The breed originates in 1800, when, as a result of the colonization of the Australian continent, the imported breeds began to interbreed with the local ones. There is no clear version about the origin. In the blood of an Australian shepherd dog (APS), there are Dalmatian and marble-blue collies.
Another name for the breed is Australian healers. They were bred specifically for grazing cattle. They successfully carry out the difficult task of keeping the herd without human intervention. This dog is so smart and responsible. Breeds The Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Short-Tailed Shepherd Dog are close relatives. Although the latter, unlike the former, are not recognized by the International Kennel Federation (FCI).
Dog Australian Shepherd. Story
The basis of this breed was the so-called Hall healers. In 1802, George Hall arrived with his family in the colony of New South Wales. He needed cattle dogs in order to have advantages over competitors. The cattle breeds introduced from England did not adapt well to the Australian climate. Obviously, then the idea to cross dogs with a dingo came up. George's case was continued by his son Thomas. It is not known for certain what gave the healers a blue color. According to one version, the ancestor of the APS was Northumberland blue marble cattle dog.
This breed was distinguished by excellent working qualities, but, unfortunately, has long disappeared. The Australian shepherd dog took its character and characteristic color from Northumberland shepherd dogs. From the dingo breed, endurance to the hot climate of the Australian continent, as well as a magnificent tail, was transmitted. The Australian short-tailed cattle dog is somewhat closer to the Northumberland cattle. Although there is very little evidence of them, some descriptions indicate the presence of a short tail.
Breed features
The Australian shepherd dog is very hardy, which allows it to work in the field all day, while maintaining its playfulness and energy. These are tireless guards, companions, faithful and reliable watchmen. They retain puppy enthusiasm, health and quick response until old age.
These charming cattle herders are nearly universal. Australian healers are ideal for farm use. Flexible, strong and hardy, they practically do not need training.
Breed signs
Australian shepherd breed is compact, symmetrical, has a working physique. Great muscles are the main strength that an Australian shepherd dog can boast of. The nature of the animals is very balanced, any deviation towards nervousness and aggression is considered a marriage.
Courage, endurance should be present in the hole. The dog is obliged to respond to strangers from puppyhood. Any deviation from the puppy’s standards is a serious mistake.
Head with a wide skull, between the ears slightly curved. Its dimensions are proportional to the body. The lower jaw is strong, the lips are hard. The eye sockets are oval, not sunken, but not convex. There is wariness in the look, it always expresses attention. Ears are medium or small, erect, sharp and dense. They are widely spread on the skull, tense in case of anxiety.
The shoulders of APS are strong, muscular, sloping. Paws are powerful, straight, metacarpus bend at a slight angle. Body proportions must be clearly observed. The ratio between the height at the withers and the length from the chest to the buttocks in a straight line is 9:10. Height at withers 43-51 cm.
The hind legs are muscular, with wide and sloping hips. The croup itself is slightly sloping. The tail is low. Hangs with a slight bend. The back makes an impression of elongated. The gait is free, movements are unshackled. The ability to quickly change position is a must.
Wool and color
A smooth coat with a short thick undercoat should protect against overheating under the hot sun of the Australian continent. The fur is thicker and longer along the withers. The average size of the hairs is from 2 to 4 cm. The color of the dog varies from gray to red. The most common marble pattern, black and red spots, especially on the face. The characteristic color is gray with black glasses around the eyes. There is also a blue, speckled blue color. Let's say brown undercoat, but brown marks are undesirable. Currently, dogs with a red color are isolated in a special form. Their blood contains more dingo impurities.
Development features
Since the dog is working, it needs to be provided with mobility. Dog handlers note that healers are not very adapted to living in an apartment. APS is able to cover tens of kilometers per day. For harmonious development, the puppy just needs outdoor outdoor games. In addition to energy, these dogs have high intellectual abilities, which also need to be developed. This means that in addition to running, classes and games are needed where the dog can show his quick wits. Well, if you live in a rural area, and the dog has the opportunity to graze at least a small herd. In the absence of suitable conditions, agility will be the best workout.
Wool Care
If you love walking and sports, but caring for your pet’s coat seems complicated, your ideal friend is an Australian shepherd dog.
Hair care is simple - just brush it a bit. APS does not need grooming. Clothing in winter is not required. The undercoat provides the necessary thermal insulation, and the breed is able to withstand the cold, not only in central Russia, but also in Siberia. The rest of the dog is unpretentious.
For shine and well-being, use only natural supplements. For example: spirulina, dry seaweed, fish oil, linseed oil. Do not overestimate the dosage. Introduce food supplements gradually.
Shedding in bitches happens twice a year after estrus. Dogs molt once a year. The Australian shepherd dog does not smell, therefore does not need to be washed regularly. Brushing wool is preferable. You can wipe it with a cloth soaked in vinegar. You can wash the dog from dirt with water. Unique healer wool is capable of self-cleaning.
Dog Australian Shepherd. Menu
A shepherd dog, by definition, should eat modestly. The general rules apply to APS. Of greatest importance is the degree of load. For a full-fledged working dog, protein food is required more. Australian breeders primarily use natural feed for their healers. Veterinarians have developed a special BASF system. Many Russian breeders follow these nutritional recommendations. You yourself can see how unpretentious the Australian shepherd dog. The price of its maintenance is also quite acceptable.
In adult APS, the diet is 3-5% by weight. 60% of it is meat or fish products. At the same time, they should be fresh and raw, excluding beef liver. The main share of meat should be offal - these are chicken necks and ridges, beef heart (with cut fat), and also a scar. The liver must be dried in the oven for 5-10 minutes. Small pieces are given during walks or in training as a reward. The dog Australian Shepherd loves movement and games. It is useful to trim without fat and meat on the bone. Beef shank is preferred. Several times a week it is necessary to give fish, you can use the ranges and heads of salmon.
A couple of times a week, give fresh cottage cheese in small portions. Remember that the dog’s body can only digest slightly weathered meat. As for other stale products, which are a pity to throw away, they can cause irreparable harm to health. Dairy products can contribute to false pregnancy. For the same reason, do not give yogurt to bitches in the period after estrus. Chicken eggs can be included in the diet. Give them raw, but not more than 1-2 pieces per week. Quail eggs go well.
Vegetables: potatoes, carrots, beets, pumpkin, zucchini, cabbage, greens. All preferably from your garden or farm. Add a small amount of vegetables in vegetable oil, fill with broth or mix with meat or fish offal and give the dog once a day. If you often feed the healer with red fish, beets or carrots, his coat will turn brown. To preserve its shade, minimize the use of these products, replacing them with red analogues.
What should not be given to a dog?
It is undesirable to have smoked meats, salty and spicy foods, fried, mushrooms in the menu. The use of fatty meat, pork, onions, garlic, and yeast negatively affects. Sweets and chocolate can ruin your pet. As a treat, you can use not only the liver, but also cucumber, apples. In winter, add a tablespoon of dried berries daily to food. Perfectly healthy by nature, the Australian shepherd dog perceives proper care and nutrition with gratitude. This zinger will make you and your family move a lot and often go to the great outdoors.
Age, illness, content
APS live 10-13 years. Typical diseases: arthrosis, joint atherosclerosis, eye cataract, retinal dystrophy. Sometimes healers are born deaf. The pedigree needs to be carefully checked. Once outside the herd, the dogs graze everything that is possible. Any moving object can become an object of close attention for this dog. The herders graze the herd, slightly biting its members for accessible parts of the body. Please note that the puppy will try everything moving on the tooth. Proper nutrition and suitable conditions will make your pet happy and healthy.