Meet The Australian Shepherd 

The Australian Shepherd is an energetic, intelligent, and versatile breed that has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its agility, loyalty, and keen herding abilities, the Australian Shepherd was initially bred to work on ranches, making it a natural companion for active families and individuals who appreciate a dynamic lifestyle. Despite the name, this breed’s roots trace back to the United States, where it gained popularity among shepherds and ranchers in the western states. Today, the Australian Shepherd is celebrated for its quick learning, adaptability, and affectionate nature, making it an excellent pet for those who can meet its exercise and mental stimulation needs. If you’re considering adding an Australian Shepherd to your home, learning about its history, traits, and care requirements is essential for building a strong bond with this remarkable dog. Discover what makes the Australian Shepherd truly unique and how to provide the best care for your new companion.

Happy New Year! It seems that January is going to the dogs. Several cute pups are celebrating special days this month! That list includes the Lab, Alaskan Malamute, Standard Poodle, and the star of this particular blog, the Australian Shepherd. January 9th is Aussie Day! Read on as a local Plano, IL vet discusses this very good boy. 

Australian Shepherd Breed Information

Strong, loyal, and extremely intelligent, the Aussie is part of the AKC’s Herding Group, which also includes some high-performing working dogs, such as the German Shepherd, Border Collie, and Corgi. This Very Good Boy usually weighs between 40 and 65 pounds, and can be up to 22 inches high. With good care, Aussies can live about 12 to 15 years.

What Is The Famous Aussie Stare?

Aussies are known for a fixed, intense stare, which is sometimes called the ‘Aussie death stare.’ This tactic helps keep wayward cattle in line. 

Many Aussies have heterochromia, or different colored eyes. Their eyes can be blue, brown, hazel, amber, or green, or a mix. In fact, some Aussies have multiple colors within one eye.

These dogs often have striking pale blue eyes. Because of this, Native Americans called them “ghost eye” and considered them sacred.

What Kind Of Temperament Do Australian Shepherds Have?

Friendly but protective, Australian Shepherds are very driven to please their humans. Fido is very loyal and obedient, and absolutely loves going for walks with his humans. Once he’s fully grown, he also makes a good jogging buddy. They do sometimes tend to pick a favorite person, but are generally affectionate to their entire families. 

A working dog at heart, the Aussie has a built-in affinity for herding. In fact, he may even try to herd his human pals! 

Aussies are incredibly smart, and often make the list of the most intelligent dogs. They’re extremely active, and require a lot of exercise and stimulation. Our take? The Aussie is a great dog, but is probably a better fit for an active hiker than for someone who wants a calm couch potato for a pet. 

What Color Are Aussie Shepherds?

Aussies are very striking in appearance. They have thick, fluffy fur, and can wear several pretty colors and patterns, including black, red, and merle, which is a pretty dappled or mottled pattern. 

How Much Grooming Does An Aussie Shepherd Need?

Aussies have double layered coats, and should be brushed at least once a week. However, your canine buddy will shed quite heavily about twice a year. You’ll need to use a special brush, known as an undercoat rake, to get that dead fur out of Fido’s coat during those wardrobe changes.

Aussies are also prone to wax buildup, so you’ll need to clean your pup’s ears. Aside from that, you’ll need to occasionally bathe your pooch, and keep up with his nail trims. Ask your vet for more information.

Do Australian Shepherds Have Health Issues?

Most of the time, Aussies are healthy and hardy. However, they are prone to a few conditions. Eye problems are not uncommon in the breed.  We recommend hip and elbow evaluations, as well as ophthalmologist evaluations. Ask your Plano, IL  vet for specific advice.

When Did The Aussie Become Popular? 

By the late 1800’s, Fido had taken a detour from herding jobs to join the rodeo.  He wowed and charmed crowds by doing complex tricks. In fact, rodeo star Jay Lister is credited with the Aussie’s rise to popularity. In the 1900’s, Lister brought his Aussie on the rodeo circuit. This helped the Aussie win hearts across the country … and later, opened the doors for his popularity as a pet.

Is The Australian Shepherd A Barker?

Fido isn’t the quietest dog on the block. There is a good reason for this! Barking was very important to the Aussie’s early role as a herding dog, and he hasn’t yet outgrown his tendency to vocalize. 

Are Australian Shepherds Good Family Dogs?

Aussies can make excellent pets. Fido is very active, and still has that exuberant doggy joy we all love. He also enjoys playing with kids, and is an absolutely adorable addition to any family photo. 

How Active Is The Australian Shepherd?

Fido is known for being extremely agile and athletic, and is that dog who is always on the go. Because they are so lively, Aussies do best in homes with large, fenced yards. They also do very well in various doggy sports, such as agility, obedience, dock diving, or flyball.

What Can Aussies Excel At?

Herding is of course Fido’s original career, but it’s by no means his only option. These amazing pooches truly excel in many modern fields. These beautiful dogs may be found working as Seeing Eye dogs, hearing dogs, drug-sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. 

Training For The Australian Shepherd

Proper training and socialization are particularly crucial for active, high-energy pups like the Aussie. When Aussies are rehomed, behavioral issues are often blamed. The truth is, not everyone can keep up with these active pooches. Any behavioral issues are usually caused by a lack of exercise, a lack of training, or both. 

Although some dogs only need basic training, this cute pup usually loves to learn tricks and complex commands. Fido looks adorable when he gets a command right! Keep up with his petucation! These pretty pups need a lot of mental stimulation, which is extremely important to them. Ask your Plano, IL veterinarian for specific care tips. 

Plot Twist: Fido Isn’t Australian

Breeders often name their pups after the region they originated in. Examples of this include the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Bouvier des Flandres, who will have his own special day on the 16th. So, it seems logical that the Australian Shepherd is from Australia, right?

Actually, not so much. 

Fido is actually an American dog. His first official job was helping cowboys herd sheep, which was particularly skilled at. 

As you can probably already tell, The Australian Shepherd’s history is a bit confusing. Fido traces his family tree back to dogs brought by the Conquistadors who came to the New World in the 1500’s. Shepherds from Basque, which is a small but culturally unique region between France and Spain, also played a role. 

Meanwhile, Germans were also bringing sheep over to the U.S. West, along with dogs to protect them. Fido’s family tree likely includes the Pyrenean Shepherds, Collies, Border Collies, and Carea Leonés, Carea Leonés, a small, active sheepdog from Spain. There are no records of the Careas coming to the U.S., but their remarkable resemblance to the Aussie seems unlikely to be coincidental. The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1991. 

What Are Nicknames For The Australian Shepherd?

Fido has picked up quite a few nicknames over the years He is  also known as Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd. 

Why Do Aussies Have Short Tails?

Another interesting thing about Fido? He doesn’t always have much of a tail to wag. About a fifth of Aussies are born with short tails. Some don’t have any tails at all. This isn’t a coincidence: ranchers selected the pups with this abnormality for breeding, for safety reasons. 

Australian Shepherd Health Screenings and Care Requirements in 2024

What health screenings should owners request from breeders?

Owners considering an Australian Shepherd should request breeders to conduct specific health screenings to help identify common breed-related issues. Ophthalmological exams are advisable, as Aussies can be prone to certain eye conditions. Hip and elbow evaluations are also recommended due to the breed’s predisposition to joint issues. Some breeders may perform genetic testing for heritable conditions like collie eye anomaly or multiple drug sensitivity, which can be relevant for Aussies. Consulting a veterinarian for detailed recommendations on screenings can further support the long-term health of your Australian Shepherd.

How does the breed adapt to apartment living?

Australian Shepherds can adapt to apartment living, but they require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced. Highly active and intelligent, they thrive in settings that allow for regular physical activity, such as frequent walks or play sessions. Without enough exercise, Aussies may develop behavioural issues due to pent-up energy. Additionally, their protective instincts and tendency to bark might pose challenges in close quarters. If their physical and mental needs are met, however, they can be loyal and affectionate companions, even in smaller spaces.

What are recommended mental stimulation toys/activities?

Australian Shepherds thrive with mental stimulation to match their high intelligence and energy. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing balls keep them engaged, while agility courses, obedience training, and trick learning provide both mental and physical activity. Games like hide-and-seek or interactive tasks, where Aussies search for hidden treats, tap into their herding instincts and focus. Rotating toys with different textures and challenges is effective to avoid boredom. Additionally, dog sports such as flyball, frisbee, and nose work activities channel their agility and curiosity, fulfilling their need for complex mental engagement.

What are specific exercise time requirements?

Australian Shepherds are highly active and need substantial exercise to maintain physical and mental health. This breed thrives on daily activities, ideally totaling one to two hours each day, which should include vigorous activities like jogging, agility training, and interactive play to keep them engaged. Aussies are natural athletes with high energy levels, making them well-suited for dog sports like flyball and obedience. Due to their herding instincts, they also benefit from mentally stimulating exercises, such as puzzle games and obedience training, to avoid behavioral issues from boredom.

What is the MDR1 gene mutation and its implications?

The MDR1 gene mutation in dogs, especially herding breeds like Australian Shepherds, affects the production of a protein crucial for drug transport across the blood-brain barrier. Dogs with this mutation have limited ability to expel specific drugs from their central nervous system, increasing susceptibility to adverse effects from common medications, including ivermectin and certain chemotherapy agents. Dogs with one or two copies of the MDR1 mutation are at higher risk for severe toxicity, leading to neurological issues or even death if exposed to these drugs. Genetic testing is recommended to identify this mutation and adjust treatments accordingly.

Do you have questions about caring for an Aussie? Contact us, your local Plano, IL pet hospital, today!