Australian Shepherd: Dog food and breed portrait
The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog. He comes from North America and is listed by the FCI in Group 1, Section 1 (Standard 342). The Australian Shepherd is a classic herding dog. He is characterised by intelligence and endurance and also has a strong protective instinct.
Origin of the Australian Shepherd
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd does not originate from Australia, but from North America. Its ancestors were brought there by immigrants in the 19th century as herding dogs for flocks of sheep.
In the USA the breed was able to establish itself quite quickly. However, it took until 1996 before the Australian Shepherd was recognised by the FCI, and since 2001 the Club für Australian Shepherd Deutschland e.V. has been a registered association in Germany.
Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog. Females reach a weight of 16 to 25 kilos and a shoulder height of maximum 53 centimetres, while males can reach 32 kilos and 58 centimetres.
The Australian Shepherd's physique is balanced. He has almond-shaped eyes, which can be blue or brown and sometimes even two-tone. The triangular ears of the Australian Shepherd can appear in different variations and for example hang down or appear as so-called stand-up ears.
The Australian Shepherd's semi-long coat is weatherproof and consists of a dense undercoat and smooth to slightly wavy top coat. On the head as well as on the outside of the ears, the front of the forelegs and below the hocks the coat of the Australian Shepherd is short.
The coat of the Australian Shepherd may have the following four basic colours:
- Red
- Black
- Redmerle
- Blue Alder
The basic colours of the Australian Shepherd can appear either alone or together with copper and white markings, so that altogether 16 different coat variants are possible.
Character of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is known for its high intelligence. He is also considered to be alert and has a protective instinct typical of herding dogs. When dealing with strangers, the Australian Shepherd therefore usually shows his distant side and indicates supposed dangers by barking.
However, the work-hungry four-legged friend does not normally tend to be aggressive and his upbringing is usually not a problem, as long as there is consistency.
Apart from this, the Australian Shepherd is a playful dog, who is eager to learn and who doesn't like to be left alone too long.
A well socialised Australian Shepherd proves to be a great playmate for children. However, owners should never underestimate the breed's enormous urge to move and should always ensure that there is enough to do in everyday life.
Activities with the Australian Shepherd
Anyone who chooses an Australian Shepherd should be aware that relaxed walks do not meet the needs of this active breed in any way. The Australian Shepherd requires a lot of physical and mental activity, which is why the breed is particularly suitable for active dog owners.
Visits to a dog training area should be part of everyday life with an Australian Shepherd. There, the active four-legged friend can let off steam, for example in agility or lunging. Alternatively, dog trekking or joint riding excursions are also very suitable to give the Australian Shepherd enough exercise.
Australian Shepherd Diseases
Basically the Australian Shepherd is considered a healthy and robust dog breed. However, there are a number of health problems that can occur and dog owners should keep them in mind.
Among other things, dogs can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. The Australian Shepherd is also prone to eye diseases such as cataracts, allergies and heart and thyroid problems.
Australian Shepherd may also have the MDR1 defect, which is common in Collies. This causes hypersensitivity to a number of medicines.
Apart from this, when two Australian Shepherds are mated with the coat colour Merle, serious defects such as deafness and blindness are very common. In Germany, such matings are therefore considered to be torture breeding and are therefore prohibited by law.
Life expectancy of the Australian Shepherd
The life expectancy of the Australian Shepherd is 13 to 15 years. However, poor husbandry conditions can lead to a significantly lower life expectancy.
In addition, the growing popularity of the breed is attracting more and more rogue breeders. This has a negative impact not only on the general health of the Australian Shepherd, but often also on its life expectancy.
The correct nutrition of Australian Shepherd
By feeding your Australian Shepherd in a manner appropriate to the species, you make a valuable contribution to a long and healthy dog's life. In this context, it is important, among other things, that you provide your four-legged friend with a quantity of food that meets his needs.
It is also important that the dog food you choose is made from high quality ingredients and is formulated according to the species. For the Australian Shepherd we recommend our cereal-free dry dog food.
The food is free of artificial additives and contains only food-grade raw materials, so you can be sure of excellent digestibility.
In addition, the following products from our range may be useful for the Australian Shepherd:
- Bellfor Joints & Bones, to support the musculoskeletal system that is stressed during dog sports.
- Bellfor Dental powder for the gentle care of the teeth of your Australian Shepherd.
Bellfor's well thought-out nutritional concept provides you with everything you need to promote the healthy development of your Australian Shepherd from an early age.
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