Australian Shepherds
History
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is an American breed. In the late 1800's and early 1900's the forerunners of today's "Aussie's" came to the western and northwestern states as stock dogs for the Basque shepherds that accompanied the vast numbers of sheep then being imported from Australia. These hard working, medium-sized, "little blue dogs" impressed the American ranchers and farmers and began using them as well. Breeding was done for working ability rather than appearance, and occasionally dogs of other herding breeds were bred into the lines. However, today's Aussie still resembles the dogs that came from Europe via Australia, and great numbers of Aussie's are still working stock on ranches and farms in the United States and beyond.
Personality & Character
Those of us who love Aussie's can't imagine a more perfect breed of dog. Unfortunately, the very characteristics we value in these dogs make them unsuitable for some homes and owners. Consider carefully if your lifestyle can accommodate the exuberance of a typical Aussie.
The Australian Shepherd was developed to be a moderate-sized, intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and endurance. Many Aussie's today still do the work they were bred for, and even those that have never seen sheep or cattle usually have a strong herding instinct. This means that Aussie's need fenced yards and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children, and traffic will get them into trouble if not managed.
Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussie's are not content to be couch potatoes, although Aussie's have individual characters and some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the most part, however, these are high-energy dogs that need a purpose in their lives, a job as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time and attention they require through play and training, for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors, such as digging and chewing, running, jumping, and rough-housing.
The great intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and control livestock, can be detrimental when left untrained and unused. Aussie's are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Obedience training is highly recommended. Aussie's learn very quickly, and are very adaptable to many different situations and lifestyles, but it is important that you are willing to keep your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to benefit both mind and body.
Although many Aussie's are friendly with everyone, the Australian Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved and cautious around strangers. With Aussie's of this nature, owners should encourage the dog to meet people but not force encounters. Aussie's are often quite protective of their family and property, a desirable trait in some situations but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussie's may become aggressive towards strangers, and other animals.
In general, Aussie's are healthy dogs and can be expected to live up to twelve years or more, so ownership can be a lengthy commitment. Some grooming is required to keep the coat clean and conditioned, such as regular brushing and nail trimming. To maintain their high energy levels, typical active Aussie's may eat more than other more sedate dogs of similar size, so be prepared to feed plenty of high quality food. (See the list of dog foods we recommend, and why.)
Aussie's are perfect for people wishing to own a highly trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that is extremely adaptable to many different lifestyles. If you have the time and commitment for an Aussie, you won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve special owners. Their loyalty, drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in a class by themselves!
Breed Standard
The Breed Standard may be found at the TASAA web site.
How can I find a responsible breeder?
If you've decided that a rescue Aussie isn't a possibility, there are some guidelines to follow when choosing an Aussie breeder.
Choosing an Aussie, or any dog for that matter, can be a very difficult experience. It is all too easy to see a cute, little bundle of fluff and instantly fall in love. Sometimes you can get lucky and fall into the right situation at the right time and take home the perfect puppy, but too often people make the wrong decisions for the wrong reasons and end up with a lot of heartache in the long run, that is not the dog's fault, but rather the fault of the individual that made a decision based on emotions, rather than knowledge.
IT IS CRITICAL that you research this breed and understand the weakness' and genetic inheritances that could come with an Aussie. Did you know that if an Aussie is lacking pigment around the eyes, or ears that the % of being blind or deaf is very, very high. Did you know that some Aussie's suffer with serious joint problems, and that this is sometimes connected with having too much white on the body of the dog. (This is not always the case……but is all too common). There are many breeders who are selling very sick little puppies for $700.00 +. You need to know what you are looking for when you decide to purchase a long time companion for your family……and these kinds of pups are not companions, they are problems.
Know that a responsible and ethical breeder will know all about this special breed, and will not try to sell you a sick little pup.
What questions should I ask the breeder
The following is a list of questions to take with you when you visit each breeder and litter. Do not feel embarrassed asking all these questions; a responsible and ethical breeder will welcome your interest and admire your knowledge and concern for the breed, and will consider as a potentially responsible pet owner.
- Ask for a pedigree on the puppies. This should include at least 3 generations of ancestry, preferably 4 to 5 generations. Make sure you get a copy you can take home with you so that you can review it later in more detail. Note: a pedigree full of champions does not always guarantee a future champion. And vice versa, many top winning dogs have come from non-champion sires and dams.
- Was the breeding planned or unplanned?
- If the litter was planned, ask why the Sire was chosen for this particular Dam. Was it a matter of convenience because they own the Sire or was it because they felt the qualities of the Sire would compliment or even improve the qualities of the Dam?
- What are the faults of both the Sire and Dam? A conscientious breeder should be both knowledgeable and willing to talk about their dog's faults as well as about their dog's assets.
- What was the goal of the breeding? For profit? To produce the ultimate show/working dog? So the kids could experience the miracle of birth?
- What area does the breeder feel these pups will excel in? Obedience, working, show, family pet?
- What type of support services will the breeder offer you to help you attain your goals for your puppy? If for show, obedience, or working, will the breeder be willing to spend some time with you helping you to get started in these areas, and will the breeder be willing to answer any questions or discuss problems regarding housebreaking, digging, barking, etc? Even if they don't have training specific to herding, obedience, etc., they should at least know where to put you in touch with resources that will help you.
- Are both the Sire and Dam OFA certified (or certified with another registry such as PennHIP or GDC)? And, if so, what are their numbers and ratings? (OFA is the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, GDC is the Institute for Genetic Disease Control in Animals, and PennHIP is the Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program, which are organizations that evaluate and certify hip joint conformation.) Any breeder who does not know what hip certification is or who cannot provide you with copies of both parents' hip certifications are breeders to be very wary of. Only a hip rating can provide you with proof that the parents are not dysplastic; do not let anyone tell you that they know their dog is not dysplastic because of the way it runs or lies down, etc. Dysplasia is a hereditary defect, so if you are not sure about the parents, what about that cute little puppy you are about to take home?
- Have both the Sire and Dam had a current eye examination? GDC and CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) deal with the certification of eyes just as OFA does for the hips. Some breeders will send the results of their dog's eye exam in to CERF for an official certificate; while other breeders may just have the eye exam results signed by a qualified veterinary ophthalmologist. Be sure to look at the exam report carefully to see that it matches with the correct Sire or Dam and that the vet has made a notation that the eyes are clear from any visible defects. Eye exams are normally done on an annual basis, so also check to see that the exam is current. Again, eye defects (cataracts, PRA, collie eye anomaly) are hereditary, so the best way to make sure your new puppy will not be affected with any of these problems are to verify that the parents are free from any problems themselves.
- What type of guarantee does the breeder offer if the puppy is later found to be affected with any hereditary defect? Breeding only dogs that have been cleared free of any defects will greatly reduce the possibility of reproducing puppies with congenital defects; however, genetic throwbacks do occur. Some breeders offer different alternatives if you happen to have a puppy who ends up with a hereditary problem. These alternatives will vary depending on the breeder and depending on whether the puppy is bought as either pet or show quality, and should be explained to you verbally and in a written contract. Do not take a person's word for their guarantee, make sure the contract matches the breeders verbal guarantee.
- Is the puppy's health guaranteed? Health guarantee's vary, however, if the breeder does not offer this, find out if you can return the puppy if the puppy does not pass a health examination given by your vet.
- Will a written contract be provided to cover the above issues? If offered, ask to read the contract before purchasing the puppy to see if it covers all the breeders stated guarantees.
Bringing your puppy home...
It is always an exciting time when you welcome a new puppy into your home. You need to remember, though, that it can also be a stressful and confusing time for the new pup. You should provide a sleeping area, preferably near the activities of the household, but also quiet and out of the way. A dog crate would be a good investment at this time. Let the puppy know this is his bed and a safe place to be. If there are children in the family, they will want to play with the new puppy a lot. While puppies play and are active, they also require a good deal of sleep. Do not fall in the trap of going to the puppy to comfort him for making noise. He will learn that crying is a good way to get attention. You might take him out to play with him and tire him out just a little before bedtime so he will be ready to sleep.
Nutrition and good health...
We feel that what you feed your new family member is as important as anything else. You wouldn't consider putting bad things or foods with tons of deadly toxins into your body, or those that you love, so why take the health and diet of your pet any less serious. They are just as a child, they are dependent on you and what you feed them…..please educate yourself and make the right choices! Some of the most popular dog foods are full of fillers and deadly things that will harm your dog. Sometimes, vets even recommend foods that are not healthy for your dog. I know that seems absurd, but it is true. Once you have began doing your research, you will find it amazing what dog's are eating……..for shame, for shame!
It is a good idea to start out feeding your pup the same kind of food that the breeder has been feeding it and not change his/her diet for a short period, since changes can lead to digestive upsets and diarrhea. If you feel you want to change the pups diet, slowly begin introducing the new dog food into the old, and gradually work them up to the complete change. Also, your puppy does not need table scraps, which may likewise cause problems. Never give your puppy bones or chocolate. We feel it is best to free-feed (a continuous feeder) your pup for several reasons. 1.) The pup is least likely to gorge or overeat if he/she is able to feed when it is hungry, and they are able to eat when they need it, instead of on a schedule. On the flip side, if you are housebreaking or potty training your pet, you will need to keep an eye out for when they are eating, because shortly after, they will need a potty trip outside. The Fresh water should be available to the puppy at all times. Watch your puppy to make sure he does not get too fat. A fat puppy is not a healthy puppy and obesity is hard on developing bones and joints. Be sure you keep your puppy's vaccinations up-to-date. Distemper and Parvo are both killers and if your puppy should survive these (and other) dreaded diseases, they may still ruin his health for the remainder of his life. Talk to your vet about heartworm preventative. Heartgard, which uses Ivermectin, should not be used for Aussie's since they are a "collie-type" breed. A brand that doesn't use Ivermectin, such as Interceptor, is recommended instead.
Housebreaking...
Aussie's generally housebreak quite easily. The key to good house habits is consistency by the owner. The puppy should, if he must be left alone, be in the yard (with shelter and water) or in an area where he is not expected to refrain from relieving himself. When the puppy is in the main part of the house, the owner should be present. When the puppy wakes from a nap, he should go outside and be praised when he relieves himself. Watch the puppy for sniffing and circling in the house; this probably means he is looking for a place to go. Take him outside and again praise. If you catch him too late, "in the act," do not spank him but scold him slightly and take him outside or to a place where he is allowed to potty. Soon the puppy may go to the door and "ask" to be let out. Praise the puppy for this action. A crate is a handy tool for housebreaking. Most dogs do not like to relieve themselves where they sleep and this teaches some control. Remember that a puppy does not have a great deal of control and use the crate only for short periods of time. When he comes out of the crate, he should be immediately let outside and, after he relieves himself, allowed to play in the house. NOTE: Make sure you allow your puppy enough time to not only urinate, but to potty as well. When they are young, they potty a lot! Save yourself the headache, and give them at least 5 minutes or more to do their job…then PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE. (also, use the same words each time you are training something, and try to make it short. Example: Your pup just pottied, and you say “good potty, Spot”, and the next time the pup potty's you say “Spot, your such a good boy…you pottied outside”. The dog gets confused by all the different words you throw at him/her…..make it short, sweet and consistent!
Crate training...
To some people, a dog crate seems like cruelty to the dog. However, if presented correctly, it is just the opposite. It gives the dog a place that belongs to him, a safe den where he can go if he wants to be left alone or rest. It also gives you a place to keep your dog at the times when you do not want him underfoot, like a dinner party or a cookout, and a safe way of traveling your dog. If you crate your dog in the car, he can be left with the windows completely down. It is extremely dangerous to leave your dog in a closed car in warm weather or riding loose in the back of a truck. Also,if you should have an auto accident, your dog is not likely to be thrown out of the car or escape in the confusion. Motel rooms generally prefer crated dogs. To crate train your dog, first select a crate that will be large enough to fit him as an adult. The puppy should be fed in his crate, and encouraged to sleep in it with the door open. He may be left with the door closed for short periods of time once he is used to it. Avoid leaving a puppy in a crate for extended periods of time. NEVER use the crate as a punishment. The location should be out of the way but near family activity.
Socialization...
The Aussie is by nature a one-family or one-person dog. They do not accept all people as their natural "friends" as do some breeds. They are selective. This is not a fault. It makes them a better protector of their home and their family. Because of this part of their nature, it is a good idea to expose them to different situations and strangers often and at an early age. While they may not go tail wagging, up to every stranger on the street, they should be taught to be mannerly and accept the presence of non-threatening people and situations.
Discipline...
The Australian Shepherd is an easy dog to train. Being a working stock dog, he has been bred to learn to take directions and listen to his owner. He is also bred to be able to think on his own and make decisions for himself. It is up to you, the owner, to teach the dog what is, and is not, allowed. When he is a puppy, he must learn to look to you as his leader or you could be in for trouble when he becomes an adult. This does not mean you need to treat your puppy roughly. If trained correctly, Aussie's readily accept the authority of their masters and a harsh word is often as effective as physical punishment. While he is eating, your puppy should allow you to be present and to take away his food. He should not growl or nip at you when you try to make him do something. A good method to show a puppy who is boss is to pick him up by both sides of the scruff of his neck and shake him gently while looking him in the eye and speaking firmly. This is very similar to the way a mother dog disciplines her pups and he will understand this far better than a spanking or a swat with a newspaper. Aussie's are very intelligent and will test you from time to time. You should be firm and let them know who is in charge. The earlier you do this, the less trouble you will have later. A dog that knows his place in the family is far happier and more secure.
Obedience...
It is highly recommended that you teach your puppy some obedience. It is much more enjoyable to have a well-mannered dog that can go out for a walk than a lurching, wild dog that pulls you along or runs away when off lead. It is also a satisfying experience to train your dog and have a dog that listens to you and minds you. The Aussie is an extremely quick learner and enjoys the attention and the mental challenge of learning what you have to teach him. Even a young puppy, if taught in a positive manner, with no force, can learn basic obedience. Look for obedience training classes in your area or read some of the many good books on this subject. For your peace of mind, and your dog's safety, he should know these basics: sit, down, stay, come, and be able to walk at your side.
