| Exercise Needs | 5 stars |
| Grooming | 3 starsModerate Maintenance: Grooming should be performed regularly to keep its fur in good shape. Little to no trimming or stripping needed. |
| Health Issues | 3 starsHypoallergenic: No |
| Intelligence | 4 starsRanking: #42 |
| Playfulness | 5 stars |
| Shedding Level | 3 starsModerate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. |
| Stranger Friendly | 2 stars |
| Trainability | 5 starsEasy Training: Training will be enjoyable. This dog is inclined to listen to commands and obey its owner. This breed will require fewer repetitions to obey specific instructions, pleasing owners who like to see quick results. |
| Watchdog Ability | 5 stars |
| Puppy Names | ||
| Rank | Male | Female |
| 1 | Rocky | Lucy |
| 2 | Max | Lola |
| 3 | Bear | Molly |
| 4 | Buddy | Lulu |
| 5 | Tucker | Zoey |
| 6 | Rocky | Maggie |
| 7 | Oliver | Roxy |
| 8 | Duke | Chloe |
| 9 | Marley | Luna |
| 10 | Oliver | Stella |
Overview |
|---|
| This is an athletic dog of medium size and bone; it is lithe, agile
and slightly longer than it is tall. It is muscular and powerful enough
to work all day, without sacrificing the speed and agility necessary to
cope with bolting livestock. Its gait is free and easy, and it must be
able to change direction or speed instantly. Its double coat is weather
resistant, with the outer coat of medium texture and length, straight to
wavy. The expression is keen, intelligent and eager. The Australian shepherd has a great deal of stamina and is loving, bold, alert, confident, independent, smart and responsive. If it doesn't get a chance to exercise and challenge its strongly developed mental and physical activities, it is apt to become frustrated and difficult to live with. With proper exercise and training, it is a loyal, utterly devoted and obedient companion. It is reserved with strangers and has a protective nature. It may try to herd children and small animals by nipping. |
| History |
| Although there are many theories about the origin of the Australian Shepherd, the breed as we know it today developed exclusively in the United States. It probably originated in the Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France, but was dubbed the Australian Shepherd because of its association with Basque shepherds who came to the United States from Australia in the 1800's. As with most working breeds, the Australian Shepherd was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, Blue Heeler, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd. |
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