Health, Safety, Misconceptions and Questions

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Australian Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs that are known for their herding instincts. They are often used as working dogs, in law enforcement, search and rescue, and as guide and service dogs.

Temperament: 

• Energy level: Very high 
• Trainability: Highly trainable and responsive to positive reinforcement 
• Herding instinct: Strong herding instinct that can make them chase moving objects 
• Protective: Protective of their family and territory 

Appearance:

• Size: Medium-sized, athletic build 
• Coat: Moderate length, straight to wavy, and weather resistant 
• Eyes: Come in a variety of colors, including blue, brown, hazel, and amber 
• Marking: White and tan markings may appear on the face, chest, front and rear legs 

Exercise:

• Needs: Require at least an hour of physical exercise every day 
• Activities: Enjoy games like fetch and Frisbee 
• Joint and hip health: Be considerate of their joint and hip health to ensure healthy mobility 

Lifespan: 

• Healthy, well-cared-for: Can live between 12 to 15 years

Exercise and Training:

The breed will need at least 60 minutes a day of some sort of exercise and stimulation but 2 hours is recommended! 

Brisk walks, Jogging, Hiking, Fetch, Frisbee, Flyball, Scent Work, Puzzle Toys, Treat-despensing Balls, ObstacleCourses and a fenced in yard for zoomies all recommend!

Start early on training, 5-10 minutes a day 3 times a day with positive reinforcement and constant and clear commands will set you up for success! Now, some dogs do need more socialization specific training than others so keep that in mind when getting in a routine with your pup! 

Diet:

Differs based on age but typically between 1,000 - 1,600 calories a day for Kibble. 

Should you choose to feed your pup whole food these are considered safe for the breed: Beef, Salmon, Lamb, Duck, Turkey, Boneless Chicken, Eggs (cooked), Yogurt, Apples (no seeds), Oranges, Carrots, Lettuce, Green Beans, Chickpeas, Plain Rice

NOT SAFE: Chocolate, Avocado, Grapes, Raisins, Hops, Onions, Garlic, Raw Egg, Mushrooms, Tobaccco.

THIS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE KEEP INFORMED AND UP ON PERSONAL RESEARCH. 

Australian Shepherds have a unique double coat that changes with the seasons. This coat helps protect them from the elements and requires regular care.

Australian Shepherds shed year-round, but they have two main shedding seasons. These happen in spring and fall when they blow their coats. Regular brushing is crucial during these times. It helps remove loose fur and prevents matting. Brushing also spreads natural oils through the coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.

During shedding seasons, daily brushing is best. These dogs shed a lot in spring and fall.

Start with a pin brush to remove loose fur. Then use the slicker brush to deal with tangles. Be gentle when brushing. Work in small sections from the skin outward.

Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting. These include behind the ears and under the legs.

Use a metal comb for the tail and “feathers” on the legs. This helps remove small knots. Brush in the direction of hair growth. This distributes natural oils through the coat.

When washing dog shampoos made for double-coated breeds work best for Australian Shepherds. Look for mild, pH-balanced formulas that won’t strip natural oils. Avoid human shampoos, which can dry out a dog’s skin. For dogs with sensitive skin, oatmeal-based shampoos can soothe itching. Puppies need gentle, tearless options.

Always wet the coat fully before applying shampoo. Work it in from head to tail, being careful around the eyes and ears. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Conditioning is recommended. Wash every 6 to 8 weeks, more than that and it can cause dry skin. 

Trim your Aussies nails every 2-4 weeks holding firm but gentle and avoiding the quick. this is also a great time to check paws for cuts, swelling and objects stuck in webbing.

They can face various skin problems but regular brushing and bathing helps spot these issues early. Look for signs of dryness, redness and flaking. Allergies are common in Aussies and can cause itching, rashes or hot spots. This can be brought on by food or various plants. 

To easily socialize an Australian Shepherd, start early and often by exposing your puppy to a wide variety of people, animals, places, sounds, and textures in a positive way, including regular visits to different locations like parks, pet stores, and busy streets, while ensuring they are properly vaccinated and always keeping interactions positive and controlled; this helps them become well-adjusted and confident dog.

Myth 1: Australian Shepherds are from Australia

Despite their name, Australian Shepherds did not originate in Australia. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the breed. In fact, Aussies were developed in the United States as herding dogs. Their name is thought to come from the sheep they were bred to herd, many of which were imported from Australia.

Myth 2: Australian Shepherds are Aggressive

The belief that Australian Shepherds are aggressive stems from a misunderstanding of their herding instincts. Aussies are a herding breed, which means they might show herding behavior, such as nipping at heels or trying to gather people or animals. However, this is not aggression. With proper training and socialization, this instinct can be managed and directed into productive outlets.

Myth 3: Australian Shepherds Need a Farm to Be Happy

While they were bred for herding and thrive with lots of space to run, Australian Shepherds don’t necessarily need to live on a farm to be happy. What they need is sufficient physical and mental exercise. Whether it’s running, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports, Aussies can be quite content living in suburban or urban environments as long as their activity needs are met.

Myth 4: Australian Shepherds are Not Good with Children

Australian Shepherds can be wonderful family dogs and generally get along well with children. They’re known for their loyalty and protective nature, which can make them excellent companions for kids. However, due to their herding instincts, they may try to herd small children. As with any dog, interactions between an Aussie and children should always be supervised and guided to ensure both parties understand how to treat each other appropriately.

Myth 5: Australian Shepherds Don’t Need Much Grooming

Aussies are often admired for their beautiful, thick coats, but this breed requires regular grooming to keep their fur in good shape. They have a double coat that sheds heavily, especially during the shedding seasons. Regular brushing is necessary to keep their coats healthy and to minimize shedding around your home.

Australian Shepherds are a fantastic breed known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature. They are not inherently aggressive, and they don’t necessarily require a farm to be happy. They make wonderful companions for active individuals or families and can get along well with children when properly socialized and trained.

It’s important to remember that each Australian Shepherd is an individual with its own personality and traits. When considering adding an Aussie to your family, take the time to understand their unique needs and characteristics, and make sure they’re a good fit for your lifestyle. Misconceptions can lead to unrealistic expectations, which are often a cause of dogs being surrendered to shelters.

With the right knowledge, understanding, and preparation, an Australian Shepherd can make a wonderful addition to the family, and a loyal and loving companion for life. Let’s keep debunking myths about this amazing breed and celebrate the wonderful realities of owning an Australian Shepherd.