Major concerns: Cataracts- blocks light in eye Iris, Coloboma- missing area of the eye’s iris, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)- open pits in the eye, Canine Hip Dysplasia- femur does not properly fit in pelvic socket, Multidrug Resistance 1 gene mutation (MDR1)- sensitive to some drugs, Immune Mediated Hemolytic
Anemia (IMHA)- low blood count
Lifespan: 12 years – 18 years
Avg Size of Female: 30.86 pound (14 kg) – 63.93 pound (29 kg) Height: 18.11 inch (46 cm) – 20.87 inch (53 cm)
Occasionally seen: Epilepsy seizures, Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)- painful elbow and shoulder joints, Lumbar Sacral Syndrome- spinal problem, Nasal Solar Dermatitis- autoimmune disease affecting the outer nose, Pelger-Huet Syndrome- abnormal white blood cell development, kills unborn and newborn puppies, Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)- blood clotting disorder, Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)- heart defect, Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM)- tendrils of membrane extending across the eye’s pupil, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)- eye disease that causes blindness
Avg Size of Male: 50.71 pound (23 kg) – 63.93 pound (29 kg) Height: 20.08 inch (51 cm) – 22.83 inch (58 cm)
Brief History on Australian Shepherd Origin
The Australian Shepherd was used primarily as a sheep herder in the Rocky Mountains because it is relatively unaffected by altitude. Ranchers in Boulder, Colorado, began breeding these dogs which would attract purchasers from as far west as California for their legendary sheep-herding capabilities. One theory suggests that they were named for the imported sheep that they herded. Another theory suggests that many of the dogs coming from Australia were blue merle and the adjective “Australian” became associated with the dogs of that color. Breeds as we know them today did not exist before Victorian times, 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, as well as dogs from Germany and Spain including the Carea Leonés.
Australian Shepherd Breed Appearance
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed of solid build. Aussie colors are black, red, blue merle, and red merle; each of these colors may also have copper points or white markings in various combinations on the face, chest, or legs. A black or red dog with copper and white trim is called ‘tricolor’ or ‘tri’, 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 deafness. Excessive white on the face and ears can place the dog at greater risk for sunburn and skin cancer.
Australian Shepherd Breed Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is typically highly energetic, requiring a great deal of exercise and attention to be happy and healthy. This breed is meant to be a working dog, whether it is learning and practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or engaging in any other physically or mentally engaging activity. The Aussie is very intelligent, loves to play and learns quickly. This means that a bored or unexercised Australian Shepherd may begin to create its own games, activities, and jobs to keep itself busy. To a busy owner, this behavior 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. Since 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 strangers or other disturbances around the neighborhood. It is not known for obsessive barking.
Australian Shepherd Breed Maintenance
The recommended amount of food an Australian Shepherd should eat is 1-1/2 to 2 cups of dry food a day. Although the general size, exercise level, and age should be considered while feeding. With proper diet and exercise, the Australian Shepherd can stay in good shape. The breed has a medium-length, water-resistant coat. With the coat being somewhat long and wavy or curly they do shed, mostly in the spring to get rid of the winter coat. The Aussie should be brushed two or three times a week to maintain a healthy and clean coat and also to prevent matting. If your dog is dirty, a basic bath can be given. It is important to note that they should not be bathed frequently, because that will strip the skin of important oils.
via Whisker Therapy