| The Australian Shepherd is a member of the Herding | | | | between 18 to 23 inches and could weigh anything |
| Dog Group. A medium sized dog known for his herding | | | | from 35 to 60 pounds with eight different colors |
| and guarding abilities. He is very family loyal and very | | | | combinations of red or blue merle, black and red. |
| intelligent. This dog needs a great deal of exercise, | | | | Distinctions of color are observed between each of |
| mental and physical. Could the Aussie be the right dog | | | | these types. Their eye colors also differ and could be |
| breed for you? Choosing the right breed dog is very | | | | green, hazel, amber or even bi-colored. The tails are |
| important for you and for your dog. Here are the | | | | short bobbed or even docked with the country's |
| Australian Shepherd dog breed standards and other | | | | permit. Some breeders prefer to keep the tail long in |
| important information you should read prior to buying a | | | | order to show the breed ring on the tail. They have a |
| new dog or puppy for your home. | | | | double coat of fur and curled down ears. |
| History: Contrary to their names, the Australian | | | | Personality and temperament: This group of dogs is |
| Shepherds are believed to have originated in Spain. | | | | very energetic and friendly. They are very possessive |
| They were later brought to the United States and | | | | about their owners and are very good at guarding the |
| developed in California by an Australian. A misty | | | | owner as well as his property. This particular trait can |
| confusion exists about their origin but it is presumed | | | | be particularly intimidating to children. However, in |
| that this breed accompanied the livestock that was | | | | general it is very friendly with children and serves very |
| shipped to America in the late nineteenth and early | | | | well as family dogs. They are only too happy to |
| twentieth century. Because they were working dogs, | | | | show-off all the tricks they've mastered. They are |
| farmers tried to make them better suited to the | | | | very intelligent and quickly learn the ropes of whatever |
| climatic variations by interbreeding them with the local | | | | job they are entrusted with. When they do not have |
| dogs. The breeding was done mostly between native | | | | enough work, they get frustrated and hyper, indulging in |
| species from America as well as the English Shepherd | | | | barking and running around for no apparent reason. |
| breed. | | | | Care: Australian Shepherds are very playful, fun-loving |
| The type of work the breed does: The Australian | | | | and intelligent in nature. They should preferably be kept |
| Shepherds like all other breeds of Shepherds are | | | | in secured and fenced. They need a lot of daily activity |
| working dogs. They helped the farmers guard their | | | | to stay healthy and happy. |
| livestock and cattle on vast farms. They are generally | | | | Living environment: The Australian Shepherd tends to |
| very protective in nature and serve as good | | | | have a high energy level and should be allowed to |
| guard-dogs, helping keep away unwanted or | | | | work and play. With the lack of enough activity it tends |
| suspicious neighbors. They excel in several types of | | | | to get bored and frustrated. They love being with |
| dog sports and can bring immense pride to their | | | | company especially with their owner and other people |
| owner. | | | | they hold close to their heart. They are also good |
| Physical Appearance: These dogs range in height | | | | travelers. |