If you’re considering adopting an Australian Shepherd puppy, you should understand a few things about the breed’s history and origins. There are also several health concerns you should be aware of. These include health issues, training, and appearance. Keep reading to learn more. Aside from these issues, Australian Shepherds can also have some inherited conditions. Here’s a look at the most common ones. Also, keep in mind that if you find an Australian Shepherd puppy that is a mix of the sexes, it could have a variety of health problems.
Origins
While the breed of dog has several origin stories, there is no scientific proof that it evolved in Australia. Instead, the Australian Shepherd is a herding dog that was developed by Basque shepherds in the United States. Its brown and blue eyes are characteristic of this breed, which was initially used in Europe for herding sheep. Its devoted temperament, ease of training, and hardworking capabilities helped it become the breed of choice for many ranchers.
The Australian Shepherd’s origin story begins in 1968 when horsewoman Doris Cordova began breeding the dog. She wanted a miniature stock show dog that was small enough to live in the house. Her “Cordova Spike” eventually bred with Bill and Sally Kennedy, who continued to develop the miniature Australian Shepherd. The breed was eventually recognized and bred. In addition to the standard Australian Shepherd, the Mini-Aussie was developed by a Californian horsewoman, Doris Cordova.
The Australian Shepherd is a hard-working breed that has evolved over the past few centuries. In the 1800s, shepherds in Australia used the breed to herd livestock. The breed was also widely used in companionship and show rings. This is not a breed for inexperienced owners, as they can be a bit destructive if they aren’t properly trained. The tails of Australian shepherds are short and often docked before the first three days of life. The procedure is done without anesthesia.
The eye color of the Australian Shepherd varies, depending on the breed. The black and red Aussies have brown eyes, while the blue and brown Aussies have blue eyes. Merle Aussies can have blue and brown eyes, or they can be a mixture of the two. There are two types of eyes in the Australian Shepherd, which can be distinguished by their color. This dog is known for its high intelligence, which makes it a desirable breed for both pets and shows.
Health issues
There are many health problems affecting the Australian Shepherd. These problems can be inherited or genetic and may cause you to shy away from the breed. Fortunately, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, the parent club of the American Kennel Club, has worked to identify and develop treatments for these problems. As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to research the breed’s known health problems to ensure your pup’s overall wellbeing. Read on to learn more about common health problems and preventative measures to keep your Aussie healthy.
Hypothyroidism is another common health problem affecting the breed. Although it’s relatively rare, this disease affects most aspects of the Australian Shepherd’s health. As such, ASHGI recommends screening breeding stock early in life to prevent the spread of this gene. To diagnose your Australian Shepherd for hypothyroidism, you must undergo a blood test called total thyroxine (TT4). A low level of thyroxine in your dog’s blood indicates that it’s suffering from the condition. Treatment for hypothyroidism requires oral replacement hormones, which you’ll have to give for the remainder of your pet’s life.
Many Aussies are prone to joint and bone problems. Some of these problems include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis. While most of these issues are treatable, some Australian Shepherds may develop problems later in life and may require surgery. To prevent these issues, good breeding practices and a moderate diet are recommended. For Australian Shepherds with heavy double coats, weekly brushing is recommended. It helps prevent mats and other skin problems.
Eye problems in Aussies include cataracts and colobomas. These two conditions are caused by a recessive gene. Cataracts are the most common inherited eye condition in Australian Shepard. A new DNA test is expected to be available shortly. A mutation in the HSF4 gene is strongly associated with the development of cataracts in Aussies. Cataracts are a serious problem, causing blindness. They can start manifesting around two years of age and progress at varying rates.
Appearance
The appearance of an Australian Shepherd is determined by a dog’s breed and color. The double merle Australian Shepherd is a good example of this trait. It has an abnormally small left eye, which is referred to as microphthalmia. The eye may also exhibit signs of subluxation, meaning it is not centered. The snout, legs, and tail are all distinctive features. The Australian Shepherd’s coat is long and coarse, and its tail is either docked or naturally bobbed.
Black Aussies can have tan or white spots, but they do not have to be solid black. Black Aussies may also have white or tan spots, although these are understated. Eyes are dark brown, with a range of shades of brown and black. Aussies can have gold-flecked hazel eyes. They have medium-length fur, and their ears are triangular and set high.
Solid red Aussies are the rarest of the breed, and their color is recessive. The other types of red Australian Shepherds are red and white with tan highlights on their legs. Red Aussies may also be red with copper points. The tan markings on their face and chest are not present in red Aussies. In addition, red Aussies may have blue or amber eyes.
The appearance of an Australian shepherd depends on its breed and the owner’s training. Australian shepherds are friendly and affectionate but can be stubborn and difficult to control. However, if trained properly, Australian shepherds are easy to train. The breed is often deeply attached to a single person and will listen to the owner and follow directions. However, they are not aggressive towards other people. It’s important to know that Australian shepherds can be a good match for you and your family.
Training
Basic Australian Shepherd training involves teaching your puppy the proper commands. This includes a variety of verbal cues and the rules of the house. Rewarding good behavior with treats and praise will help your pup associate that action with a treat. Your pup will soon understand that these actions are rewarded and this can be useful in other areas of the home. Learn more about these important training methods. The following tips will help you start training your Aussie puppy.
The breed’s intelligence is one of its best assets. It is highly intelligent and will keep you busy with its energetic nature. However, it will not perform as well as a wolf or a German Shepherd. Hence, training is a must to keep your dog happy and healthy. Listed below are some tips for successful Australian Shepherd training. All Australian Shepherds are smart and highly energetic. As a result, they are good for small farms and small lands.
The key to successful Australian Shepherd training is consistency in the way you give commands. Using a consistent tone, you should give a command to your Aussie, in the same way, every time. Beginners should start by learning the basic commands to lay a foundation for more complex tricks. This will help them to understand what works and what doesn’t. This will also help them to learn the techniques that work for them. By the time they master these basic commands, they will be able to handle more complex tricks in a shorter period.
During the early stage of your dog’s life, Australian Shepherds need to be shown their place. It’s essential to establish your role as a leader for your puppy so that they can learn their place and understand what is expected of them. A herding dog that understands its place and respects its owner will be a happy and secure dog. So, don’t underestimate the importance of Australian Shepherd training to help your puppy live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Care
Among the many health concerns of an Australian Shepherd is cancer. More Australian Shepherds are affected by this disease than other breeds, and chemotherapy can be very effective. Cancer causes abnormal lymphocytes, and white blood cells found throughout the body. Although this cancer is highly treatable, it is important to seek medical attention early. For this reason, veterinarians may recommend a complete blood count for your Australian shepherd twice a year. If you suspect that your dog may have lymphoma, your vet will suggest undergoing a blood test.
To maintain the health of your Aussie, keep his teeth and gums clean and healthy. You should regularly brush your teeth and clean them with chamomile tea or another natural remedy for the eyes. The ears of an Australian Shepherd should have a pink color and no smell. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your Aussie has any redness or odor in its ears, you should apply chamomile tea or another similar remedy to soothe the affected area.
Keeping your Australian Shepherd safe from dangerous situations is also essential. Many Australians have cataracts, an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. This condition can be treated surgically. Another common eye problem is distichiasis or extra eyelashes on the eye gland. The extra eyelashes irritate the eye and need treatment. Compilation can help treat the condition.
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises. While a walk around the neighborhood will keep your Aussie happy, you should have a small yard where they can exercise. Australian Shepherds also need human interaction, and they don’t do well if they’re left alone in the backyard. They’re naturally standoffish and may even bite when frightened. However, with proper socialization, Aussies can become good friends with other animals.
