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CLEAR ALLIt’s perfectly plausible to think that the Australian Shepherd breed is a native of Australia. However, these gorgeous and intelligent dogs actually hail from the Basque region of Spain. They were then carefully selective bred in the United States during the 19th century.
Today, the Little Blue Dog, or the Aussie as they are fondly referred to, has maintained its reputation as one of the best working dogs and family pets in the United States and around the globe.
Despite their popularity, Australian Shepherds are perhaps not the best choice of canine for first-time dog owners. This is because they are high-energy dogs that require appropriate training. They must be consistently exercised physically and mentally to prevent them from developing unruly behaviours due to boredom.
These energetic dogs really come into their own when herding sheep. Their athletic movements and commanding stature make it look like an effortless task.
The Aussie is a no-nonsense dog breed. They are hardworking, intelligent, and versatile. They will thrive in households where they can put their limitless energy and intelligence to good use. An owner does not need to keep a flock of sheep to work with an Australian Shepherd, but you do need to keep them busy.
It’s perfectly plausible to think that the Australian Shepherd breed is a native of Australia. However, these gorgeous and intelligent dogs actually hail from the Basque region of Spain. They were then carefully selective bred in the United States during the 19th century.
Today, the Little Blue Dog, or the Aussie as they are fondly referred to, has maintained its reputation as one of the best working dogs and family pets in the United States and around the globe.
Despite their popularity, Australian Shepherds are perhaps not the best choice of canine for first-time dog owners. This is because they are high-energy dogs that require appropriate training. They must be consistently exercised physically and mentally to prevent them from developing unruly behaviours due to boredom.
These energetic dogs really come into their own when herding sheep. Their athletic movements and commanding stature make it look like an effortless task.
The Aussie is a no-nonsense dog breed. They are hardworking, intelligent, and versatile. They will thrive in households where they can put their limitless energy and intelligence to good use. An owner does not need to keep a flock of sheep to work with an Australian Shepherd, but you do need to keep them busy.
The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog weighing between 35 to 65 pounds and standing 18 to 23 inches tall. They have a very muscular yet agile body that is powerful enough to work all day but fast enough to change direction or speed instantly. Females are almost always noticeably smaller than males but remain just as strong and speedy.
Their most distinctive feature is the long double coat, which is weather-resistant to protect them from the elements while out in the field. The undercoat is dense, the outer hairs are coarse, and their fur can be straight or wavy. Their hair is short on their faces, thick and long on their necks and chests, and well feathered on the rear of their legs.
Australian Shepherds are also known for their unique colouring and patterns, with each pup looking different from the others. The breed’s colours include blue merle, red merle, solid black or solid red, with or without white markings. The unique merle patchwork pattern consists of dark blotches against a lighter background. Thus, blue merle is black patches on grey, and red merle is red patches on beige. Interstestly, this pattern tends to darken with age.
Australian Shepherds are heavy shedders all year round, and their long coats can matt. Therefore, you’ll need to brush them once or twice a week. To avoid bathing them regularly, you can spray them with diluted dog conditioner before brushing to help detangle their fur.
Healthy Australian Shepherds will live for 12 to 16 years. However, it’s helpful to know that this breed, like most pedigrees, are susceptible to several health problems. Hearing and vision problems, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia are common medical issues for Aussie dogs.
The Australian Shepherd is highly active and intelligent, meaning this breed needs plenty of exercise, play and interaction. They are responsive and keen to learn, so they are fantastic dogs to teach tricks and commands, and they excel in agility training. They love to play ball games, and they need long walks, jogs or hikes every day, too. If they do not receive adequate exercise, they can become destructive.
Although modern-day Australian Shepherds are bred to be pets rather than working animals, they maintain their herding instincts. Some may try to herd other animals they live with or even small children. Therefore, spending time with them doing regular obedience training and herding trials is vital.
As herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are naturally protective and loyal to their owners, but as a result, they can be standoffish towards strangers. Although they need an outdoor space, they like to be with their owners rather than outside on their own. Moreover, their protective instinct means they will bark to warn you about something. However, with their needs met, their barking should not be excessive.
Australian Shepherds are not recommended canine for first-time dog owners as their high energy and herding instinct means they require thorough training. This is because, without firm leadership, they can take a dominant role in the home. They are also not the best choice for homes with young children or other pets as if they are not well-trained, they may nip at their ankles trying to herd them.
Australian Shepherds do best with an experienced owner who will take the time to train them and show them who’s boss. They will also thrive with you if you’re naturally active and will take them on your walks, hikes, and runs. It takes a lot to tire this breed, so there is no concern that they won’t keep up, although perhaps the problem will be the other way around!
This dog will do great in a home with an enclosed garden where it can release its energy. However, they are not one to stay outside all day on their own. Therefore, providing you take them on long walks every day and give them dedicated playtime, they can adapt to various home environments.
Their stories
We love happy endings. Discover stories of pets who found their beloved family with the help of The Pedigree Paws <3.
Neo
Russian Blue
We had some concerns purchasing a kitten online but our experience with The Pedigree Paws was great. They connected us with Caroline, the Russian Blue breeder and we had many conversations and received multiple pictures and videos. She answered to all our questions.
The Pedigree Paws verified for us all the vaccinations and health checks to make sure our new kitten was 100% healthy.
Thank you for all your help The Pedigree Paws! Highly recommended!
Jack
Miniature Dachshund
One of the reasons I was hesitant to order a puppy from The Pedigree Paws is because I live in Spain. However they connected me with a very good FCI breeder in Barcelona.
He showed me all the health documents of both parents, their pedigree and answer to all my questions. I am so happy they helped me to find a healthy puppy as finding one by myself was very overwhelming. Contacting The Pedigree Paws was the best decision and I highly recommend them to everybody!
Stitch
Chartreux
From the kittens's selection to the arrival of our Chartreux kitten, The Pedigree Paws was there to assist us. We had great experience with them, and they breeder Alexandra from France with whom they connected us and from whom we got our kitten from. They are very prompt in answering our initial and follow-up questions while our kitten was in transit. Very reliable and trustworthy!
Thank you so much for all your help. We are very happy with our new family member. We will definitely recommend it to all our friends.
Athena
Chihuahua
It's been a few months since we decided to find a Chihuahua puppy to join our family, however we had issues finding a good breeder.
We contacted The Pedigree Paws and they connected us with a very unique breeder in Greece. Many videos and pictures were shown, the breeder shared with us the proof of vaccinations, deworming and her 5 generation pedigree. We were fortunate as George, the breeder was able to deliver the puppy to us personally. We are very pleased with our beautiful Athena. Thank you, The Pedigree Paws, for being truthful and transparent.
Thor
Abyssinian
I feel wonderful having help from The Pedigree Paws finding the dream Abyssinian kitten I was looking for. Thor is the absolute dream! The Pedigree Paws team was really patient and responsible in everything. Lovely experience! They replied to every questions, requirements, and information I ask about the kitten.
Fin
Chihuahua
Thank you for finding for me such a beautiful Chihuahua puppy! I love him so much from the minute I saw him. He changed my world.
Kate, from The Pedigree Paws assisted me through the whole process informing me about everything from health checks to arranging a Pet Nanny to transport Fin directly to my door. So thankful that the experience went so well! I love my Fin.
Emi
Ragdoll
I have always wanted a Ragdoll kitten as it was my dream cat breed, but didnt know how to find one as heard a lot about kitten farms and bad breeders. I reached out to The Pedigree Paws and they were very accommodating and transparent from the start. They offered me few kittens from their list of breeders and when I saw Emi I knew she was the one! We went through the kitten's parents DNA testing as for me that was a priority to have a kitten free from genetic disorders. We sealed the deal and now I have the best kitten I could dream of! Thank you very much for all your help
Shima
Russian Blue
I really wanted a Russian Blue kitten, but was very nervous getting one after reading horror stories about scammers on the Internet. I had my first call with Natalia, from The Pedigree Paws and with her help I was able to connect with the breeder, that I knew I could trust. I am very lucky to have now Shima, she is an absolute joy to live with.
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