The Australian Shepherd also known as an “Aussie” despite its name, originated in the western United States in the 1840’s and not in Australian as many believe. They were originally bred to herd livestock and are a working dog at heart. 

Not only are they a natural working dog and exceptional family companion, they are known for being used for search and rescue, drug detection, bomb detection, alert or assistance service, cancer sniffing, guide dog for the blind, hearing dog for the deaf, therapy, service for people with disabilities, and agility just to name a few. 

The Aussie is extremely intelligent, charming, and make a loving addition to any family. Their devotion and loyalty to their families is unsurpassed. They are known for their willingness to please, energetic enthusiasm and train-ability. 

They have a herding and guardian instinct which contributes to their natural instinct to keep their family safe. Aussies will warn you if they see or hear something suspicious, and will protect their family and home with a surprising fierceness. Aussies are standoffish by nature with people they don't know and unless they have regular exposure to lots of different people early in life, they can become fearful of strangers. (see PUPPY SOCIALIZATION BELOW)

Aussies love to play. When it comes to play, they never really outgrow the puppy stage but they have a gentle nature that prevents their play from getting rough. In addition, the Aussie has quite the variety of personalities. They will range from being serious, work focused, playful, silly, lazy and at a moments notice to protector. An Aussie is a truly versatile dog that has a sound mind and has the ability to easily adapt to various situations and environments.

Although versatile, Aussies are best suited for active families and thrive in an active environment. The Aussie is happiest when given a job to do. They are an athletic dog that likes a lot of exercise, to play ball and loves the water. Despite the need for activity, when its time to slow down and be quiet they are very content to lay at your feet and/or cuddle.

Aussies have the reputation for needing wide-open space but they do just fine in cities if they get enough stimulation and exercise. 

The Aussies active nature supports the breed’s steller health history. They have very little health conditions of a serious nature and are very well known for being healthy dogs. Their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Aussies are family dogs and need to have consistent interaction with their families. They are the type of dog that if not involved in your life they will become miserable. Aussies are considered a “busy” dog that needs something to do and exercise. If confined to a kennel or small back yard with nothing to do they will become bored and in turn become destructive and/or vocal. 

Aussies are very sensitive and respond extremely well to positive reinforcement. It takes very little to correct an Aussie. They want to please and will try to do what it takes until they understand what it is that you are asking of them.  A stern heavy hand does not work effectively with Aussies and can make them shy, timid or unmanageable.

Aussies are average shedders that shed year-round but more heavily during spring when they lose their winter coat. Their coat needs regular maintenance, including weekly brushing to keep it clean and prevent matting.

This is only a small summary about the Australian Shepherd. There is so much more to learn.  We do ask and advise everyone that is interested in this breed to research and educate yourself about this very unique breed prior to making a formal commitment to bring one into your life whether it is for companionship, breeding, or some form of showing or competition.  The Australian Shepherd is a magnificent breed and one that we are very honored to be raising.

PUPPY SOCIALIZATION

Australian Shepherds are people focused and generally protective of their families. Proper socialization is important for Aussies. 

Australian Shepherds by nature are loyal to their family but standoffish with strangers. They require socialization when they are young which includes exposure to many different people including children, sights, sounds, and experiences.

Socialization helps ensure that your Aussie puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

You should plan to take your puppy everywhere you can in the first 9 months. It is extremely important to make sure your puppy has been properly vaccinated before you engage in any socialization activity outside of your home. This includes taking your puppy to indoor and outside areas. Examples include: Pet Stores (PetSmart, Petco), Feed Stores, Farm & Ranch Stores (Tractor Supply, Atwoods), dog parks, obedience classes, doggy day care and highly traveled canine traffic areas.

Until your puppy has had a series of vaccinations, they are very susceptible to diseases such as parvo and distemper to name a few. Such diseases are carried by other dogs and wild creatures such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and even pet ferrets. 

Once properly vaccinated, introduce your puppy to as many other animals and people as possible including children.  Your puppy should be exposed to all types of situations outside its normal home environment.

NEW BORN PUPPY PHYSICAL CHANGES  (just to name a few):

When reviewing the pictures that we post of our puppies its important to know the following:

Aussie puppies are always changing especially during the first few months of their lives.  You will notice and see this transition in our adult dog pictures when viewing the new born pictures to adult pictures. Most Aussies are born with pink noses which will darken during its first year and the hair around the nose area will thicken and change color.  The “tan” areas known as “copper” in the Aussie world, will become darker and richer in color and may expand.  Blue and red merle puppies’ tend to produce more spots, existing spots may expand and will darken as the puppy matures.  In addition, the puppies head will change in shape and their coats will get thicker and longer. Eye color in general can be determined between 3 to 4 weeks but can change up into the age of 8 to 10 weeks with the possibly of continued changing  into adolescent/pre-adult age.

TEENAGE CHANGES

A few months after bringing your puppy home don't be surprised if all of the sudden your puppy looses its beautiful coat, grows long legs, its head looks too big or narrow and your pup overall becomes gangly, lanky or scrawny looking.  In addition, you may notice a strange and wonky placement of your puppies ear or ears that may change daily for a few weeks while your puppy is teething.  All of this is normal and part of the beautiful metamorphosis and maturing of this amazing breed.