Hey! If you’re wanting to adopt or buy an Australian Shepherd puppy with an unusual appearance, you may want to keep an eye out for these little dog breeds.
Many individuals enjoy having dogs with them while they are out and about. You could do this out of concern for your safety or as a pet since dogs are wonderful companions. But people must understand how important it is to maintain the health of these animals.
Understanding canine health requires knowledge about the dog’s ancestry and the characteristics that enable it to adapt to a particular environment.
To learn more about your Australian Shepherd dog, read the article that follows this one.
Origin of Australian Shepherd
In a strange turn of events, it’s possible that not much of Australia at all was involved in the creation of the Australian shepherd. According to the American Kennel Club, the Australian shepherds we know today are really descended from Basque sheepherders who came to America in the middle of the 19th century in search of work and brought with them their herding dogs from the Pyrenees mountains in Europe.
In Western areas like Wyoming and Colorado, where shepherds brought their “little blue dogs” to work the land, ranchers fell in love with the robust, hard-working breed.
Although some Basque sheepherders (and their dogs) may have traveled from Australia to the American West, some historians have noted that calling the breed “Australian” is a bit of a stretch given that the dogs are not recognized as native breeds in that country and have no other significant ancestors besides the Basque sheepherders who migrated to the American West.
Australian shepherds quickly established themselves as a pillar of cowboy culture in the American West after coming to the country.
They were regulars in Hollywood and made notable appearances in classic Westerns like Run, Appaloosa, Run, and the more recent Disney film Stub: The Greatest Cowdog in the West. In the rodeo culture, too, they now have a prominent position.
Many Australians continue to happily herd cattle and guard sheep while working on farms and ranches today.
Physical Characteristics of Australian Shepherd
The Australian shepherd is a medium-sized, well-built herding dog whose colors and patterns can vary widely. Its body is somewhat longer than it is tall. Aussies have a double-layered coat that protects them from the elements and aids in temperature regulation.
The top coat is medium long and straight or slightly wavy. Although Aussies may go weeks without a thorough wash, they do need to be brushed once a week to remove dirt and avoid matted fur.
The tails of some Aussies are said to be naturally bobbed, meaning they are shorter at birth, whereas those of others have historically had their tails docked when they were puppies. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association no longer endorses tail docking and views it as a merely cosmetic treatment that may potentially cause more harm than good.
It was once believed that keeping the tail shorter would help prevent injuries while the animals toiled in the fields. The United States Australian Shepherd Association classifies Australian shepherds into four primary color and pattern categories: black, red, red merle, and blue merle.
Merle is a hereditary pattern that can emerge in a dog’s coat as scattered areas of color. Australian shepherd dogs with red merle coats have spots of red (sometimes called liver) color on a white or tan background that gets darker with age.
Aussies with red merle or solid coats frequently have crimson lips, noses, and eye rims. Aussies with the blue merle pattern have grey backgrounds with black markings that get darker with maturity. Australian shepherds with black or blue merle coats typically have black noses, lips, and eye rims.
The greatest distinguishing feature of this dog breed, outside their clever capacity to herd just about anything with legs (even children! ), maybe their eyes, which are very genetically variable. Australian shepherds with black and red coats typically have brown, amber, or blue eyes.
Merle-colored Aussies have a larger range of eye colors, including brown and blue, blue and brown marbled, and even two distinct colors or patterns combined in each eye.
Temperament of Australian Shepherd
Australians were without a doubt raised to be hard workers. These puppies need a lot of daily exercises, mental stimulation, and obedience training to be happy because they historically spent hours in the fields with their owners herding sheep and calves.
If you don’t intend to herd sheep in the fields with your Aussie all day, hiking, running, endless retrieve games, and agility course practice are excellent methods to keep them happy, healthy, and properly active.
“A good herding dog won’t declare exhaustion after running in the field for 20 minutes. They run for a very long period at a fast pace, “says Brian Kilcommons, owner of the Connecticut-based boutique training facility The Great Pets Resort.
“This is not a dog you can ignore, exercise when you feel like it, and then treat inconsistently. You can go trekking with them, and it’s a major benefit if you run. You may take them to agility training, conduct scent work with them, or practice herding with them. But regular exercise must be mandatory.”
The Australian Shepherd Club of America notes that if these super-smart puppies are left alone for an extended period of time, their enthusiasm can lead to mischief and even harm if improperly channeled. It’s crucial to think about if your way of life will provide you with enough free time for play, exercise, and training before settling down with an Aussie.
Australians are known for their tremendous loyalty, therefore even though they aren’t often violent, they could be a little bit possessive. They often avoid interacting with outsiders and prefer to remain by their owner’s side, giving them the endearing nickname “Velcro dog.”
They will raise the alarm at the sight of strangers because they were designed to be protective animals. Although their herding tendencies imply they could try to use those talents on tiny children or other pets by biting at ankles, well-adjusted Australian shepherds get along well with cats, other dogs, and children when kept under close supervision. As with any dog, it’s crucial to socialize your Aussie early on and to educate kids on how to behave around dogs.
Health of Australian Shepherd
Although Aussies are often healthy, they are susceptible to some health issues like other breeds. Although not every Aussie will contract one or more of these illnesses, it’s crucial to be aware of them if you’re thinking of getting one.
Find a reputable breeder that will provide you with the health clearances for both of your dog’s parents if you are purchasing a puppy. Health certifications attest to a dog’s having undergone testing and been declared free of a certain ailment.
For hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease, you should expect to see health certificates from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), with a fair or better score; for thrombopathia from Auburn University; and for normal eyesight from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).
Hip Dysplasia
The femur does not fit tightly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint in this heritable disease. Hip dysplasia may or may not show any clinical symptoms. On one or both of their back legs, some dogs are painful and lame. Arthritis may appear as the dog aged.
The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals both provide X-ray screening for hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia in dogs should prevent breeding. Verify with the breeder that the parents have undergone hip dysplasia testing and have come out negative.
Elbow Dysplasia
It is a heritable disorder that affects large-breed dogs often. The three bones that make up the dog’s elbow have three separate growth rates, which results in joint laxity. Painful lameness may result from this. Your veterinarian could advise either surgery to fix the issue or painkillers to lessen the discomfort.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy, a condition that results in seizures in the Australian Shepherd, is a condition that can affect them. Although epilepsy cannot be cured, it can be managed with medicine. With the right treatment, a dog can live a full and healthy life despite this hereditary condition.
Deafness
This breed has a high prevalence of deafness, which can present several difficulties. Although some types of deafness and hearing loss may be managed with medicine and surgery, deafness is mostly incurable. Although it takes time and patience to live with and train a deaf dog, there are various tools available, such as vibrating collars, to make life simpler. Consider if you have the time, patience, and capacity to care for the animal if your Aussie is diagnosed with hearing loss or complete deafness. No matter what choice you make, it’s best to let the breeder know.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
This orthopedic disorder, which is brought on by abnormal cartilage formation in the joints, often affects the elbows but has also been observed in the shoulders. The dog’s elbow becomes painfully stiffened to the point of being unable to bend. As young as four to nine months old, dogs can already show signs of the condition. High-protein diets or overfeeding with “growth formula” puppy food may hasten its development.
Progressive Rentail Atrophy
This degenerative eye condition eventually results in blindness due to the loss of photoreceptors in the retina. Years before the dog exhibits any evidence of blindness, PRA is evident. Fortunately, dogs can compensate for blindness with their other senses, and a blind dog may lead a long and content life. Just remember not to rearrange the furnishings frequently. Reputable Aussie breeders do not breed dogs with this condition and have the eyes of their dogs verified by a veterinary ophthalmologist each year.
Cataract
An obstruction on the eye’s lens known as a cataract impairs vision. The dog’s eye(s) will appear to be clouded. Cataracts typically develop with aging and can occasionally be surgically removed to enhance the dog’s eyesight.
Distichiasis:
The second row of eyelashes, or distichia, develops on the dog’s eye’s oil gland and extends along the border of the eyelid with this disease. Your Australian could squint or wipe his eye as a result of this irritating his eye (s).
By using liquid nitrogen to freeze the extra eyelashes and then remove them, distichiasis is surgically cured. The compilation is the name of the procedure, which is carried out under general anesthesia.
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA):
Some dogs with Collie Eye Anomaly, a hereditary disorder, may go blind. A veterinary ophthalmologist diagnoses it when it first appears, which is often by the time the dog is 2 years old.
Although there is no cure for CEA, as was already said, blind dogs can navigate their surroundings extremely effectively with their other senses.
It’s essential to keep in mind that your breeder should be informed if your puppy has this issue since it is a genetic anomaly. Spaying or neutering your dog is essential in order to stop the gene from being passed on to future litters of puppies.
Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
Persistent Pupillary Membranes are tissue strands in the eye that were formerly part of the fetal membrane that provided nourishment for the eye lenses prior to birth. Usually gone by the time a puppy is 4 or 5 weeks old, although occasionally they linger.
The strands are occasionally seen in the anterior (front) chamber of the eye and can extend from iris to iris, iris to the lens, or cornea to iris.
The strands often fall out around 8 weeks of age and provide no complications for many dogs. The strands may result in cataracts or corneal opacities if they do not degrade. Your veterinarian may prescribe eye medications to help dissolve them.
Hypothyroidism
A thyroid gland hormone production level that is excessively low is known as hypothyroidism. Infertility could be a minor illness symptom. Obesity, mental dullness, lethargy, drooping eyelids, poor energy levels, and erratic heat cycles are more overt symptoms.
The dog’s skin turns harsh and black, and its coarse, brittle fur starts to fall out. Daily medicine must be given to the dog for the duration of its life in order to cure hypothyroidism. A dog getting thyroid medication on a regular basis can lead a full and content life.
Cancer
Like people, dogs can have cancer. There are several distinct forms of cancer, and each patient’s response to therapy is unique. Tumors are surgically removed from certain cancers, treated with chemotherapy in others, and treated surgically and medically in others.
Detached Retina
The retina may separate from the tissues supporting it following a facial injury. Blindness or severe vision impairment can result from a detached retina. Although there is no cure for a detached retina, many dogs with visual impairments have normal lives.
Australian Shepherd Price in India
In India, Australian Shepherd dogs can cost anywhere between 30,000 and 45,000. The Australian Shepherd is available in a variety of hues, including Merle, Red Merle, Black, Blue Merle, Red, and Black-Tricolor.
Dogs cost different amounts in different places. You need to contact local breeders and puppy factories to learn how much an Australian Shepherd is searching for. The Australian Shepherd is a bold and devoted dog who enjoys playing with people.
Numerous factors, including a dog’s coat, color, breed, health, and parentage, affect the cost of a dog. The least-priced dog in India is an Australian Shepherd. I frequently recommend purchasing an Australian Shepherd puppy from licensed breeders whenever possible. Dogs are well-cared for and properly trained by ethical breeders so that they won’t have any issues.
All Expenses of Australian Shepherd
Food cost
The quality and amount of food produced for the dog affect the price of Australian Shepherd dog food. The price of food, however, varies from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 a month.
In daily living, food should contain necessary vitamins and minerals. As a result, we provide the best dog food to our customers. Although homemade food will be somewhat less expensive, it will lower the breed quality of your dog.
Grooming cost
Grooming is a crucial component of your Australian Shepherd dog’s daily routine, and giving canines the attention they need extends their lives. An Australian Shepherd dog typically costs between ₹4,500 and ₹6,00 to groom.
Parents are permitted to spend more money on improved cleanliness. To promote canine cleanliness, we advise consumers to give Australian Shepherd dogs once a week or once a month.
Vet cost
An Australian Shepherd’s typical vet bill in India is between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000 each vaccination.
It won’t cost you much if you take proper care of your Australian Shepherd dog. Everyone becomes sick at some point, whether they are humans or animals, and how they are treated is what matters.
Australian Shepherd dogs don’t get sick very often, but when they do, they get better quite rapidly. Depending on how much the veterinarian in your city charges you, the vet expenses for the Australian Shepherd dog are subtracted.
Other expenses
Travel costs for Australian Shepherd dogs often run from ₹300 to ₹2,000 per animal. Flight costs are higher than shipping costs, which vary from company to company. As the pet’s parent throughout the move, make sure you have pet insurance.
Dog training sessions typically cost between 5,000 and 10,000 rupees and include all exercises and rewards offered by the trainer.
Frequently Asked Question
Are Australian shepherd dogs protective?
Although they are not the greatest security dogs available, Australian Shepherds are also not the worst. They are simple to train as guard dogs because of their compassion and intelligence. They don’t have as much oomph as some other breeds, though. You could probably teach these pups to be guard dogs.
Are Australian shepherd dogs born without tails?
One of the few breeds that may claim to have a naturally bobbed tail is the Australian Shepherd dog. Even though not all Australian Shepherd dogs are born tailless, around one in five of them do.
Are Australian shepherd dogs good family dogs?
Australian shepherds are energetic yet laid-back dogs who like playing with kids and getting along with other animals. Australian shepherds are wonderful companions for families, herding dogs, police dogs, and participants in obedience competitions.
Why do Australian cattle dogs shed a lot?
Blue Heelers, another name for Australian Cattle Dogs, have short fur. They shed the most due to their rich, thick undercoat. Their top coat is a layer of coarser, sparser hair. The double coat of the Australian Cattle Dog keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Why do Australian cattle dogs howl?
When Australian Cattle Dogs are separated from their pack or are left alone, they frequently wail (i.e., their human family). It serves as a means of expressing their loneliness, boredom, or distress. Another example of an attention-seeking activity is howling.
Is an Australian shepherd a good dog?
Aussies are playful, easygoing dogs who like playing with kids. With other pets, they often get along nicely. The breed is regarded as being exceptionally clever and trainable. Aussies are renowned for having a strong desire to please their owners.
Why are Australian shepherds so vocal?
Australian Shepherds are noisy dogs by nature. They must be herders since their severe sounds and barks might restrain other animals.
How to train an Australian shepherd dog?
Reward-based training, also known as positive reinforcement training, which encourages good behavior, is beneficial for Australian shepherds. This method of training encourages the dog to carry out desired behavior by rewarding it when it complies with your instructions rather than penalizing undesirable conduct.
Do Australian shepherd dogs shed?
The Australian shepherd does shed a lot, yes. We’ll examine this dog’s shedding season and discuss how to maintain a spotless home and take good care of your Aussie’s coat all year long.
Are Aussies good indoor dogs?
Yes! Like the majority of dogs, Aussies (and Mini Aussies) like being outside but are still best kept indoors. Although they thrive in medium-sized to big homes with gardens, they may also thrive in smaller dwellings. As long as they receive what they require for happiness and health, that is!
What does an Australian shepherd dog look like?
They have a thick mane around their necks and feathers on the backs of their legs. Variable coat colors with white and/or tan markings, such as blue or red merle or red or black tricolor, are all acceptable. The tails of most Australians are normally short, but if they are longer than four inches, they may occasionally be docked.
Do Australian shepherd dogs like water?
The majority of Australian shepherd Dogs like swimming and are exceptional divers. Given enough exercise, this breed, which is not overly energetic, is content to lie at its owner’s feet, relax in a bed, or stay in a kennel while keeping an eye and ear out for any indications of impending activity.
Are Australian shepherds aggressive?
Australian shepherd dogs are excellent watchdogs because they are very protective of people and their possessions. They only bark when they see a problem. They could, however, become aggressive with other dogs or outsiders.
Can Australian Shepherds have two different colored eyes?
One of the few dog breeds known as heterochromia, the Australian Shepherd frequently has two distinct colored eyes. Australians can have eyes in any color combination, including brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green. Even some Australians have many colors in a single eye.
Why do some Australian Shepherds have two different colored eyes?
Lack of melanin in all or part of one eye results in heterochromia. Due to a lack of melanin, one of the eyes of heterochromatic dogs appears blue or bluish-white. In dogs, heterochromia is frequently hereditary, meaning that it is transmitted via genetics.
do Australian shepherds need another dog?
Australian Shepherds are quite submissive and get along with other dogs nicely. Australians require social engagement, and when they don’t get enough company, they may become lonely. especially since they have a tremendous amount of energy and are really friendly.
Australian shepherd dog temperament
They are excellent guiding dogs, exercise partners, and family pets because of their great intelligence and trainability. In agility and obedience sports, they also do well. They have solid temperaments, are devoted, and are nice with kids. The greatest homes for Aussies are those with an active lifestyle and a sizable fenced yard.
Australian shepherd dogs and cats
Our poll indicates that most Australian Shepherds get along well with cats. In fact, 48% of genuine Aussie owners said that their dogs got along well with cats.
Australian shepherd dog vs border collie
Determine what kind of animals you want the dog to herd if you intend to utilise a dog for herding. Australian Shepherds are the best dogs if you have livestock. Border Collies are a no-brainer for sheep. Border Collies are more successful with smaller cattle since they herd from a distance.
What 2 breeds make an Australian Shepherd?
The Basques started moving to Australia in the 1800s to raise sheep. By breeding their Pyrenean Shepherds with other working dogs, such Collies and Border Collies, the contemporary Australian Shepherd was born.
Golden retrievers and Australian Shepherds
Breeds like Australian Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are known for being extremely sociable. Additionally, both of them are rather high-energy breeds. This indicates that if they are properly introduced and given adequate activity, they should get along nicely.
Conclusion
Having a dog as a pet is a lot of fun, despite the cost of ownership. Since pets make wonderful companions, one should constantly be able to maintain their health. Finally, pet owners should never be caught without a method to support their animals.
I sincerely hope you find the information in this post to be of the highest importance since it should be fairly beneficial to you in maintaining your dog’s health.
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