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Before you go out and buy an Aussie there are probably a few things that you should know. Aussies are great dogs, but they are a huge responsibility. An apartment may not be a good place for them. Aussies need open space and a task to perform. Getting the morning paper is not. At least two miles of playing , or a very long run would be more substantial. Not to mention the benefit to your health. | |
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To find a breeder the best place to look is the internet. Make sure they are certified and the puppies have all their shots. Also check that they have a clean record of puppies that are free of hip problems and eye defects. The other dogs at the breeder's house should look healthy, and happy. Choose a puppy that comes up to you, and seems to interested. Look for a playful, but not aggressive puppy. Try throwing a tennis ball for him/her. See if it will bring it back to you. Adopting from a shelter is another option. One place you won't want to get an Aussie is a pet store. They usually have many health problems. | |
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Aussies have a great temperaments. They are loyal companions, love to be part of everything and, bring stock, or stray sheep. Aussies are easy to train, housebreak and are eager to please. They are very active, and if they are not exercised destructive habits will begin to form. They always need a job to perform. Aussies are highly territorial and protective. | |
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There are four acceptable colors. They are black, blue merle, red, and red merle. White/tan markings on the face, chest, rear, and front legs. The coat should be moderate length, straight to wavy, weather resistant, and the undercoat should be soft. Aussies have a natural bobbed, or docked tail. Males weigh fifty to sixty pounds and are about twenty to twenty- three inches long. Females weigh forty to fifty- five pounds and are eighteen to twenty- one inches long. Eyes should be glassy blue, amber, hazel, or all shades of brown. | |
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The Australian shepherd was developed in the United States. Unlike it's name suggests it never came from Australia. They were very popular during world war Two. Aussies were usually found on ranches. American stock men continued breeding the dogs trying to keep their versatility, and keen intelligence. Aussies are believed to be the descendant of the Basque Shepherd from France and Germany. Some mixed breeding may have occurred. Aussies got their name because they were breed here, but brought to Australia by farmers. then they were brought back to the USA again. | |
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Aussies are used widely for herding. Herding is very demanding both physically and mentally. Shepherds usually are born with the instinct to herd. Before your dog begins herding it must be physically and mentally fit, and free of all health problems especially hip defects. Your dog must be very trainable, and be able to take commands from you. Herding Aussies should have a good presence of power that allows them to control stock. | |
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Some commands are.....
away- That means to move in a counter- clockwise direction around the stock. come by- That means to move in a clockwise direction around the stock. come- To come directly by the handler. Easy or Steady- slow down. down- lie down or drop in place look back- To look back for missing stock or sheep. Get back or get- Move out from. out or get back stock. Move farther away from current position. Stand- stop, stand still hold position on stock. That'll do- stop what it's doing. There- stop, hold position may lie or stand until given another command. Walk up or walk on- walks towards the the stock.
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