Australian Shepherd Mix

The australian shepherd dog breed has many unique features. Check out the australian shepherd dog breed on Animal Planet's Breed Selector.

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A seven-month-old male Australian Shepherd Size [ ] The Australian Shepherd is traditionally a medium-sized breed of solid build. They can weigh from 30 to 65 pounds (14 to 29 kg) and stand from 17 to 26 inches (43 to 66 cm) in height. The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) standard calls for the Australian shepherd to stand between 18 and 23 inches (46 and 58 cm) at the withers, females being 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm) and males measuring 20 to 23 inches (51 to 58 cm); however, quality is not to be sacrificed in favor of size. Recently, Australian Shepherds have been selectively bred in favor of size to develop Miniature and Toy Aussies. The American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR) now recognizes three sizes.

The above description is considered a Standard Aussie (height 18 to 23 inches for males and females). Miniature Australian Shepherds (or Mini Aussies) stand 14 to 18 inches tall, while Toy Aussies stand between 10 to 14 inches. Variations of Australian Shepherd colors Recognized Aussie colors are solid black, solid red (liver), blue, and red/liver merle; each of these colors may also have copper (tan) points or white markings in various combinations on the face, chest, and legs.

A black or red dog with copper and white trim is called 'tricolor' or 'tri', while a black or red dog with white trim but no copper is called 'bicolor' or 'bi'. White, rather than pigment, on or around the ears is an indicator of increased risk for white-related deafness. Excessive white on the face and ears can place an individual dog at greater risk for sunburn and subsequent skin cancer. The wide variety of color combinations comes from the interaction between the color, which is either black (B) dominant or red (b) recessive, and the dominant merle allele (M). Together, these provide four coat-color aspects that can appear in any combination: • Black, with copper points, white markings, or both on the face, collar, legs, chest, underbelly - solid black dogs are equally desirable as ones with copper or white. • Red (liver) with or without copper points or white markings on the face, collar, legs, chest, underbelly - either white or copper points are required. Solid red dogs are equally desirable as ones with copper or white.

• Blue merle (a mottled patchwork of gray and black) with or without copper points or white markings on the face, collar, legs, chest, underbelly - neither white nor copper points are required. Solid merle dogs are equally desirable as ones with copper or white. • Red merle (a mottled patchwork of cream and red/liver) with or without copper points or white markings on the face, collar, legs, chest, underbelly - neither white nor copper points are required. Solid merle dogs are equally desirable as ones with copper or white.

The allele, which produces a mingled or patchwork combination of dark and light areas, is the coat pattern most commonly associated with the breed. This merle (M) is dominant, so heterozygous dogs (Mm) show the pigmentation pattern; however, when two merles are bred, the statistical risk is 25% of the offspring will end up with the two copies of the merle gene (homozygous). These dogs usually have a mostly white coat and blue irises, and are often deaf, blind, or both. In this case, the deafness and blindness are linked to having two copies of the merle gene, which disrupts pigmentation and produces these health defects. All black and blue merle dogs have black noses, eye rims, and lips. All red and red merle dogs have liver or brown noses, eye rims, and lips. Red merle with copper points and one brown eye and one blue eye, blue merle with copper points with blue eyes Also, great variety is seen in the Aussie's eye color, and they are often heterochromatic. Free Download Bain Graphics Wizard Programs To Download more.

An early nickname for the breed was 'ghost-eye dog'. Aussie eyes may be any shade of brown, or blue; they may have two differently colored eyes, or even have (for example, a half-brown, half-blue eye), which appear to be linked to the merle coloration. Merled eyes occur, as well, where one color is mixed in and swirled with another. Any combination of eye color is acceptable in the breed standard, so long as the eyes are healthy. In general, however, black Aussies (self, bi-color, or tri-color) tend to have brown eyes, while red (self, bi-color, or tri-color) Aussies tend to have amber eyes, though these Aussies may also carry the blue-eyed gene.

Tail [ ] Although some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed or partially bobbed (stubby) tails, the majority are born with full, long tails. Breeders have historically docked the tails when the puppies are born. Working dogs' tails has become a tradition with the goal of preventing injury.

It can also be seen as a way to increase speed and improve hygiene (the Aussie's long-haired tail can become easily matted and soiled). In the United States and Canada, the standard calls for a natural bob or docked tail not to exceed four inches as a defining characteristic; however, some long-tailed examples have been successfully shown and been given recognition. Any natural tail length is permitted when showing in Europe, where docking has been banned in most countries, including the United Kingdom. Temperament [ ]. Tri-color puppy The breed is typically highly energetic, requiring a great deal of exercise and attention. An Australian Shepherd enjoys working, whether it is learning and practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or engaging in any other physically and mentally involving activity. Dogs may show reserved and cautious guarding behaviors.

They are kind, loving, and devoted to those they know. They are very loyal to their owners, and are rewarding dogs if treated well. Because the breed was developed to serve on the ranch, a job which includes being protective of its property, it is inclined to bark warnings about neighborhood activity. It is not inclined toward obsessive barking. The Aussie is intelligent, learns quickly, and loves to play. This means that a bored, neglected, unexercised Aussie may invent its own games, activities, and jobs, which to a busy owner might appear to be hyperactivity: for example, an Aussie may go from being at rest to running at top speed for several 'laps' around the house before returning to rest. Without something to amuse them, Aussies can become destructive.

Aussies also do best with plenty of human companionship: they are often called 'Velcro dogs' for their strong desire to always be near their owners and for their tendency to form intense, devoted bonds with select people. The Australian Shepherd has a reputation as a highly intelligent and versatile stock dog with a range of working styles.

A good working Aussie is quick, thoughtful, and easy with its stock. The ability for the breed to adapt to the situation and to think for itself makes it an excellent all-around worker. For this reason, the Aussie is often chosen to work unusual livestock such as ducks, geese, and commercially raised rabbits. These dogs require a minimum of two to three hours a day of play, exercise, and attention. They thrive in rural, ranch-like conditions, and need space to run and play in an urban setting.

The Australian Shepherd is a high-spirited dog, that requires much attention and work. Teaching them tricks keeps them focused and happy, which also keeps their minds working.

The breed also has great stamina and can live in a variety of terrain. Because of this, they are popularly used as trail and working dogs. Health [ ] Australian Shepherds can have several health issues. Vision problems are common, and epilepsy is also a concern. In merle-to-merle breeding, the puppies that have inherited two copies of the merle gene have an increased risk of being born blind and/or deaf.

Feeding [ ] The recommended amount of food an Australian Shepherd should eat is 1-1/2 to 2 cups of dry food a day, But size, exercise level, and age should be considered. With proper diet and exercise, the Australian Shepherd can stay in good shape. Grooming [ ] Australian Shepherds have a medium-length, water-resistant coat. With the coat being somewhat long and wavy or curly, this breed does shed, mostly in the spring to get rid of the winter coat. The shepherd should be brushed weekly to maintain a healthy and clean coat and also to prevent matting. With being a 'working dog', this breed should be outside to get its needed exercise. If a dog is dirty, a basic bath can be given, but not frequently, for it can dry out the skin and coat.

Mortality [ ] The median lifespans for breeds similar in size to Australian Shepherds are mostly between 11 and 13 years, so, assuming the results of the UK study are not representative of the population there, Aussies appear to have a typical lifespan for a breed their size. Leading causes of death in the UK survey were cancer (32%), 'combinations' (18%), and old age (14%). Results of a 1998 internet survey with a sample size of 614 Australian Shepherds indicated a median longevity around 12.5 years, but that longevity may be declining.

A 2004 UK survey found a median longevity of 9 years, with a sample size of 22 deceased dogs. Morbidity [ ] Based on a sample of 48 still-living dogs, the most common health concerns noted by owners were eye problems (red eye, epiphora, conjunctivitis, and cataracts).

Dermatological and respiratory problems also ranked high. (CEA) is rare in the breed, but it and are a concern in Aussies.

Other conditions of note include iris coloboma,, Pelger-Huet anomaly,, and nasal solar dermatitis. Prior to breeding, the Aussie should be checked for hip and elbow dysplasia and DNA tests performed to show the dog to be free of the MDR1 mutation, cataract mutation, and CEA. Tests should also include those for thyroidism and clearances for other known eye diseases like colobomas, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal folds. Some Australian Shepherds (as well as,, and many other herding dogs) are susceptible to a genetic mutation of the MDR1 gene. Dogs with the mutation can suffer toxicity from antiparasitics such as ivermectin in high doses, and other drugs.

A test is available to determine if a particular dog carries the mutated gene. Hip dysplasia [ ] Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition where the femur does not fit securely in the pelvic socket of the hip joint.

This problem can exist with or without clinical signs, meaning some dogs feel pain in one or both rear legs. Double merle [ ]. An example of an abnormal eye of a double merle, 'lethal white', Australian Shepherd: The abnormally small left eye is known as, and the pupil shows signs of which is dropped, not centered. Double merle or homozygous merle occurs when the offspring of two merled parents inherit two copies of the dominant merle gene.

The odds of this are 25% for each pup born from such a litter. Double merles often have excessive white and can have hearing and vision problems as a result of having two copies of the merle gene. Homozygous merles can be deaf or blind, or express iris colobomas and microphthalmia. Not all homozygous merles are affected, but most are, making the breeding of two merles a very touchy subject. Some breeders euthanize mostly white pups, while others may attempt to sell them as 'rare' white Aussies without disclosing the potential for health defects. A large percentage of homozygous merles sold eventually end up in rescue and shelters, as the average family is ill-prepared to take on a deaf or blind pet.

However, deaf or blind Australian shepherds can make wonderful pets given a home prepared for their special needs. They are an intelligent breed, which generally learn hand signals with ease. The term 'lethal white' originated from horses born with, and has since evolved to often describe dogs born with the double merle trait. This trait is found in many breeds, but most commonly found in Australian Shepherds. The name 'lethal white' is a misnomer, as this genetic condition is not lethal to the dogs; it is often the breeder who is lethal to the pups by them immediately after birth. Many consider the term 'lethal white' to be derogatory. Available health tests [ ] Many diagnostic tests are available for concerned Aussie owners to check the overall health of a dog.

Also, the (OFA) has an extensive database to track results and provide statistics for these concerns: hips, elbows, heart, patellar luxation (knees), and thyroid (autoimmune) disease. The OFA database also includes the results for eye exams performed by a Canine Eye Registration Foundation veterinarian, but only if the owner of the Aussie submits the results. This database is a great resource to investigate the lineage and related health of the progenitors of some dogs, at least regarding hip ratings. Many tests have been developed by, or are processed at, laboratories to check for the 11 health concerns that plague the Australian Shepherd breed. Some of those labs are Optigen, Animal Health Trust, Endocrine Diagnostic Center, Animal Health Laboratory, Washington State University Veterinary Clinic, Vet DNA Center, and HealthGene. These labs might perform one or many of the tests that have been developed. An Australian shepherd from working lines; early breeders chose dogs for their abilities rather than conformation.

The Australian Shepherd was a particularly tireless sheep herder in the Rocky Mountains because it is relatively unaffected by altitude. Ranchers in Boulder, Colorado, began breeding the dogs which would attract purchasers from as far west as California for their legendary sheep-herding abilities. A theory suggests that they were named for the imported sheep that they herded. It is also possible that many of the dogs coming from Australia were blue merle and the adjective 'Australian' became associated with any dogs of that coat color. Breeds as we know them today did not exist before, but local variations of the ancestors of current breeds came into America along with their owners and livestock. Included are some that are now extinct or that have merged into other breeds.

These may have included some British herding dogs, native dogs from North America (originating in Asia/Siberia), as well as dogs from and Spain including the. For many centuries, were more interested in dogs' working abilities than their appearance. As a result, over time, shepherds interbred dogs that they believed would produce better workers for the given climate and landscape.

In the eastern U.S., and weather conditions were similar to that of Europe, so the existing imported breeds and their offspring worked well there. In the, conditions were quite different. Spanish flocks were introduced for food and fiber which was mainly the.

The Spanish dogs that accompanied them to American West proved well-suited for their job in the wild and dangerous territory. They were highly valued for their ability to herd and protect their charges from predators on the open range. In the and semiarid areas inhabited by early Spanish settlers, temperatures reached extremes of hot and cold and fields varied in altitude from sea level to the higher, rougher and similar mountain ranges. The ranchers in these areas often pastured livestock on remote ranges. They preferred more aggressive herding dogs that served in the capacity of herder and guardian.

Filmdog Coffey which plays Timmy the dog in the film on the Recent history [ ] Development of the breed began in the American West. The breed's foundation bloodlines are depicted in the Australian Shepherd Genealogy Chart showing the relationship between the early families of dogs. The (AKC) ranked the Australian Shepherd as the 17th-most popular breed in the United States in 2016. For many generations focused on aspects of the dog that enabled it to function as an effective stockdog in the American West. It had to handle severe weather; have plenty of speed, athleticism, energy, and endurance; and be intelligent, flexible, and independent; while remaining obedient. The actual foundation for the Australian Shepherd was established between the 1940s and the early 1970s, when the Australian Shepherd Club of America was formed and the registry was started. Their stunts and skills earned them places in several films, including Run Appaloosa Run and Stub: The Greatest Cowdog in the West.

An Australian shepherd was featured in the film (1986) and the TV series (1996). More recently, an Australian Shepherd starred in the film (2012) and its sequels. A blue merle in a competition Like other, these dogs excel at many, especially,,, and. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive instinct tests. Aussies that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in ASCA stock dog trials or AKC herding events. The dog has a stride in which its front and back legs cross over, making for an appearance of 'on the edge' speed. The dogs instinctively use a 'pounce' position to deal with cattle trying to kick them.

They also have strong hips and legs, allowing for fast acceleration and high jumping, sometimes as high as 4 ft (1.3 m). Australian Shepherd catching a frisbee An Australian shepherd named Pockets is credited as being the oldest dog to earn a title in AKC history, having earned the Rally Novice title at the age of 15 years, 5 weeks. Miscellaneous [ ] The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was founded in 1957 to promote the breed.

The National Stock Dog Registry became its official breed registry, which continued until ASCA took over in 1972. In 1975, ASCA created a, describing exactly how an Australian shepherd should look and be constructed (its conformation to the Standard). It developed more uniformity in the breed and standardized the type. In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the primary registry for purebred dogs, and first recognized the Australian Shepherd in 1991 as a member of the Herding group. However, many Aussie breeders felt the AKC put too much emphasis on breed conformity and not enough on performance, so the ASCA declined to join the AKC. Those breeders who felt that AKC membership had its advantages split off from ASCA to form their own Australian Shepherd club, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, created their own breed standard, and joined the AKC in 1993. The decision about affiliation with the AKC remains controversial, as it does with many performance breeds.

The (FCI-World Canine Organization) recognized the Australian Shepherd for international competition in 2007, in Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs as breed number 342. The was developed by breeders looking for smaller dogs ranging in size from 14 inches to the Aussie standard. In 2010, NAMASCUSA renamed the breed Miniature American Shepherds and subsequently changed their name to MASCUSA, The Miniature American Shepherd Club of the USA. This new breed gained acceptance into the AKC Miscellaneous class in June 2012 with the sizes written in the standard as females from 13–17 inches and males from 14–18 inches. In addition, an emergence of an even smaller version occurred, referred to as the Toy Australian Shepherd, with adult males weighing 12–15 pounds (5.5–7 kg) and all dogs falling under a 14-inch height at the withers. Many breeders and owners of Australian Shepherds consider the Mini and Toy to be separate breeds; others consider them to be down-sized versions of the same breed. While the Mini size can be attained through selective breeding of small Australian Shepherds, the Toy size is typically a result of cross breeding with other toy breeds.

ASCA and AKC consider both variants to be separate breeds. See also [ ] • • • References [ ].

Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. January 15, 1977.

Retrieved April 3, 2011. • United States Australian Shepherd Association.. American Kennel Club.

Retrieved April 3, 2011. November 2008. Retrieved April 3, 2011. • Josh Dean..

Parker, Anna V. Kukekova, Dayna T.

Akey, Orly Goldstein, Ewen F. Kirkness, Kathleen C. Baysac, Dana S. Mosher, Gustavo D. Aguirre, Gregory M. Acland, & Elaine A. Ostrander, 'Breed relationships facilitate fine-mapping studies: A 7.8-kb deletion cosegregates with Collie eye anomaly across multiple dog breeds', Genome Research 2007 vol.

11 (Nov.), pp. • ^, 'The American Kennel Club', retrieved 19 May 2014 •. • Zentz, Alan.. Retrieved 2017-11-13. • ^ Coile, D. Caroline (1999). 'History of the Australian Shepherd'.

Australian Shepherds. Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. Retrieved April 3, 2011. Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. Retrieved April 3, 2011.

Retrieved 2017-11-13. Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. Retrieved April 3, 2011. Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. Retrieved April 3, 2011. Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. Retrieved April 3, 2011.

Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. Retrieved April 3, 2011.

Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. Retrieved April 3, 2011. Retrieved 2016-05-11. Retrieved 2016-05-12. Compiled by K. Retrieved July 5, 2007 •, Breed Data page. Compiled by K.

Retrieved July 8, 2007 • ^. Purebred Dog Health Survey. Retrieved July 5, 2007 •. Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. Retrieved April 3, 2011. Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, Inc. Archived from on December 13, 2007. Architekt Pro 6 Crack on this page.

Retrieved April 3, 2011. Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

December 8, 2010. From the original on 14 May 2011. Retrieved April 3, 2011. Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. January 19, 2011. From the original on 29 April 2011. Retrieved April 3, 2011.

Retrieved 2016-05-12. Retrieved 24 April 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2013.

Retrieved 13 January 2013. • The Australian Shepherd was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, California Shepherd, and Austrian Shepherd. Las Rocosa Australian Shepherds. Retrieved April 3, 2011. Official Breed Club Site. Las Rocosa Australian Shepherds.

Retrieved April 3, 2011. Las Rocosa Australian Shepherds. Retrieved April 3, 2011. • Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy (1986). All About Aussies. Alpine Publishing..

Las Rocosa Australian Shepherds bob. Retrieved April 3, 2011. •, The American Kennel Club, retrieved 30 April 2016 • Hartnagle, Carol Ann, Ernest (2006). The Total Australian Shepherd:Beyond the Beginning. Hoflin Publishing..

• Hartnagle, Joseph (1990). Australian Shepherds. • Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy; Taylor, Ty (2010). Stockdog Savvy. Alpine Publications.. • Thompson, Sally (November 10, 2005).. Minnesota Local News.

Sun Newspapers. Retrieved April 3, 2011. Las Rocosa Australian Shepherds. Retrieved April 3, 2011.

Further reading [ ] • Hartnagle, Carol Ann; Hartnagle, Ernest (2006). Total Australian Shepherd: Beyond the Beginning. Hoflin Publishing.. • Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy (2005). All About Aussies. Alpine Publishing..

• Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy; Taylor, Ty (2010). Stockdog Savvy. Alpine Publications.. • Cunliffe, Juliette (2004). The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Parragon Publishing. • Fogle, Bruce (2000).

The New Encyclopedia of the Dog. Dorling Kindersley (DK). • Renna, Christine Hartnagle (2000). Herding Dogs: Selection and Training the Working Farm Dog.

Kennel Club Books.. External links [ ] Wikimedia Commons has media related to. • at Curlie (based on ) – An active listing of Australian Shepherd links.