Australian Shepherd
Breed Description - see AKC for detailed standard
A stock working dog from Australian and new Zealand stock dogs, He came to California in the 1800's with his Shepherding owners. He's been working the range since. Very fast, silent and low to the ground when he moves, if a cow or horse kicks - its usually where he was.
Medium sized, sturdy, bobtailed and frequently blue eyed. He is alert, intelligent, warm, playful and loyal. Can be reserved with strangers but should never be aggressive.
Life span 10-15 years
Breed problems can be both inherited or diseases and disorders seen frequently in a breed and mode of inheritance unknown. Both are listed.
Breed problemsDwarfing syndrome has been seen in the breed.
Hip Dysplasia
Cataracts, progressive retinal detachment and progressive retinal atrophy, Microphthalmia (small eyes)
Deafness
Cleft palate
Spina bifida
Umbilical herniasAustralian Shepherd lateral Skeletal Defect Syndrome - clinical cleft palate, polygenicgenicdactyly, brachygnathism and scoliosis
Microphthalmia - Ocular dysgenesis (in dogs with merle coat with excessive white), and with partial hearing loss in predominantly white dogs (albinism)
Buckeye Australian Shepherd Club
American Kennel Club - Australian Shepherd
United States Australian Shepherd Association
This page was last edited 04/29/08
