Australian Shepherd

The American Kennel Club labels the Australian Shepherd as being “smart, work-oriented, and exuberant.” And at Animal Care Center, we couldn’t agree more. Despite the name, this tenacious ranch dog is a wholly American Breed. In fact, it is a breed designed to handle the rigors of early American ranch life and sheep herding.

Suppose you are looking for a family dog that will be active, intelligent, and highly trainable. In that case, the Australian Shepherd may be for you. To learn more about the Aussie (the common nickname for the breed), Animal Care Center has put together a breed guide for various dog breeds. So, keep reading and fall in love with the Australian Shepherd.

Of course, if you have any questions we did not answer here, contact the office to get them all answered by our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Australian Shepherd Appearance

The Australian Shepherd’s general appearance is that of a medium-sized dog and bone structure, being a bit longer than it is tall. The luxurious coat of the Aussie is moderately colored but varies, making each one its own fantastic individual. They are quite attentive, flexible, and made of solid muscle. Aussies are fun dogs for any family.

Here are a few of the Statistics for Herding Dogs and Aussies.

Average Height:

Males – 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder

Females – 18 to 21 inches

Weight: 40 to 65 pounds

Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Not sure if your rescue fits this description? Give us a call to find out at Animal Care Center.

Australian Shepherd and those eyes

Australian Shepherd Care

Training is a vital part of the health of an Aussie and owner relationship. The pups will challenge owners to see where their boundaries lie. But once they have it down, they are intelligent enough to obey. Another important part of training is to give your Aussie a fair bit of social interaction, so they do not become stand-offish with other humans and dogs.

Puppy Aussie care should be a bit less active than as they grow into adulthood. Owners should be aware of growing bones and strength-building joints. Obviously, you can increase activity as they get older and more muscular. In the following care paragraphs we will briefly go over the following:

  • Nutrition
  • Grooming
  • Exercise
  • Health

For further information on pet care and training classes, speak with our staff by clicking here.

Nutrition

Aussies can be prone to becoming overweight. So, they should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level. And remember that treats are great for training, but there can be a point where too many treats are not suitable for dogs, even though they are so cute.

Grooming

A good weekly brushing is recommended for the beautiful coat of an Australian Shepherd. They are not a breed that needs constant bathing or brushing, so that is good news for owners who do not want to fuss over-grooming. And they are seasonal shedders. An undercoat rake will do well to getting that shedding over with sooner than later. As with all dogs, nails should be trimmed as needed.

Australian Shepherd Activity

Exercise

These hard-working pups are very active, to say the least. They are not for the apartment or sedentary owner. They love long walks, running in the yard, and even hiking. Rigorous playtime for an hour to a couple of hours a day is necessary, and with the owner if possible, as they form very close bonds with their owners. Also, they are very trainable, so playtime can be quite rewarding.

Playtime may include walks, hikes, frisbee and ball play, agility training, a run, and more. Your companion will love whatever you love as they grow to bond with you.

Health

Aussies are a healthy and hardy breed. When the ears and teeth are kept clean, they can live long, happy lives. The National Breed Club recommends the following Breed Testing:

  • Hip Evaluation
  • Elbow Evaluation
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Furthermore, the best care you can give your Australian Shepherd is to have an excellent veterinarian to rely on. That is what Animal Care Centers is all about, providing the best care for pets and their owners.

Australian Shepherd

Animal Care Center Loves Australian Shepherds and All Their Furry Family Members

From the moment you enter Animal Care Center, you’ll be among the friendly staff, owners, and pets who prefer Dr. Williams. The total preventative care of your pet is our pleasure. So, you need not worry one bit. What’s more, the team will welcome your pet with open arms putting your loved ones at ease.

The best care for your furry family member is at Animal Care Center. We provide complete care for all your pet’s health needs, including dental care, internal medicine, and emergency care. Caring for the total pet is our specialty. From eyes and ears to testing and surgery, the people of Smyrna, Georgia, and the Greater Atlanta Area can count on the fantastic staff at Animal Care Center and our own Dr. Williams.