The Australian Shepherds can provide good companionship. You should lead an active lifestyle to appreciate this kind of breed. These animals are full of zest and very athletic and therefore can be a handful if one is not properly armed with a good dose of knowledge on how to train the Australian Shepherd. Find out the basic information about this breed.

Quick Facts

The Australian Shepherd or Aussie as it is commonly called from the US was used to herding in ranches. This robust, medium sized built dog has a triangular shaped ears slightly rounded at the tip. {Typical Aussie has a distinctive docked bobtail}. Aussie has a strong deep chest and stands squarely on all fours. Masculinity or femininity is discernible in Australian Shepherds.

Height: Dogs 20-23 inches (52-58cm.) Bitches 18-21 inches (46-53cm)

Weight: Dogs 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Bitches 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg.)

Personality

Aussies are intelligent animals, hardworking and has an innate herding and guarding instincts. They are easily trained and perform tasks with enthusiasm. You will not likely find them in one corner just sitting around for a long time. Aussies can be a good guard dog since they are attentive and aggressive. Their animated quality makes them popular with children who love to play and run around. Though they are friendly and affectionate with their human family they are actually reserve and cautious around strangers. Typical Aussies would be happy with constant activities going on around them. Make sure to schedule plenty of walks, play and training to keep both their mind and body in tip top shape.

Training

The great qualities that make these animals so endearing can also be damaging if they are not properly trained since this could result to undesirable behavior like nipping, chewing and digging. Obedience training for Australian Shepherds is highly recommended since they are quick learners and this will make them realize what are expected of them early on. One way of developing their social skills is to expose them to a variety of people and other animals for them to learn how to discern between a friend and a foe. Since they are able to form a strong bond with their masters, they suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for a long period of time. Poorly socialized Aussies may become aggressive if not properly trained.

{The life expectancy of an Aussie is 12 years and up}. Higly active Aussies results to big appetite so be sure to sypply a big amount of quality food to supplement their energy level. If you have the time and sense of commitment for this breed, you will not be disappointed as your well spent effort will be amply reciprocated. With proper care and training of Australian Shepherds, a life with them will be enjoyable and rewarding.

Similar Posts:

• How to Train the Australian Shepherd

Related Stuff:

Terra-Nova The Chihuahua Dog BookThe Terra Nova series of guidebooks provides a whole new world of information on dogs. The different books are breed-specific and come with a free DVD. Topic: Chihuahua.

George Washington & The Return from the Hunt [12 x 18 Picture]The Return from the Hunt is an important period painting by artist J.L.G Ferris. The painting depicts President George Washington who has returned hom... Read More >

The Live Anthology: Ultimate Collector's Edition Boxed Set (5 CDs + 1 Blu-ray + 2 DVDs + 1 LP)The ultimate collector's boxed set includes:

- 62 tracks on 5 CDs including 14 exclusive tracks on the 5th disc only available in the deluxe box se... Read More >

Terra-Nova The German Shepherd Dog BookThe Terra Nova series of guidebooks provides a whole new world of information on dogs. The different books are breed-specific and come with a free DVD. Topic: German Shepherd.

Terra-Nova The Dachshund Dog BookThe Terra Nova series of guidebooks provides a whole new world of information on dogs. The different books are breed-specific and come with a free DVD. Topic: The Dachshund.

Terra-Nova The Boston Terrier Dog BookTerra-Nova The Boston Terrier Dog Book 181 pages of information with a free care and training DVD. The most breed-specific information available. Incl... Read More >

A Treasury for Dog Lovers: Wit and Wisdom, Information and Inspiration About Man's Best FriendCelebrating Your Best Friend

Dogs have been man's best friend for thousands of years, securing our hearts with their unwavering loyalty and bo... Read More >

Terra-Nova The Pug Dog BookTerra-Nova The Pug Dog Book 175 pages of information with a free care and training DVD. The most breed-specific information available. Includes positi... Read More >

What Happens to a Torn Dollar Bill?: Dr. Knowledge Presents Facts, Figures, and Other Fascinating Information About MoneySo what DOES happen to a torn dollar bill? And what should you do with a defective coin? Dr. Knowledge answers these questions and provides many more ... Read More >