If you have ever owned one, you have probably felt their endless affection. A common question I get is, do Australian Shepherds have tails? If you’re looking for a low maintenance dog breed, try something like a Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Greyhound or Labrador Retriever. I live in an apartment, though not in the city. The variety of sizes can be helpful for apartment living or housing weight restrictions if you want this particular breed. If any unusual symptoms occur or if your dog just doesn’t seem normal, contact your vet immediately. Like most dogs, if they’re really hungry and not getting enough food, they’ll find a way to let you know. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? The Australian Shepherd wasn’t officially recognized until 1957, by the newly-formed Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA). Syme HM. Because of their intelligence, they can get into trouble at home if they do not receive the proper amount of exercise and brain work. Also, they shed even more during spring time when they’re getting rid of their winter coats. Aussies with NSD are ultra-sensitive to sunlight. Tips for Living with Allergies & An Australian Shepherd If you have allergies, but still want to adopt an Australian Shepherd, there are steps you can take to help mitigate the allergic reaction. Type – Work-oriented, Smart and Exuberant. Most dogs should consume 8 to 9 ounces of water per 10 pounds of body weight daily. Friendliness: They’re not the most ferocious guard dogs, but most people don’t keep an Aussie for this reason. In fact, these dogs are the happiest when they are physically stimulated with various dog tasks. In a study of almost 3,000 dogs of all breeds, only 8 percent of dogs who received veterinary care within the prior year could be classified as healthy, meaning that they were within acceptable weight range and had no disease diagnoses. So what is a good companion dog for an Australian Shepherd? This is all hereditary and can be somewhat treated using medication and in severe cases, surgery. A lot of factors play into this, including how much food you feed them. Those that give birth to smaller sized liters may have bigger dogs. Left alone and confined, they become unhappy and can be destructive. | Photo: Brittany Butters The average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is typically listed as 12-15 years . The Australian Shepherd can also make a super search and rescue dog, detection dog, hearing dog, assistance dog or therapy dog. Loretta Benge Perhaps you could reply on face book? Unfortunately, the Australian Shepherd is one of them. Same factors apply to females. Cpersall “I live with two Aussies in apartment with no problems” – I live in an 850sq ft condo, previously a 500sq ft apartment with two Aussies ages 5 and 12 yrs. We already know physical activity is important (have you tried getting your Aussie to swim? Too many people acquire this breed because of its athletic prowess and intelligence, but don't provide enough opportunities for the dog to vent his energy and do interesting things. To help with managing livestock, herding dogs were needed. Kiba, 7, is living his Australian Shepherd lifespan with gusto. You need to go over all the pros and cons if you’re considering adopting an Australian Shepherd. Such a gem! The Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a relatively new breed, it has gained popularity for its sweet and loving nature. Just make sure it’s fully enclosed with high gates, as Aussies are amazingly high jumpers. Are Australian Shepherds Predisposed to any Health Problems? He very energetic and so full of life. How long can our dog live and what might take him or her away from us too young? 2010 Nov. Munyard KA, et al. There are no guarantees when it comes to the Australian Shepherd lifespan, but your dog deserves everything you can do to keep him or her healthy as long as possible. So, it’s not a big surprise that they bring their “work life” into the home – intentionally or not. Even if you have a sizable yard, don’t keep them there for long periods of time. I agree. I live in an apartment, though not in the city. Australian Shepherds love spending time with their owners. It’ll keep them occupied and give you a breather when dealing with these dogs. Journal of veterinary internal medicine. However, if you don’t own any cattles, obedience exercises will work too. The Australian Shepherd can have a straight or a wavy water-resistant coat found in several unique color combinations like blue, blotched black and white with red patches, and several others. When it comes to strangers, it’s a different story. Early training and socialization are very important. The main difference? However, it’s not impossible if you know what you’re doing. It is believed by some that the breed has Basque origins in Spain and was used there by shepherds. Especially if they get to burn off energy at the same time. So what is a good companion dog for an Australian Shepherd? This statistic is based on numbers from registration certificates of the Aussie in the United States. To minimize this, it’s crucial for you to establish firm rules and leadership. 2013. The answer is yes, they have tails. So I can do the same for my:) thanks in advance!! But I don't want to do it until I get some information. Living With: Australian shepherds, particularly those from working lines of the breed, are active dogs that need to be busy. This doesn’t necessarily mean an hour walk, but also games such as fetch or ball. They have a great sense of smell and superior hearing. Unfortunately, i’ve seen this happen. In a UK survey involving 10 years of breed health data, owners of the longest living Australian Shepherd reported the dog’s lifespan at 15 years. A retrospective evaluation of congenital ocular defects in Australian Shepherd dogs in Australia. by Clara (Madrid, Spain) Hey guys, So Australian Shepherds are definitely my dream dog and I've been thinking of getting one. Always keep your Aussie on a leash and never let them lead you. Life with an Australian Shepherd Puppy by MySAHMLife March 9, 2018 Our family grew in the past few weeks with the addition a new puppy; an Australian Shepherd named Charlie. And don’t even get me started on how this breed has been ‘dumbed-down’ by breeders who talk about valuing the breed standard, then consistently produce pups with the brains and temperaments of Goldens, labs, etc. Veterinary Ophthalmology. Because the heart gets used to beating evenly, the dog has less of a risk of dangerous heart rhythm issues if he or she develops a blood flow obstruction. Arguably the most difficult part of raising an Australian Shepherd is the training. Both dogs will thrive. 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