Australian Shepherd
History
– Developed in California in the 19th century
– Descended from herding dogs brought to North America in the 1500s
– Ancestors include collies imported from Australia and New Zealand
– Popularized by Jay Lister, a rodeo performer, in the mid-20th century
– Recognized by the American Kennel Club in the 1990s
Description
– Medium-sized breed, standing between 18 and 23 inches
– Weighs between 35 and 70 pounds
– Moderately long and wavy double coat
– Unique colorations and variable coat patterns
– Can be born with long or naturally bobbed tails
Temperament
– Intelligent, active, loyal, protective, and playful
– Retains a strong herding instinct
– Requires adequate exercise to prevent destructive behavior
– Can try to herd children or other pets
– Primarily bred as pets
Health
– Generally a healthy breed
– Common health issues include vision problems and epilepsy
– Can develop hip problems
– Merle-to-merle breeding increases the risk of deaf or blind puppies
– Median lifespan is around 12.5 years
Morbidity
– Common health concerns include eye problems, dermatological issues, and respiratory problems
– Collie eye anomaly and cataracts are a concern
– Other conditions include hip dysplasia, Pelger-Huet anomaly, and hypothyroidism
– Testing for genetic mutations is recommended before breeding
– Some Australian Shepherds are susceptible to the MDR1 gene mutation