Australian Shepherd: description of the breed, colors, character and content

Flying swings and incendiary dances, running a dog with a simulation of sore legs, high jumping rope, jumping on its hind legs through barriers, a balancer on a horizontally placed cane - all these are the tricks that the famous Jay Sisler taught his beloved Australian Shepherd (Aussie). With the participation of this particular tailed movie star, a number of films were made that delighted the audience. We are familiar with the Aussie characters from Walt Disney films.

The characteristics of this wonderful breed testify to the many benefits of Australian Shepherds, but the most important of them - unusual quick wits and surprisingly cheerful and kind disposition.

At the end of the XIX century, the rapid development of cattle breeding in North America led to the need to find the most effective breed of cattle dogs.

Aussie ancestors appeared in America along with immigrants who arrived from Spain and France. In those days, a significant number of different breeds of shepherd dogs were imported to the continent, some of them laid the foundation for new breeds.

The nature of the West of America is unlike European, it is characterized by arid regions with significant differences in altitude and temperature. Therefore, shepherds needed hardy and unpretentious four-legged helpers, able to properly manage and reliably protect herds of sheep and other livestock.

The main criteria for breeders and cattle farmers were working capacity, endurance, quick wits and physical strength of the new breed.The choice of breeds for breeding such a dog seemed quite wide, since the development of the New World was accompanied by its intensive population of cattle breeders from many regions of the world, including Australia.

In the course of a thorough study of the issue breeders selected for breeding the best representatives of the Basque shepherd dogs (imported by the Spaniards from Australia), Pyrenees shepherds, Bernese mountain dogs and collies. In the course of hard and painstaking work, the specialists managed to develop a completely new breed that meets all the required criteria, which was called the Australian Shepherd or Aussie.

The selection result was so successful that these super-energetic animals began to be used not only on pastures, but also in rodeo performances, where easily trained Aussies entertained the audience with unusual and complex tricks. Animals were also actively used as messengers during the period of hostilities.

The new breed was registered as a shepherd dog in 1957. Full recognition came to the breed only in the XXI century.

Starting its service to man as a shepherd dog, thanks to its behavioral characteristics, the Aussi quickly gained popularity as family pets and faithful companions. The newly bred Australians are extremely sociable, friendly and peaceful. The lack of aggressiveness allows them to get along wonderfully with pets.

Often among them there are specimens with heterochromia (eyes of different colors). The breed clearly expresses sexual dimorphism - Aussie females are smaller than males in size, more graceful and beautiful in physique.

These animals are medium sized, hardy and strong. The growth of an adult varies in the range of 45-60 cm. The weight of adult males reaches 40 kg. Type of addition harmonious:

• proportional, with a flexible and muscular body;
• paws of medium length, with rounded pads, located directly;
• puppies are born with a small tail, growing in mature individuals up to 10 cm, covered with long hair;
• stopping is usually done, and the remaining small tip of the tail is called a "bobtail";
• the head is large and slightly elongated to the nose;
• ears are triangular in shape, of medium length;
• eyes are penetrating, inquisitive, almond-shaped, bright blue, greenish or light brown in color;
• wool, with compacted undercoat, very thick;
• on the head, ears and forepaws, the hair is shorter.

It is noteworthy that the breed has an analogue - mini-Aussi. A full copy of their larger counterparts reaches a height of 30-40 cm. The weight of the miniature version is no more than 25 kg.

The miniature shepherd breeding program started in 1968. The aim of the program was to create a smaller version of the breed to simplify its maintenance in an apartment. Breeders managed to cross small dogs and get a real companion for urban conditions. The breed was registered 20 years later and was named the “North American Shepherd Dog”.

The color of the Australians is rich in a diverse range of shades and shapes of drawings. In this sense, two identical suits do not exist in dogs, each individual is absolutely unique. Nevertheless, the breed standard allows 4 types of color:

• black is the dominant color, but tricolor is allowed - spots of red, brown and light shades;
• the main color is bright red, with possible white small spots;
• the color is grayish-bluish with a silver tint (merle - blue marble), with a wonderful marble pattern of reddish and white inclusions;
• the main color is a dark red or reddish color with dark and light spots scattered throughout the body (red marble).

Devotion, sociability, kindness and cheerfulness are the main positive features of the Aussie. This universal breed is successful in the role of companion, and guard, and just a full member of the family.

A breed with a vital energy, a cheerful disposition that is practically in constant motion. Idleness is not their lot. Aussi will not sit still, waiting for something, she is always full of her dog affairs. They are extremely inquisitive and susceptible to the slightest rustle or any extraneous sound.

Dogs experience true pleasure while spending time with the owner, whether it's a morning run, a game or a bike ride. If the owner is busy, a business companion will go around his possessions, play with objects, look after the household, and check the trustees entrusted to him.

Australians are sincere and loyal to each member of the family, but only the owner will remain the center of their whole life. For Aussies, there is nothing more important than to please him and get mastery approval. To lead the owner to work and joyfully meet him after work, amusingly wagging the bobtail and faithfully looking into his eyes - there is no greater joy for the faithful dog soul of the Aussie.

The dog is really endowed with special empathic abilities for a person, accurately and instantly captures the mood of the owner, quickly adjusting to it. Together to rejoice, show a sense of solidarity - these sensual talents of Aussi delight and delight.

The qualities of responsibility, reliability and vigilance are inherent in Australians - these are born hard workers, quite capable of adequately protecting themselves and their close circle. Without a doubt, Aussies can be trusted with the safety of the home, the surrounding area. She will cope with the protection of the child, not letting him out of the yard. Moreover, he will not allow any animal to ward off the herd protected by it, be it goats, sheep or cows.

For all their emotionality and liveliness of character, animals have a stable and balanced psyche. It is not typical for them to give false alarms, to bark for no reason at any moving object. And if a dog makes a sound, then from her point of view there is a significant reason for this. With a barking bark, the Aussi will always warn the owner of the arrival of acquaintances or guests.

Often the owners themselves are amazed at the ingenuity of their pets, not realizing what to observe and “wrap themselves around the mustache” is an amazing quality characteristic of the breed. To open a pretended gate or door to sneak out for a walk is common for an Aussie. It will not be difficult for her to get to yummy by opening a nightstand or a refrigerator.

The shepherd is alert to strangers, will vigilantly watch them from a remote distance. With the owner’s friends, the dog keeps restraint but friendly, remembers them and then recognizes them.

Thinly feeling the home microclimate, the Aussies do not accept quarrels, they tend to live in peace and harmony - despondency and conflict are not in their nature. In conflicts, the dog is diplomatic, eloquently appealing to the dialogue of the parties.

She treats children with care and, one might say, reverently, like a nanny. The dog feels children of any age and will not harm the children. She allows them to pat her tail, hold her tight, without showing a shadow of irritation or discontent.

Aussie will become a funny and adventurous companion friend for fun games for school children. In the morning they will accompany them to school, and after classes they will meet and invite them to a game or for a walk.

A faithful companion, especially in sports, will be Aussies for teenagers. A hardy and strong dog will support the athlete in a long cross-country race or in a bicycle race, and will follow him on a camping trip.

Communicating with other animals at home, Aussi seems to understand that they are not competitors for her, but members of a large and friendly family. From here comes its peaceful behavior.

A Clockwork Aussie will quickly establish good contact with any non-aggressive animal, be it a dachshund or a cat. However, it is not worth keeping such a ringleader with Caucasians or Rottweilers, since these breeds are too jealous of their territory and poorly tolerate the presence of other animals in the house.

Despite the fact that Aussies by nature, dogs are not evil and will never be the first to attack, they will not evade the fight and are able to give a worthy rebuff. Such collisions are fraught with serious mutual injuries.

With cats, even neighbors, Aussies manage to communicate loyally. Warm friendly relations often arise between the dog and the owner's fluffy pet, such a couple is not averse to fooling around and relaxing, warming each other. There are unobtrusive and respectful relationships in the couple.

Aussie's cunning and acting skills are unparalleled. She does not cost anything, having dulled the owner’s vigilance, to steal from the table her favorite yummy. And then, innocently wagging his bobtail, gently suck. Therefore, the owner should be more cunning and know the psychology of the animal.

Australians are especially popular with the American Indians. Struck by a lively canine intelligence and an unusual look, the Indians revere the Aussies as a totem animal and call them ghosts ("ghost-eyed"). They are sure that Aussies are able to communicate with otherworldly images of deceased, compose songs and ballads about them.

The most revealing character and behavioral features of the Aussie are revealed during the breed's participation in the Agility competitions. Agility show is quickly gaining popularity - the native element of the breed. In any section of these competitions, a trained dog has a real chance of winning.

In the history of the breed, there are cases when an Aussie saved a person's life. So, once a well-known breeder of the breed was in trouble, falling down with his horse to the bottom of the canyon. The trouble happened tens of kilometers from the nearest ranch. For several hours, the indefatigable Strick ran continuously to bring help and help the owner out of trouble. And this help was provided thanks to a faithful friend.

There are defect complexes typical of the breed as provided by the standard. Of course, this is irrelevant for the owners, if they do not cause any physical discomfort for the pet and do not worsen the quality of his life. However, in these cases, the participation of the pet in the exhibitions will be limited. Typical disadvantages for the breed include:

• distortions of the body and the presence of stiffness in movements;
• malocclusion and jagged teeth;
• neprokras century;
• white color on the body;
• undescended testicles in males;
• aggressiveness;
• insecurity manifested in character (lowers tail, cowards, shows aggression);
• problematic health;
• deafness (often characteristic of dogs with blue eyes, due to a gene inherited with color);
• the presence of oncological diseases, a predisposition to oncology.

The Aussie breed is understandably becoming popular in our country, and therefore the correct and competent choice of a puppy is far from an idle question. A wonderful, healthy, real and sociable friend is an undoubted find for every animal lover.

Before choosing a puppy, especially a show-class dog, it is worth carefully studying the breed standard and a list of its possible defects. The consultation of an experienced pedigree dog handler will also not be superfluous, since Aussies are a rare dog for Russia, and even an experienced dog lover may miss some important aspects. Therefore, some tips for choosing a puppy will be appropriate here.

1. Dogs showing excellent characteristics by standard and disposition belong to the elite of the breed, and therefore their cost is high.
2. Initially, choose a breeder and nursery where it is better to get a baby. It is not worth buying puppies from the hands in the markets, because you can simply make a mistake with the breed and buy anything except for the Aussie.
3. It is important to carefully study the pedigree of the baby, pay attention to the health of his parents. Competent breeders are required to possess such information.
4. Puppies from the kennel are usually taken from the age of 1.5 months. The process of choosing a puppy is not easy. Take a look at the behavior, appearance and character of the candidate. The main criteria: health, lack of jaw distortion and occlusal quality, mucous membrane cleanliness, uniformity and cleanliness of the coat.
5. A puppy at this age should look well fed and vaccinated. At the age of 1.5 months, puppies are active, but quickly tire. They eat 4-5 times a day, play a lot and sleep. Healthy kids joyfully meet new people, do not hide in a corner, do not show cowardice. Usually they are curious and keep their tail high.

It is noteworthy that some time ago, domestic breeders simply gave Aussie puppies, since few people knew about the breed, there was no demand for it. Now the situation has changed dramatically, the average price of a thoroughbred puppy reaches 60 thousand rubles.

The perky and cheerful puppy quickly turns into a universal favorite. Therefore, spoiling him, causing the puppy thereby known educational damage, is very simple. Having quickly established friendly contacts with all family members, he energetically explores and sniffs all the premises of the house and yard. Showing a keen interest in everything new, the baby will surely taste some of the items. Therefore, it is better to hide valuable objects in advance from it, and in return offer various toys, including those that can be nibbled. It is better to localize the attitude of household members to a puppy, as to a toy, if you want to grow a real Aussie.

It is important to immediately teach a puppy to discipline, devoting a considerable amount of time and patience to his education. The priority teams that need to initially educate the baby are "fu" and "not." Severe punishment of a puppy for any wrongdoing is unacceptable. Often a strict reprimand is enough, the meaning of which the puppy will understand intonationally.

From an early age, the instincts of the guard erupt in puppies. So, they like to rake their game items in one place, and then desperately protect them. As a kid, an Australian with a desire to take up the protection of any small animals (chickens, rabbits, hamsters, etc.) so that it does not leave the habitat.

Aussie needs early socialization, since the instinct of protecting and safeguarding property is instilled in him with his mother’s milk. Even with the smallest threats or attempts that are similar to threats, the puppy can show daring harshness.

Taking into account its medium size, a mature dog is convenient to keep not only in a private house, but also in an apartment. By virtue of their character and temperament, they will never turn into a sofa sloth. Of course, living in a confined Aussie space will clearly not appeal to you, and therefore frequent walking of the dog is an indispensable condition for its stable health and good mood.

The best option for keeping an adult dog will be a spacious enclosure in which, feeling like a true owner, the dog can still relax and retire. A light enclosure with a booth for the size of a dog insulated for the winter is the best option for its maintenance. The entrance to the aviary should not be closed.

If the Australian is kept on a farm, then usually he himself determines his place near the barn or directly in the stable near the protected animals (conservation strategy and tactics). In these cases, the dog should be equipped with a lounger at the place of his choice and not interfere with his desire to control the situation.

The lodging version of the Aussie content involves providing appropriate physical and intellectual loading. Regular dog walking - at least 3 hours, so that good physical discharge occurs.

Particular attention should be paid to playing with the dog, puzzling her with various situations that require intellectual and physical costs. For example, to find a hidden toy or treat, bring slippers, a control panel, a magazine or a newspaper, etc. Some owners successfully use specially installed tunnels from improvised tools in training and fun with a dog. It is important to work together with the animal, Aussi will understand this and appreciate it with gratitude, answering you in this amazing creative dialogue.

If you have a constant lack of time, then it is better not to acquire this breed. In addition to problems and items disabled, you will not get anything good. A bored pet will howl, bark, without delivering any particular pleasure to its neighbors.

Careful grooming is another condition for a good pet upbringing. Aussi is a breed that requires careful and thorough care. The necessary hygiene procedures will have to devote a lot of time. Here, combing and water procedures, and cleaning the ears and eyes, and trimming the claws. In this context, the basic rules include:

• Aussie wool should be tidied at least 3 times a week;
• during periods of autumn and spring molting, the combing procedure is carried out every day using a special slicker;
• Dog swimming is usually done every 2-3 months;
• the ears are cleaned twice a week with a soft swab, eliminating dirt and sulfur;
• often the dog’s eyes begin to watery, they are examined every day, wiping with cotton moistened with a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
• the dog’s claws are checked every 30 days, cutting off the overgrown tips with forceps or a special nail clipper;
• the paws of the dog’s paws are checked immediately after walking, and if abrasions are found on them, they are treated with vegetable oil.

Aussies are molted very abundantly, during this period the entire room can be covered with wool. If the dog loses hair excessively, then this is the reason to consult a veterinarian, since excess hair during shedding indicates a deficiency of vitamins in the diet or indicates a serious illness.

Once a quarter, dogs should be dewormed and periodically treated for fleas. You should not miss annual vaccinations, as well as preventive measures. It is convenient to protect the animal from ticks with the help of a special collar or use special preparations.Disease of the dog with pyroplasmosis transmitted by arthropod insects is dangerous. Therefore, in the summer, it is necessary to inspect the pet's hair after walking.

For dogs accustomed to a mobile and active lifestyle, replenishment of energy reserves is extremely important. Aussi is a breed that is particularly in need of a high-calorie and balanced diet. Therefore, natural food is more preferable for them than industrial feed.

The menu for Aussie should include fresh or boiled low-fat meat and offal. The daily diet consists of cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal), diversify it and fresh dairy products, seafood, vegetables and fruits.

Feeding schedule - twice a day: in the morning - a light breakfast, in the evening - meat dishes. The food is seasoned with vegetable oil or fish oil, contributing to the growth of a healthy and silky coat. It is forbidden to give Aussi smoked meats, sweets, potatoes, river fish, pasta and bread.

If a dog is given dry food options, then it is necessary to choose a special option for energetic breeds.

It is extremely interesting and fascinating to educate and train Aussies, they like to study and, like a diligent student, quickly and efficiently learn new knowledge and skills. Aussie is ready to tirelessly spend time with the owner day and night, fully surrendering to the training of teams and the execution of orders.

The main commands (“sit”, “to me”, “lie” and “not to be”) are mastered by the Aussie from a small number of repetitions, once in a while, with astounding success, demonstrating newly acquired skills, barely hearing even a hint of an appropriate instruction. Orders to bring a ball or an abandoned stick are followed by an instant reaction to execution.

Aussi poorly perceives monotony and monotony, diversity and ingenuity - the key to a successful dog training. Therefore, you should not abuse the repetition of memorized orders - the dog will get bored. It is necessary to deliberately alternate teams, and to arrange game pauses between trainings (obstacle course, overcoming the tunnel, log, playing with frisbee, hoop, ball and the like).

Aussies are fully committed to completing tasks and can, overcoming pain, execute the command until it is left strength. Dislocation of the legs, trauma to the pads will not become a serious obstacle for the dog to complete the assignment of the owner. This point is important to consider during training in order to provide the dog with the necessary timely assistance.

It is important to remember that Aussi is a kind of “energizer”, and this will not suit all owners. Yes, beauty and other wonderful qualities bestowed on the dog by nature amaze and attract. However, it is necessary to take into account the minuses, which can negatively manifest themselves in the pair “dog - owner”. If the owner is by nature a homebody and an active lifestyle is alien to him, if he is a busy person living in a small apartment, then such an “energizer” will bring him nothing but a headache. In this case, complete incompatibility will be observed.

To make a mating, the animal must be absolutely healthy, without any physical and mental flaws.Otherwise, the dog is not allowed to be mated. It is better to sterilize or castrate such dogs, otherwise problems of the endocrine nature may follow.

The dog becomes mature around the age of 15-18 months, and they should be knitted from the age of two, when its body is fully formed. In bitches, the first estrus occurs at the age of 9-10 months, when it should not be left alone (uncontrolled mating is possible).

Pregnancy, as a rule, proceeds calmly, but at this time it is better to limit the female from excessive activity by slightly changing the diet - feed more often, but reduce the amount of the usual portion.

Approximately 30 days after the mating, restrictions on jumping are introduced. Outdoor games (frisbee, agility and others) are excluded from walking. Calm walks in the open air will be useful.

The dog should be protected from hypothermia. A typical gestational age is between 58 and 63 days. In the absence of proper experience, it is not worth taking birth on your own, it is better to contact a veterinarian.

The life expectancy of Aussies is from 12 to 15 years, that is, dogs live long enough, although the breed does not have good health. Like other breeds of dogs, artificially bred, Aussies are predisposed to a number of genetic and hereditary diseases.

1. Improper development (dysplasia) of the hip joints leads to dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system. Overweight and nutritional errors increase the likelihood of illness.
2. Oncological diseases.
3. Epilepsy can occur early - up to 3 years. The acquired variant of the disease progresses due to infections, metabolic disorders, various types of intoxications.
4. Deafness is a defect found at the genetic level.
5. Autoimmune diseases of nature. There is a predisposition to the occurrence of lupus, scabies, allergic manifestations. The reaction provokes the external environment.
6. Eye diseases (blindness, cataract).
7. Dermatitis, a tendency to allergies.
8. Oncological malignancies usually occurring in dogs over 7 years of age can be fatal.

Experienced owners note the extraordinary energetic charge of the breed, ingenuity and excellent protective qualities. Among the advantages are:

• fidelity;
• high intellectual development;
• fast learning;
• willingness to work independently and achieve results;
• covetousness, friendliness, love for children;
• sportiness and determination when performing tasks.

As a relatively negative quality of the breed, there is a constant need for high mental and physical stress, which in some situations becomes unnecessary. In the absence of vigorous activity, the Aussi is prone to destruction, which is especially characteristic of young dogs. Aussie's high temperament, powerful competitive potential, contribute to the tendency to conflict situations between individuals of their gender.

Australians should get experienced dog lovers, for beginners, this option is most likely doomed to failure. Two reasons correspond to such a judgment: the rapid and dynamic, like an “energizer,” breed requires an early and correct reaction of the owner to the actions of the dog; Aussi's outstanding intellectual abilities, her unquenchable desire to take a dominant position require understanding, constant control and skillful guidance of her master of her craft.

Description of the Australian Shepherd breed see in the next video.