The Australian Shepherd, often known
simply as the "Aussie", is a medium-sized breed of dog that was, despite its name, developed on ranches in
the Western United States during the 19th century. The dog was developed from a
breed or breeds from the Basque country in Western Europe. It was brought by
Basque people to the United States, these people had previously lived only
briefly in Australia before moving to America. The dog otherwise has no
connection to Australia.
There
are a number of different theories regarding how the breed came to be
associated with Australia, but there is no consensus. They are similar in
appearance to the popular English Shepherd and Border Collie breeds, and
research has found that Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are closely
related to each other; both the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd are
slightly more distantly related to other kinds of Collies and to Shetland
Sheepdogs.
Australian
Shepherds rose in popularity with a boom in Western riding[why?] after World
War II. They became known to the general public through rodeos, horse shows,
and Disney movies made for television.
For
many years, Aussies have been valued by stockmen for their versatility and
trainability. While they continue to work as stock dogs and compete in herding
trials, they have earned recognition in other roles due to their trainability
and eagerness to please and are highly regarded for their skills in obedience.
Like all working breeds, Aussies have considerable energy and drive and usually
need a job to keep them occupied. They often excel at dog sports such as dog
agility and frisbee and are also highly successful as search and rescue dogs,
disaster dogs, detection dogs, guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs. They
are considered the 17th-most popular dog breed in the United States.
Physical traits
Size
The
Australian Shepherd is traditionally a medium-sized breed of solid build. They
can weigh from 30 to 65 pounds (14 to 29 kg) and stand from 17 to 26 inches (43
to 66 cm) in height. The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) standard
calls for the Australian shepherd to stand between 18 and 23 inches (46 and 58
cm) at the withers, females being 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm) and males
measuring 20 to 23 inches (51 to 58 cm); however, quality is not to be
sacrificed in favor of size.
Recently,
Australian Shepherds have been selectively bred in favor of size to develop
Miniature and Toy Aussies. The American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR) now
recognizes three sizes. The above description is considered a Standard Aussie
(height 18 to 23 inches for males and females). Miniature Australian Shepherds
(or Mini Aussies) stand 14 to 18 inches tall, while Toy Aussies stand between
10 to 14 inches.
Color
Recognized
Aussie colors are solid black, solid red (liver), blue merle, and red/liver
merle; each of these colors may also have copper (tan) points or white markings
in various combinations on the face, chest, and legs. A black or red dog with
copper and white trim is called 'tricolor' or 'tri', while a black or red dog
with white trim but no copper is called 'bicolor' or 'bi'. White, rather than
pigment, on or around the ears is an indicator of increased risk for
white-related deafness. Excessive white on the face and ears can place an
individual dog at greater risk for sunburn and subsequent skin cancer.
The
wide variety of color combinations comes from the interaction between the color
allele, which is either black (B) dominant or red (b) recessive, and the
dominant merle allele (M). Together, these provide four coat-color aspects that
can appear in any combination:
·
Black, with copper points, white markings, or
both on the face, collar, legs, chest, underbelly - solid black dogs are
equally desirable as ones with copper or white.
·
Red (liver) with or without copper points or
white markings on the face, collar, legs, chest, underbelly - either white or
copper points are required. Solid red dogs are equally desirable as ones with
copper or white.
·
Blue merle (a mottled patchwork of gray and
black) with or without copper points or white markings on the face, collar,
legs, chest, underbelly - neither white nor copper points are required. Solid
merle dogs are equally desirable as ones with copper or white.
·
Red merle (a mottled patchwork of cream and
red/liver) with or without copper points or white markings on the face, collar,
legs, chest, underbelly - neither white nor copper points are required. Solid
merle dogs are equally desirable as ones with copper or white.
The
merle allele, which produces a mingled or patchwork combination of dark and
light areas, is the coat pattern most commonly associated with the breed. This
merle (M) is dominant, so heterozygous dogs (Mm) show the pigmentation pattern;
however, when two merles are bred, the statistical risk is 25% of the offspring
will end up with the two copies of the merle gene (homozygous). These dogs
usually have a mostly white coat and blue irises, and are often deaf, blind, or
both. In this case, the deafness and blindness are linked to having two copies
of the merle gene, which disrupts pigmentation and produces these health
defects.
All
black and blue merle dogs have black noses, eye rims, and lips. All red and red
merle dogs have liver or brown noses, eye rims, and lips.
Also,
great variety is seen in the Aussie's eye color, and they are often
heterochromatic. An early nickname for the breed was "ghost-eye dog".
Aussie eyes may be any shade of brown, or blue; they may have two differently
colored eyes, or even have bicolored or "split eyes" (for example, a
half-brown, half-blue eye), which appear to be linked to the merle coloration.
Merled eyes occur, as well, where one color is mixed in and swirled with
another. Any combination of eye color is acceptable in the breed standard, so
long as the eyes are healthy. In general, however, black Aussies (self,
bi-color, or tri-color) tend to have brown eyes, while red (self, bi-color, or
tri-color) Aussies tend to have amber eyes, though these Aussies may also carry
the blue-eyed gene.
Tail
Although
some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed or partially bobbed (stubby) tails,
the majority are born with full, long tails. Breeders have historically docked
the tails when the puppies are born. Docking working dogs' tails has become a
tradition with the goal of preventing injury. It can also be seen as a way to
increase speed and improve hygiene (the Aussie's long-haired tail can become
easily matted and soiled). In the United States and Canada, the standard calls
for a natural bob or docked tail not to exceed four inches as a defining
characteristic; however, some long-tailed examples have been successfully shown
and been given recognition. Any natural tail length is permitted when showing
in Europe, where docking has been banned in most countries, including the
United Kingdom.
Temperament
The
breed is typically highly energetic, requiring a great deal of exercise and
attention. An Australian Shepherd enjoys working, whether it is learning and
practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or engaging in any other
physically and mentally involving activity.
Dogs
may show reserved and cautious guarding behaviors. They are kind, loving, and
devoted to those they know. They are very loyal to their owners, and are rewarding
dogs if treated well. Because the breed was developed to serve on the ranch, a
job which includes being protective of its property, it is inclined to bark
warnings about neighborhood activity. It is not inclined toward obsessive
barking.
The
Aussie is intelligent, learns quickly, and loves to play. This means that a
bored, neglected, unexercised Aussie may invent its own games, activities, and
jobs, which to a busy owner might appear to be hyperactivity: for example, an
Aussie may go from being at rest to running at top speed for several
"laps" around the house before returning to rest. Without something
to amuse them, Aussies can become destructive. Aussies also do best with plenty
of human companionship: they are often called "Velcro dogs" for their
strong desire to always be near their owners and for their tendency to form
intense, devoted bonds with select people.
The
Australian Shepherd has a reputation as a highly intelligent and versatile
stock dog with a range of working styles. A good working Aussie is quick,
thoughtful, and easy with its stock. The ability for the breed to adapt to the
situation and to think for itself makes it an excellent all-around worker. For
this reason, the Aussie is often chosen to work unusual livestock such as
ducks, geese, and commercially raised rabbits.
These
dogs require a minimum of two to three hours a day of play, exercise, and
attention. They thrive in rural, ranch-like conditions, and need space to run
and play in an urban setting. The Australian Shepherd is a high-spirited dog,
that requires much attention and work. Teaching them tricks keeps them focused
and happy, which also keeps their minds working. The breed also has great
stamina and can live in a variety of terrain. Because of this, they are
popularly used as trail and working dogs.
Health
Australian
Shepherds can have several health issues. Vision problems are common, and
epilepsy is also a concern. In merle-to-merle breeding, the puppies that have
inherited two copies of the merle gene have an increased risk of being born blind
and/or deaf.
Feeding
The
recommended amount of food an Australian Shepherd should eat is 1-1/2 to 2 cups
of dry food a day, But size, exercise level, and age should be considered. With
proper diet and exercise, the Australian Shepherd can stay in good shape.
Grooming
Australian
Shepherds have a medium-length, water-resistant coat. With the coat being
somewhat long and wavy or curly, this breed does shed, mostly in the spring to
get rid of the winter coat. The shepherd should be brushed weekly to maintain a
healthy and clean coat and also to prevent matting. With being a "working
dog", this breed should be outside to get its needed exercise. If a dog is
dirty, a basic bath can be given, but not frequently, for it can dry out the
skin and coat.
Mortality
The
median lifespans for breeds similar in size to Australian Shepherds are mostly
between 11 and 13 years, so, assuming the results of the UK study are not
representative of the population there, Aussies appear to have a typical
lifespan for a breed their size. Leading causes of death in the UK survey were
cancer (32%), "combinations" (18%), and old age (14%).
Results
of a 1998 internet survey with a sample size of 614 Australian Shepherds
indicated a median longevity around 12.5 years, but that longevity may be
declining. A 2004 UK survey found a median longevity of 9 years, with a sample
size of 22 deceased dogs.
Morbidity
Based
on a sample of 48 still-living dogs, the most common health concerns noted by
owners were eye problems (red eye, epiphora, conjunctivitis, and cataracts).
Dermatological and respiratory problems also ranked high.
Collie
eye anomaly (CEA) is rare in the breed, but it and cataracts are a concern in
Aussies. Other conditions of note include iris coloboma, canine hip dysplasia,
Pelger-Huet anomaly, hypothyroidism, and nasal solar dermatitis. Prior to
breeding, the Aussie should be checked for hip and elbow dysplasia and DNA
tests performed to show the dog to be free of the MDR1 mutation, cataract
mutation, and CEA. Tests should also include those for thyroidism and
clearances for other known eye diseases like colobomas, progressive retinal
atrophy, and retinal folds.
Some
Australian Shepherds (as well as Collies, German Shepherds, and many other
herding dogs) are susceptible to a genetic mutation of the MDR1 gene. Dogs with
the mutation can suffer toxicity from antiparasitics such as ivermectin in high
doses, and other drugs. A test is available to determine if a particular dog
carries the mutated gene.
Hip dysplasia
Hip
dysplasia is a heritable condition where the femur does not fit securely in the
pelvic socket of the hip joint. This problem can exist with or without clinical
signs, meaning some dogs feel pain in one or both rear legs.
Double merle
An
example of an abnormal eye of a double merle, "lethal white",
Australian Shepherd: The abnormally small left eye is known as microphthalmia,
and the pupil shows signs of subluxation which is dropped, not centered.
Double
merle or homozygous merle occurs when the offspring of two merled parents
inherit two copies of the dominant merle gene. The odds of this are 25% for
each pup born from such a litter. Double merles often have excessive white and
can have hearing and vision problems as a result of having two copies of the
merle gene. Homozygous merles can be deaf or blind, or express iris colobomas
and microphthalmia. Not all homozygous merles are affected, but most are,
making the breeding of two merles a very touchy subject. Some breeders
euthanize mostly white pups, while others may attempt to sell them as
"rare" white Aussies without disclosing the potential for health
defects. A large percentage of homozygous merles sold eventually end up in
rescue and shelters, as the average family is ill-prepared to take on a deaf or
blind pet. However, deaf or blind Australian shepherds can make wonderful pets
given a home prepared for their special needs. They are an intelligent breed,
which generally learn hand signals with ease.
The
term "lethal white" originated from horses born with lethal white
syndrome, and has since evolved to often describe dogs born with the double
merle trait. This trait is found in many breeds, but most commonly found in
Australian Shepherds. The name "lethal white" is a misnomer, as this
genetic condition is not lethal to the dogs; it is often the breeder who is
lethal to the pups by culling them immediately after birth. Many consider the
term "lethal white" to be derogatory.
Available health tests
Many
diagnostic tests are available for concerned Aussie owners to check the overall
health of a dog. Also, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has an
extensive database to track results and provide statistics for these concerns:
hips, elbows, heart, patellar luxation (knees), and thyroid (autoimmune)
disease. The OFA database also includes the results for eye exams performed by
a Canine Eye Registration Foundation veterinarian, but only if the owner of the
Aussie submits the results. This database is a great resource to investigate
the lineage and related health of the progenitors of some dogs, at least
regarding hip ratings.
Many
tests have been developed by, or are processed at, laboratories to check for
the 11 health concerns that plague the Australian Shepherd breed. Some of those
labs are Optigen, Animal Health Trust, Endocrine Diagnostic Center, Animal
Health Laboratory, Washington State University Veterinary Clinic, Vet DNA
Center, and HealthGene. These labs might perform one or many of the tests that
have been developed.
Tests
or evaluations have been developed for:
·
Hip and elbow dysplasia
·
Patellar luxation (knees)
·
Eyes
·
Collie eye anomaly
·
Progressive retinal atrophy
·
Thyroid (autoimmune) – multiple labs perform
this test-check OFA application for list
·
Congenital Cardiac (heart)
·
Multidrug resistance gene
·
Hereditary cataracts
·
Pelger Huet anomaly
Other
areas that are currently not health concerns, but tests have been developed
for, are:
·
Coat color (red carrier/red factored) – Vet DNA
Center and HealthGene process this sample
·
Dilute gene carrier – Vet DNA Center and
HealthGene process this sample
DNA
testing to either certify parentage or to verify parentage) for Australian
Shepherds can be performed, and as of January 2010, all adults producing a
litter will be required to be DNA tested to allow a breeder to register a
litter with the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA).
