What are five traits that where bred into the Australian Shepherd and why?

Answer 1

The Australian Shepherd Dog was developed in the USA and was bred forherding sheep in the USA and not in Australia as the name implies. It's origins can be dated back to the 1700's. The Australian Shepherd probably originated in the region of the Pyreneesmountains where they were used by the BasqueShepherds.

These shepherds came into the United States from Australia in the 1800s - hence the name! This dog is classified as one of the Herding Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.

The Australian Shepherd Dog was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1993. This dog's name is often misspelt as Shepard.

Description of the Australian Shepherd Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours Information

The Australian Shepherd Dog's coat is normally a shade of blue merle, black,red merle and all red with or without whitemarkings and/or tan points. The coat is normally straight and dense.

Dog & Puppies Health Information - potential problems of the Australian Shepherds

All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Australian Shepherd Dog, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance.

Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Australian Shepherd Dog can include:

Hip dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)

Eye problems

Deafness

Information on Grooming and Care of the Australian Shepherd Dog Breed

The Australian Shepherd Dog requires weekly care and grooming. All Dog Breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best.

Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Australian Shepherd Dogs.

Life Expectancy Information of the Australian Shepherd Dog Breed

The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 - 16 years.

Age Comparison between the Australian Shepherd Dog Breed and a Human

Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Australian Shepherd Dog - Puppies Information and Names

We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:

Budget - purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed

Convenience and grooming time e.g. long or short hair

Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain

Exercising requirements for the Australian Shepherd Dog breed

Living conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies

Family - child suitability

Herding Dog Breed Information

Dogs in the Herding Group (sometimes referred to as the Pastoral Group) include the AustralianShepherd, were developed to perform a variety of tasks relating mainly to the herding of livestock. The types of livestock that these dogs are associated with are quite diverse and include sheep, cattle, reindeer and any other cloven footed animals.

The Herding groups of dogs are eminently suited to these pastoral tasks as many of the breeds have a weatherproof double coat to protect them from the elements when working in severe weather conditions. Their natural abilities have been fully recognised and the initial livestock herding function have been extended to include police work and Search & Rescue amongst other duties.

Herding Dog Breed Duties and Tasks

Characteristics and features of Herding Dogs, including the Australian Shepherd, have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for.

Herding Group dogs share the amazing ability to control the movement of other animals. They also have great stamina reserves which allow them to work from dawn to dusk. The dogs are tenacious creatures who have the ability to herd animals such as cattle which are many times their size. They leap, run around frantically and nip at the heels of any animals that they are herding. Add this behaviour to aggressive barking and steely eye contact and their ability to influence much larger animals is fully understood.

Thus, the various Herding breeds, including the Australian Shepherd, were bred and introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:

Herding or droving various animals including cattle and reindeer

Police work

Tracking

Providing a service to handicapped owners

Performing search & rescue

Acting as sentries and couriers for the armed forces

In this day and age not every Australian Shepherd might be called to undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Australian Shepherd breeding program successful.

In this day and age not every Australian Cattle Dog might be called to undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Australian Cattle Dog breeding program successful.

The Herding dogs are medium to large in size. They are intelligent, active, courageous, and determined dogs who make excellent companions and respond well to firm training. Their instincts are very strong and given half a chance they will try to herd, or round up, the family. They enjoy work and look to their owners to provide tasks to enable them to meet their instincts and be rewarded accordingly.

There are many traits involved in the following text copied of DoGoogle