Australian Shepherd: breed description, colors, character and content

Flying swings and fiery dances, running dogs with a sick leg simulation, high jumping rope, jumping on their hind legs through barriers, a balance weight on a horizontal cane - all these are tricks that the famous Jay Sisler taught his favorite Australian Sheepdog (Aussie). With the participation of this particular cautery movie star, a number of films were filmed, which delighted the public We are familiar with Aussie characters from Walt Disney films.

The characteristics of this wonderful breed testify to the many advantages of the Australian Shepherd, but the most important of them are unusual acumen 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 search for the most effective breed of herding dogs.

The progenitors of the Aussies appeared in America along with immigrants who came from Spain and France. At that time, a significant number of different breeds of herding dogs were brought to the continent, some of which marked the beginning of new breeds.

The nature of the west of America is unlike the European, it is characterized by arid areas with significant differences in altitudes and temperatures. Therefore, the shepherds needed hardy and unpretentious four-legged helpers who were able to properly manage and reliably guard herds of sheep and other livestock.

The main criteria for breeders and farmers engaged in cattle breeding were the performance, endurance, acumen and physical strength of the new breed. The choice of breeds for breeding such a dog seemed wide enough, since the development of the New World was accompanied by its intensive settlement of herders from many regions of the world, including from Australia.

In the course of a thorough study of the issue breeders selected for breeding the best representatives of Basque herding dogs (introduced by the Spaniards from Australia), Pyrenean shepherd dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Collie. In the course of hard and painstaking work, the specialists managed to breed a completely new breed meeting all the required criteria, which they called the Australian Shepherd or Aussie.

The result of breeding turned out to be so successful that these super-energetic animals began to be used not only on pastures, but also in rodeo performances, where easily trained aussies used to tread on the audience with unusual and complicated tricks. Animals were actively used as messengers during the war.

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

Starting his service to a man as a shepherd dog, thanks to his behavioral characteristics, the AUsi quickly gained popularity as family pets and faithful companions. The newly withdrawn Australians are extremely sociable, friendly and peaceful. Lack of aggressiveness allows them to get along well with pets.

Often among them there are instances with heterochromia (eyes of different colors). The breed is clearly expressed sexual dimorphism - bitches Aussie smaller males in size, more graceful and beautiful in physique.

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

• proportional, with a flexible and muscular body;
• legs of medium length, with rounded pads, are located straight;
• puppies are born with a small tail, growing in mature individuals up to 10 cm, covered with long hair;
• docking is usually done, and the remaining small tip of the tail is called the "bobtail";
• head large and slightly elongated to the nose;
• triangular shaped ears, medium length;
• eyes piercing, inquisitive, almond-shaped, bright blue, greenish or light brown;
• coat, 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-Aussies. A full copy of its larger counterparts reaches a height of 30-40 cm. The weight of the miniature version is no more than 25 kg.

The program of breeding miniature shepherd dogs started in 1968. The goal of the program was to create a smaller version of the breed to simplify its maintenance in terms of an apartment. Breeders managed to cross small dogs and get a real companion for urban conditions. Breed was registered in 20 years and received the name "North American Sheepdog".

Color Australians rich variety of colors and shapes of patterns. In this sense, two identical colors in dogs do not exist, each individual is absolutely unique. Nevertheless, the breed standard allows 4 types of color:

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

Devotion, sociability, kindness and cheerfulness are the main positive features of Aussies. This universal breed is successful both in the role of a companion, and a security guard, and simply a full-fledged family member.

Breed with spouting key of vital energy, cheerful disposition, which is practically in constant motion. Idleness is not their destiny. Aussie will not sit on the ground, waiting for something, she is always full of her dog works. They are extremely inquisitive and receptive to the slightest rustle or any other sound.

Dogs enjoy real pleasure, spending time with the owner, whether it is morning jogging, playing or walking on a bicycle. If the owner is busy, a business-like companion will go around his possessions, play with objects, look after the household, check the charges entrusted to him.

Australians are sincere and loyal to each family member, but only the owner will remain the center of their life. For an Aussie, there is nothing more important than to please him and get a master's approval. Having a host to work and joyfully meeting him after work, wagging comfortably with a bobtail and faithfully looking into his eyes - there is no greater joy for the faithful Aussie dog soul.

The dog is really endowed with special empathic abilities to the person, accurately and instantly picks up the master's mood, quickly adjusting to it. Together, rejoice, show a sense of solidarity - these sensual talents of the Aussies delight and delight.

Australians are inherent in the quality of responsibility, reliability and vigilance - they are born-born hard workers who are fully capable of adequately protecting themselves and their close circle. Without a doubt, an Aussie can be trusted with the safety of the home surrounding the territory.She will cope with the protection of the child, not letting him out of the yard. Moreover, it will not allow any animal to repulse the herd protected by it, be it goats, sheep or cows.

With all their emotionality and liveliness of character, animals possess a stable and balanced psyche. They do not tend to give false alarm signals, barking for no reason at any moving object. And if the dog makes a sound, then this is, from its point of view, a significant reason. With a bark of barking, an Aussie will always alert the host of the arrival of friends or guests.

Often, the owners themselves are amazed at the ingenuity of their pets, not realizing that watching and “winding themselves on the whisker” is an amazing quality characteristic of the breed. To open a pretended gate or door to sneak off for a walk is a common thing for an Aussie. It will not be difficult for her to get to the yummy by opening the nightstand or refrigerator.

To strangers, the shepherd is set up wary, it will be vigilant to watch them from a distance. With the owner's friends, the dog keeps a low profile, but friendly, remembers them and then finds out.

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

He treats children with care and, one may say, tenderly, like a nurse. The dog feels children of any age and will not harm children. She allows them to pat her tail, press her tightly, without showing a shadow of irritation or discontent.

Aussie will be a funny and adventurous companion friend in funny games for children of school age. In the morning they will escort them to school, and after class they will meet and invite them for a game or a walk.

Aussie will also be an aussie for adolescents, especially in sports. The hardy and strong dog will support the athlete in a long cross-country race or in a bicycle race, he will follow him to the hike.

Communicating at home with other animals, the Aussie seems to understand that they are not competitors for her, but members of a large and friendly family. This is where her peaceful behavior comes from.

The Aussie clockwork will quickly establish good contact with any non-aggressive animal, be it a dachshund or a cat. However, it’s not worth keeping such a keeper with Caucasians or Rottweilers, because these breeds are too jealous of their territory and do not tolerate the presence of other animals in the house.

Despite the fact that an aussie is not angry by nature and will never be the first to attack, they will not shy away from a fight and will be able to give a fitting 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 furry pet, such a couple are not averse to fooling around for a couple and relax, warming each other. In a couple there are unobtrusive and respectful relationships.

The cunning and acting skills of an Aussie are unparalleled. It costs nothing, dulling the vigilance of the owner, to pull off from the table in advance its favorite yummy. And then, innocently wagging your bobtail, gently lick it. Therefore, the owner should be smarter and well know the psychology of the animal.

Australians are especially popular with American Indians. Fought by a living dog intelligence and an unusual look, Indians worship Aussies as a totem animal and call them ghosts ("ghost-eyed"). They are sure that Aussies are able to communicate with otherworldly images of those who have died, compose songs and ballads about them.

The most significant character and behavioral characteristics of an Aussie are revealed during the breed's participation in Agility competitions. The agility show, which is rapidly gaining popularity, is the native element of the breed. In any section of this competition, 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 famous breed breeder was in trouble, having fallen down with his horse on the bottom of a canyon. The trouble happened tens of kilometers from the nearest ranch. For several hours, tireless Strick ran continuously to bring help and help his host out of trouble. And this assistance was provided by a dedicated friend.

There are typical for the breed complexes of defects provided by the standard. Of course, for the owners it is irrelevant, if they do not cause any physical discomfort for the pet and do not degrade its quality of life. However, in these cases, the pet's participation in exhibitions will be limited. The typical disadvantages for the breed include:

• distortions of the body and the presence of constraint in the movements;
• wrong bite and uneven teeth;
• neprokras age;
• white color on the body;
• undescended testicles in males;
• aggressiveness;
• insecurity, manifested in the character (lowers the tail, coward, shows aggression);
• problematic health;
• deafness (often characteristic of dogs with blue eyes, due to a gene that is inherited along with color);
• the presence of diseases of oncological nature, predisposition to oncology.

The breed Aussie is understandably becoming popular in our country, and therefore the correct and competent puppy choice is a far from 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, you should carefully study the breed standard and a list of its possible defects. Consultation with an experienced breed dog trainer will also not be superfluous, since an Aussie is a rare dog for Russia, and even a long-time dogman may miss some important aspects. Therefore, a few tips on choosing a puppy will be appropriate here.

1. Dogs, showing excellent characteristics according to the standard and the like, belong to the elite of the breed, and therefore their value is high.
2. Initially, choose a breeder and nursery, where it is better to buy a baby. Buying puppies from the hands of the markets is not worth it, because you can simply make a mistake with the breed and buy anything other than an Aussie.
3. It is important to carefully study the pedigree of the baby, pay attention to the health of his parents. Competent breeders must possess such information.
4. Puppies from the nursery are usually taken at the age of 1.5 months. The process of choosing a puppy is not easy. Look at the behavior, appearance and character of the candidate. The main criteria are health, the absence of jaw distortions and the quality of the bite, the purity of the mucous membranes, the uniformity and purity of the coat of wool.
5. A puppy at this age should look plump and be vaccinated. At the age of 1.5 months puppies are active, but quickly tired. They eat 4-5 times a day, play a lot and sleep. Healthy kids happily meet new people, do not hide in a corner, do not show cowardice. Usually they are inquisitive and hold their tail high.

It is noteworthy that some time ago, domestic breeders just gave Aussie puppies, because very few people knew about the breed, there was no demand for it. Now the situation has changed dramatically, the average price of a pedigree puppy comes to 60 thousand rubles.

Perky and funny puppy quickly turns into a universal pet. Therefore, it is very easy to pamper him, causing the puppy thereby renowned educational damage. Having quickly established friendly contacts with all members of the family, he will energetically study and sniff all the rooms in the house and yard. Showing a keen interest in everything new, the baby will surely taste some items. Therefore, it is better to hide valuable objects in advance away from him, and in return, suggest different toys, including those that can be nibbled. It is better to localize the ratio of households to a puppy as a toy, if you want to grow a real Aussie.

It is important to immediately teach the puppy to discipline, giving his education a considerable amount of time and patience. The priority teams that need to initially educate the baby are “fu” and “impossible.” Tough punishment of a puppy for any offenses is unacceptable. Often quite enough strict reprimand, the meaning of which the puppy will understand intonation.

From an early age, guardian instincts erupt in puppies. So, they love to rake up their game items in one place, and then they desperately protect them. While still a baby, an Australian with a desire to take to protect any small living creatures (chickens, rabbits, hamsters, etc.), so that she did not retire from the habitat.

Aussie needs early socialization, because the instinct of protecting and protecting property is grafted in it with mother's milk. Even with the smallest of threats or attempts that are similar to threats, a puppy can show bold sharpness.

Mature dog, taking into account its medium size, it is convenient to keep not only in a private house, but also in an apartment. They will never turn into a sofa sloth because of their character and temperament. Of course, life in the limited space of an Aussie will obviously not be to your liking, and therefore frequent dog walking is an indispensable condition for its stable health and good mood.

The best option for keeping an adult dog will be a spacious aviary, in which, feeling like a true owner, the dog will still be able to relax and retire. A bright open-air cage with a booth to the size of a dog that is insulated for the winter is the best option for keeping it. The entrance to the aviary should not be closed.

If an Australian is kept on a farm, then he usually determines his own place near the shed or directly in the barn near the protected animals (security strategy and tactics). In these cases, the dog should be built in the place chosen by her for a sunbed and should not be discouraged by her desire to control the situation.

The flat version of the content of the Aussie involves the provision of appropriate physical and intellectual loading. Regular walking of the dog - at least 3 hours for a good physical discharge.

Special attention should be paid to the games with the dog, puzzling it 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 the similarity of tunnels in trainings and dog games.It is important to work together with the animal, the Aussie will understand this and appreciate it gratefully, responding to you in this amazing creative dialogue.

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

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

• Aussie wool should be put in order at least 3 times a week;
• during the periods of autumn and spring molting, the procedure of combing is carried out every day using a special pochoderca;
• Bathing the dog is usually done every 2-3 months;
• ears are cleaned twice a week with a soft tampon, eliminating dirt and sulfur;
• often the eyes of the dog begin to water, they are inspected every day, rubbed with cotton wool dipped in a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
• dog's claws are checked every 30 days, cutting the regrown tips with forceps or a special nail clipper;
• The paws of dog paws are checked immediately after walking, and when they are found to have abrasions, they are treated with vegetable oil.

Aussies are molded extremely abundantly, during this period the whole room may be covered with wool. If the dog loses hair excessively, then this is a reason to turn to a veterinarian, since an excess of wool during shedding indicates a deficiency of vitamins in the diet or indicates a serious illness.

Once a quarter, de-worming dogs should be carried out and periodically treated for fleas. We should not miss and annual vaccinations, as well as preventive measures. It is convenient to protect the animal from ticks with a special collar or to use special preparations. Dangerous dog disease piroplasmosis tolerated by arthropod insects. Therefore, in the summer, it is necessary to inspect the pet's fur after walking.

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

The menu for the AUD should include fresh or boiled lean meat and offal. The daily diet consists of cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal), diversify it with fresh dairy products, seafood, vegetables and fruits.

Feeding regime - 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 healthy and silky hair. It is forbidden to give Aussies smoked meats, sweets, potatoes, river fish, pasta and bread.

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

To educate and train Aussies is extremely interesting and exciting, they love to learn and, like a diligent student, quickly and efficiently learn new knowledge and skills. Aussi is ready to spend time indefatigably, day and night, with the master, fully devoting herself to teaching commands and carrying out orders.

The main teams (“sit”, “come to me”, “lie down” and “cannot”) Aussie learns from a small number of repetitions, from time to time, with amazing success, demonstrating just acquired skills, barely having heard even a hint to the corresponding indication. Behind orders to bring the ball or an abandoned stick is followed by an instant reaction to the execution.

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

Aussies completely surrender to the fulfillment of tasks and can, overcoming painful sensations, execute the command until it is abandoned. Dislocation of the legs, trauma pads will not be a serious obstacle for the dog to perform the tasks of the owner. This moment is important to consider in the course of training in order to provide the dog with the necessary timely assistance.

It is important to remember that an Aussie is a kind of “energizer”, and not all owners are satisfied with this. Yes, the beauty and other wonderful qualities bestowed on the dog by nature amaze and attract. However, it is necessary to take into account the disadvantages that may appear negatively in the pair “dog - owner”. If the owner is a homebody by nature and an active lifestyle is alien to him, if he is a busy person living in a small apartment, then such an "energy manager" will bring him nothing but a headache. In this case, there will be a complete incompatibility.

In order to perform a mating, the animal must be completely healthy, without any physical and mental defects. Otherwise, the dog is not allowed to mate. It is better to sterilize or castrate such dogs, otherwise endocrine-related problems may follow.

The dog becomes mature to about 15-18 months, and they should be knit from the age of two, when her body is fully formed. In bitches, the first estrus occurs at the age of 9-10 months, when you should not leave it 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, slightly changing the diet - feed more often, but reduce the volume of the normal portion.

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

The dog should be protected from hypothermia. The typical duration of pregnancy ranges from 58 to 63 days. In the absence of proper experience it is not necessary to take delivery yourself, it is better to contact a veterinarian.

The life span of an Aussie 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, bred artificially, Aussies have a predisposition to the emergence of 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 version of the disease progresses due to infections, metabolic disorders, various kinds of intoxication.
4. Deafness is a genetic defect.
5. Diseases of the autoimmune nature. There is a predisposition to the occurrence of lupus, scabies, allergic manifestations.The reaction provokes the external environment.
6. Eye disease (blindness, cataracts).
7. Dermatitis, a tendency to allergies.
8. Oncological malignant manifestations, usually occurring at the age of dogs over 7 years old, can be fatal.

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

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

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

Australians should start experienced dog lovers, for beginners, this option is most likely doomed to failure. There are two reasons for this judgment: a fast-moving and dynamic, like an “energizer” breed requires an early and correct host reaction to the actions of the dog; Aussie's outstanding intellectual abilities, her undying desire to occupy a dominant position imply an understanding, constant control and skillful leadership of her master of her craft.

Description of the breed of the Australian Shepherd, see the following video.