Australian Shepherd
USD $600-$800 Price Avg.
Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs)
Group
Purebred
Breed Type
Large
Size
12-15 years
Lifespan
Breed Information
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) |
|---|---|
| Popularity/Rank | 17 |
| Origin | United States |
| Other Names | Aussie, Little Blue Dog |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Price (Avg.) |
USD $600-$800
How much does it cost to buy a Australian Shepherd? Australian Shepherd are usually priced differently from breeder to breeder and from place to place. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between $600 to $800 if you purchase your dog from a reputable breeder. The price will increase if the dog has a fantastic pedigree. Dogs that already have basic training maybe even more expensive. But, most Australian Shepherds can be adopted through a shelter for a lower fee. |
| Size | Large |
| Weight |
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg),
Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) |
| Height |
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm),
Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Recognized by |
AKC, FCI
The American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. And FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. |
| Purpose | Livestock Herding |
| Date of Origin | 1800s |
| Ancestry | Basque Shepherd |
Appearance & Maintenance
| Coat | Feathered |
|---|---|
| Coat Colors | Black, Blue, Merle, Red |
| Grooming Level | |
| Shedding Level | |
| Eye Color Possibilities | Amber, Blue, Brown |
| Nose Color Possibilities | Black, Brown |
| Coat Color Possibilities | Black, Blue, Red |
| Coat Length | Large |
| Coat Density | Dense |
| Coat Texture | Straight |
| Recommended Brushes | Comb, Nail Clipper, Pin Brush |
| Brushing Frequency | Weekly |
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Active, Affectionate, Caring, Defensive, Friendly, Good-natured, Intelligent, Loving, Protective |
|---|---|
| Intelligent | |
| Trainability | |
| Playfulness | |
| Sensitivity Level | |
| Affection Level | |
| Social Interaction Required | |
| Barking | |
| Watchdog Ability | |
| Territorial | |
| Biting Force | Low |
| Mouthiness | |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | |
| Prey Drive | |
| Adaptability | |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | |
| Fighting Dog | Not really |
Good & Friendly with
| Apartment Life Friendly | |
|---|---|
| Stranger Friendly | |
| Kid-Friendly | |
| Cat Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| Office Friendly | No |
| Senior Citizens Friendly | |
| Pet Friendly | |
| Friendly with First Time Owners | No |
| Service Dog | Not really |
| Therapy Dog | Not really |
| Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog | Not really |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) | Not really |
| Boat Dog | Not really |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog | Not really |
Health Elements
| Health Issues | |
|---|---|
| Health Problems | , Allergies, Cancer, Cataracts, Collie Eye Anomaly, Deafness, Detached Retina, Distichiasis, Drug Sensitivity, Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Nasal Solar Dermatitis |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Energy Level | |
| Exercise Required | |
| Sleeping Required | |
| Weight Gain Potential | |
| Weather & Climate | Prefers average to cold weather conditions |
| Stinkiness | Medium |
| Drooling tendency | |
| Activity Level | High |
| Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week | 14 miles |
| Minutes of Activity Per Day | 90 minutes |
Food & Costing
| Avg. Daily Food | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
|---|---|
| Cups Per Day | 2.5 cups |
| Daily Cost | $1.20 - $1.40 |
| Monthly Cost | $34.00 - $45.00 |
Reproducibility
| Gestation Duration | 60-64 days |
|---|---|
| How often can the Australian Shepherd have a litter? | Once a year. |
| Litter Size | 6-9 puppies, average 7 (Once a year.) |
Description
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in the United States. It is a herding breed, and is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and agility. The Australian Shepherd has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other breeds. It has a medium-length coat that can be either straight or wavy, and comes in many colors including black, blue merle, red merle, red tri-color, and solid black or white. The coat may also have tan markings on the face and legs.
The Australian Shepherd has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They typically weigh between 40 to 65 pounds (18 to 29 kg) and stand between 18 to 23 inches (46 to 58 cm) tall at the shoulder.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent breed with an eagerness to please its owners. They are loyal companions who are devoted to their families but can also be independent thinkers when it comes to problem solving. They are active dogs who need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy.
Australian Shepherds are friendly with other dogs as well as people of all ages including children if they have been properly socialized from an early age. They can also get along well with other animals if they have been raised together since puppyhood or introduced slowly over time with proper supervision from their owners.
The temperament of the Australian Shepherd is generally described as being alert, loyal, protective yet gentle when necessary; they make excellent watchdogs but will not bark excessively unless there is something worth barking about!
When it comes to health issues the Australian Shepherd is generally considered a healthy breed however some lines may be prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia or eye problems so it’s important for potential owners do research into any particular line before purchasing a puppy from them if possible.
In terms of adaptability level the Australian Shepherd does best in homes where there are plenty of activities for them both mentally and physically; they thrive on having something interesting going on around them at all times! As far as benefits go these dogs make great family pets due their intelligence which makes them easy trainable; they’re also very loyal companions who will stick by your side through thick and thin!
History
The Australian Shepherd, also sometimes called the Aussie, is a medium-sized herding dog breed. Though they were originally bred in Australia, as their name suggests, they are now more commonly found in the United States. They are considered a versatile breed and can be used for a variety of tasks including herding livestock, competing in dog sports, and serving as loyal family companions.
The exact origins of the Australian Shepherd are somewhat unclear. It is thought that they were developed from a cross between the collies brought to Australia by British settlers and local Australian dogs. However, there is also evidence to suggest that they may have been brought to Australia directly from Spain. Regardless of their exact origins, it is clear that the Australian Shepherd was developed as a working dog breed.
For many years, the Australian Shepherd was an important part of the livestock industry in Australia. They were used to herd sheep and cattle on large stations (ranches). However, with the decline of the livestock industry in Australia, the numbers of Australian Shepherds began to decline as well. By the 1970s, the breed was close to extinction in their homeland.
Fortunately, the Australian Shepherd had already gained popularity in other parts of the world by this time. In particular, they had become popular in America where they were used for a variety of tasks including herding livestock and competing in dog sports such as agility and obedience trials. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Australian Shepherd as a breed in 1991 which helped to increase their popularity even further.
Today, the Australian Shepherd is considered one of America’s most popular dog breeds. They are still used for herding on some farms and ranches but are just as likely to be found working as therapy dogs or serving as loyal family companions. Thanks to dedicated breeders and enthusiasts, this once endangered breed has been saved from extinction and continues to thrive today.
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