Origin
There are certain doubts regarding the origin of Australian shepherd dogs. But generally as per derived information they were created in united stated and were used for herding livestock. A long time ago the Spanish dogs accompanied the Basque shepherds for herding cattle. These dogs were sent to America and Australia for the same purpose. It is said that the Australian shepherd dog has been derived from these Spanish dogs. The Australian shepherd was also crossed with collie.
General Description
The Australian shepherd dog is a not very large in size. It is a balanced, robust and muscular body with a rural appearance. They are not very tall in height but they are long. They have a square shaped body and they have strong and broad chests. They have straight front legs and oval shaped toes. Their oval shaped eyes are found in variety of colours, sometimes marbled or flecked. Their ears are triangular in shape and also rounded at the tip. The Australian shepherds have sharp teeth close to a scissor bite. They have a weather resistant double coat the length of which may vary due to climatic conditions. This breed may have a wavy or straight coat which may be found in various colours like solid black, solid red, merle etc. This breed has an anchored bouncy tail.
Character
The most remarking feature of the Australian shepherd is its bobbed tail. It is a very energetic and athletic breed. These are lovely dogs and are very playful in nature. They are very devoted to their family, loyal to their master and very easy and good going with the children. This breed is very spirited and its manner is very easy going. They are too protective on their family. The Australian shepherd is very intelligent breed and that is the reason that they are really easy to train. They always try to please others. Not at all aggressive towards other people and pets but at the time of working with the live stock they are extremely serious and aggressive. This is a very lively breed and it needs a lot of exercise and work. If proper work and exercise is not provided to them, they would become bored and situations may get worse. They may get nervous and start destroying things. This breed is not at all recommended for those who are lazy as you have to provide sufficient exercise daily to the Australian shepherd dog if you purchase it.
Temperament
The Australian shepherd is very intelligent, loyal to their masters and playful. They are good to children and family members but may get bored fast if they do not get proper exercise and work. Their boredom may result in destruction of properties even. They are very good workers with livestock. Sometimes their herding habits may disturb the family members. Australian shepherds do not easily mix with the strangers and they are very protective of their family. Not bad to other animals but very serious during work as I already said before.
Training
Australian shepherds are very easy to train as they are an intelligent breed. Obedience classes should start from early age. Training should be firm and fair. There should be a proper master of this breed otherwise these dogs would try to take the control. Same thing should not be taught again and again as they may get bored by that.
Health
Diseases that may affect this breed are blindness, deafness, cataracts, solar dermatitis, epilepsy, etc. Their average life span is 12-15 years and average litter rate is 7.
