As a working dog, this shepherd is quite energetic, alert and independent, but he can also be insistent when he doesn't get what he wants, demanding a certain daily dedication from his human parents. They need to walk every day and they must be mentally challenged often so that they develop to their best abilities and not prove to be destructive. They can be quite pushy when they focus on one thing - be careful how you educate your pet. They can be quite sensitive to excessive scolding. They don't usually like disjointed and purposeless training, but they love chasing objects and playing this way - a great option to make an Aussie satisfied, tired and happy.
Created and selected to face some adversities without showing physical fatigue, the Australian Shepherd tends to be extremely vigorous, athletic and healthy, rarely showing discomfort even when he feels some kind of pain - which calls for greater attention from his tutors.
Among the most common genetic problems faced by them are hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, lumbar sacral syndrome, cataract, progressive retinal atrophy and CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly). Like all descendants of collies and similar breeds, Australian Shepherds are also sensitive to products and medications that contain ivermectin in the composition, so you should consult a veterinarian before using it indiscriminately. Never medicate your pet on your own!
The cross between merle-colored dogs can result in puppies with serious problems of deafness, blindness and even defects incompatible with life. Before mating your furry, talk to a veterinarian and breeders, as making a home breeding may not be a good option, especially due to lack of genetic knowledge.
Some breeders sell dogs titled “mini Australian Shepherd” or “Miniature Australian Shepherd”. It is a variation of the breed, where they select the smallest specimens with the intention of creating small and more “compact” puppies. These, however, are recognized by dog clubs as “Australian Shepherds” in the same way. Crossings of this nature can cause the breed to lose its primary characteristics over time and, therefore, it may not be so good to look for different puppies. Research and find out more information about the breed and the breeder of your choice to make the right choice.
Its short tail is usually seen as a positive point for not "getting in the way" in herding activities or when walking in places with a lot of vegetation.
The Australian Shepherd puppy is usually very interested in learning. Due to his intelligence, he is expected to respond quickly to the commands taught and to be obedient especially to those with a closer bond.
The breed also stands out in agility competitions and herding competitions (a common practice in some countries, which has been gaining strength in Brazil in recent years).
It is considered one of the most obedient dogs in the world, but this should be encouraged from a young age, as they can behave poorly when they decide to attract attention.
Brave, confident and very intelligent, the Australian Shepherd is usually very attached to his human parents, but is suspicious of strangers. As a typical herding dog, he may tend to herd people, other animals, and even objects when he feels frustrated and unchallenged.
Its protective instinct needs to be worked on from a young age, as it can be overzealous with those it likes, sometimes even nibbling with the intention of warding off everything (or those) it considers a threat.
His temperament is very similar to that of his closest cousin, the border collie, but his energy is a little lower most of the time.
The Australian Shepherd’s life expectancy is approximately 15 years, but surprisingly, there are records of an “Aussie” who lived to be 29 years old.
