The Australian Shepherd , often known simply as "Aussie", is a medium-sized breed of dog that, irrespective of its name, was developed on farms in the Western United States during the 19th century. The dog was developed from a kind or descendant of the Basque country in Western Europe. It was brought by the Basques to the United States. These people previously only stayed briefly in Australia before moving to America. Breed vice versa has no connection to Australia.
There are a number of different theories about how the breed is associated with Australia, but there is no consensus. They are similar in appearance to the popular Shepherd and Border Collie breeds, and research has found that Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are closely intertwined with one another; both Border Collie and Australian Shepherd are a little bit further related to other types of Collie and Shetland Sheepdogs.
The Australian Shepherd increased in popularity with a boom in the West after World War II. They became known to the general public through rodeos, horse shows, and Disney movies made for television.
Over the years, Australians have been appreciated by the workers for their versatility and eligibility. While they continue to work as peddlers and compete in pastoral trials, they have gained recognition in other roles because of their ability and willingness to please and be highly respected for their skills in obedience. Like all working breeds, Aussies have considerable energy and drive and usually need work to keep them busy. They often excel in dog sports such as agility and dog frisbee and are also very successful as search and rescue dogs, catastrophic dogs, detection dogs, guide dogs, waitress dogs, and therapy dogs. They are considered the most popular 17th dog breed in the United States.
Video Australian Shepherd
Physical properties
Size
The Australian Shepherd is traditionally a middle generation of solid build. They can weigh from 30 to 65 pounds (14 to 29 kg) and stand from a height of 17 to 26 inches (43 to 66 cm). The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) call standard for Australian shepherds stands between 18 and 23 inches (46 and 58 cm) at the withers, 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm) women and men 20 to 23 inches ( 51 to 58 cm); However, the quality should not be sacrificed for size.
Recently, Australian Shepherd has been raised selectively in support of measures to develop Miniatures and Toy Aussies. The American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR) now recognizes three sizes. The above description is considered as Aussie Standard (height 18 to 23 inches for men and women). Australian Shepherds miniature (or Mini Aussies) stands 14 to 18 inches tall, while Toy Aussies stands between 10 and 14 inches.
Color
The recognized Aussie colors are solid black, solid red (heart), blue merle, and red/liver heart; each of these colors may also have a point of copper (brown) or white markings in various combinations on the face, chest, and legs. Black or red dogs with copper and white trims are called 'tricolor' or 'tri', while black or red dogs with white trim but no copper are called 'bicolor' or 'bi'. White, not pigment, in or around the ear is an indicator of an increased risk of deafness associated with whites. Excessive white color on the face and ears can place individual dogs at greater risk for sunburn and subsequent skin cancer.
Various combinations of colors are derived from the interaction between color alleles, ie black (B) dominant or red (b) recessive, and dominant merle allele (M). Together, this provides four color-mantle aspects that can appear in any combination:
- Black, with copper dots, white marks, or both on face, collar, legs, chest, abdomen - solid black dogs are both desirable as those with copper or white.
- Red (heart) with or without copper point or white mark on face, collar, leg, chest, abdomen - either white or copper points are required. Solid red dogs are equally desirable as those with copper or white.
- Blue merle with or without copper points or white marks on face, collar, legs, chest, abdomen - no white or copper spots required. Merle dogs are equally desirable as those with copper or white.
- Merle red (cream and red/liver patch pieces) with or without copper or white marks on face, collar, legs, chest, abdomen - no white or copper point required. Merle dogs are equally desirable as those with copper or white.
Merle alleles, which produce mixed or patchy combinations of dark and light areas, are the mantle patterns most often associated with breeds. This Merle (M) is dominant, so the heterozygous dog (Mm) shows a pigmentation pattern; however, when the two ranks are raised, the statistical risk is 25% of the offspring will end up with two copies of the merle gene (homozygous). These dogs usually have white coats and blue iris, and are often deaf, blind, or both. In this case, deafness and blindness are associated with having two copies of the merle gene, which interferes with pigmentation and produces this health defect.
All black and blue merle dogs have black noses, eye rims, and lips. All red and red merle dogs have brown hearts or noses, eye rim, and lips.
Also, nice variations are seen in Aussie eye colors, and they are often heterochromatic. The initial nickname for this breed is "ghost-eye dog". The Aussie's eyes may be brown or blue; they may have two different colored eyes, or even have bicolored or "separate eyes" (for example, half brown eyes, half blue), which seem to be related to merle colors. Clustered eyes also appear, in which one color is mixed and spun with the other. Each eye color combination is acceptable in standard breeds, provided that the eye is healthy. In general, however, black Aussies (self, bi-color, or tri-color) tend to have brown eyes, while red (self, bi-color, or tri-color) Aussies tend to have yellow eyes, though these Aussies may also carry blue-eyed genes.
The merle phenotype in Australian Shepherds is very similar to the color of the fur on Mitf's mutant mice.
Tail
Although some Aussies are born with swinging petals naturally or partially swinging (stubby), the majority are born with full-length tails. Breeders have historically grouted the tail when puppies are born. Wrapping a working dog's tail has become a tradition with the aim of preventing injury. It can also be seen as a way to increase speed and improve hygiene (Aussie long-haired tail can become tangle-free and dirty). In the United States and Canada, the standard call for a natural bob or anchored tail does not exceed four inches as a defining characteristic; However, some long-tailed examples have been successfully displayed and have been given recognition. The natural tail length is permitted when displayed in Europe, where docking has been banned in most countries, including the UK.
Maps Australian Shepherd
Temperament
This breed is usually very energetic, requires a lot of practice and attention. An Australian Shepherd likes to work, whether it is learning and practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or engaging in other physical and mental activities involved.
Dogs can show careful and careful guard behavior. They are kind, loving, and devoted to those they know. They are very loyal to the owner, and appreciate the dog if treated well. Since the breed is developed to serve on farms, the work that includes being a property patron, it tends to warn about environmental activities. It does not lean toward obsessive barking.
Aussie smart, fast learning, and playful. This means that a bored, abandoned, unexplored Aussie can create its own game, activity, and work, which for busy owners may seem hyperactive: for example, an Aussie may go from rest to run at high speed for some "laps" at around the house before returning to rest. Without something to cheer them up, Aussies can become destructive. Aussies also do their best with many human friendships: they are often called "Velcro dogs" because of their strong desire to always be near their owners and for their tendency to form strong and dutiful bonds with elected people.
The Australian Shepherd has a reputation as a very intelligent and versatile stock dog with a variety of work styles. Aussie that works well fast, wise, and easy to stock: there are working lines in West America that still shepherds sheep, small cattle, and goats. They are fast runners with loose eye style from the working cattle. The ability to breed to adapt to the situation and to think for yourself makes it a very good worker around. For this reason, the Aussie is often chosen to work with unusual cattle such as ducks, geese, and commercial rabbits.
These dogs need at least two to three hours a day to play, exercise, and attention. They thrived in the countryside, conditions like farms, and needed space to run and play in urban environments. The Australian Shepherd is a high-minded dog, who needs a lot of attention and work. Teach them the tricks to keep them focused and happy, which also keeps their minds working. This breed also has great stamina and can live in various fields. Because of this, they are popularly used as traces and worker dogs.
The Australian Shepherd takes about 30-60 minutes of practice each day. They do not adapt well with apartment life.
Health
The Australian Shepherd can have some health problems. Vision problems are common, and epilepsy is also a concern. In merle-to-merle breeding, puppies who inherit two copies of the merle gene have an increased risk of blind and/or deaf birth.
Australian Shepherds are the most common breed of dogs to get Epilepsy.
Feed
The recommended amount of food an Australian Shepherd should eat is 1-1/2 to 2 cups of dry food a day, but the size, level of exercise, and age should be considered. With proper diet and exercise, the Australian Shepherd can remain in good shape.
Caring
The Australian Shepherd has a long and medium waterproof coat. With a rather long and wavy or curly coat, this breed does not drip, mostly in spring to get rid of winter coats. Shepherds should be brushed weekly to keep a clean and healthy coat and also to prevent webbing. By becoming a "worker's dog", this breed should be outside to get the required exercise. If the dog is dirty, a basic bath can be given, but not often, as it can dry the skin and coat.
Mortality
The median median median age for breeds the same size as the Australian Shepherd is between 11 and 13 years, so, assuming British research does not represent the population there, Australians appear to have a typical lifespan to breed their size.
The results of a 1998 internet survey with a sample size of 614 Australian Shepherds show an average lifespan of about 12.5 years, but that longevity may decline.
Morbidity
Based on samples from 48 surviving dogs, the most common health problems noted by the owners are eye problems (red eyes, epifora, conjunctivitis, and cataracts). Dermatological and respiratory problems are also ranked high.
Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is rare in breeds, but cataracts and cataracts are a concern in the Aussies. Other conditions of the record include iris coloboma, hip canine dysplasia, Pelger-Huet anomaly, hypothyroidism, and nasal sun dermatitis. Before breeding, the Aussie should be examined for hip and elbow dysplasia and DNA testing is performed to show dogs to be free of MDR1 mutations, cataract mutations, and CEA. The test should also include for thyroidism and leeway for other known eye diseases such as coloboma, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal creases.
Some Australian Shepherds (like Collies, German Shepherds, and many other shepherd dogs) are vulnerable to genetic mutations of the MDR1 gene. Dogs with mutations may suffer from antiparasitic toxicity such as ivermectin in high doses, and other drugs. Tests are available to determine if a particular dog carries a mutated gene. Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition in which the femur does not fit safely in the hip socket of the hip joint. This problem can exist with or without clinical signs, which means some dogs feel pain in one or both of the back legs.
Dual merge
Merle or homozygous double merging occurs when the offspring of two creeping parents inherit two copies of the dominant merle gene. The odds are 25% for every child born out of such rubbish. Double merles often have excessive white and can have hearing and vision problems as a result of having two copies of the merle gene. The homozygous glands can be deaf or blind, or express iris coloboma and microphthalmia. Not all homozygous compounds are influenced, but for the most part, making the proliferation of two jars into a very sensitive subject. Some breeders lull most white children, while others may try to sell it as a rare "white Aussies" without revealing potential health disabilities. Most of the homozygous rewards sold eventually end up in help and shelter, as the average family is not ready to deal with deaf or blind animals. However, Australian shepherds who are deaf or blind can make beautiful pets given homes that are prepared for their special needs. They are the intelligent kind, who generally learn hand signals easily.
The term "deadly white" is derived from a horse born with deadly white syndrome, and has since evolved to often portray a dog born with a double merle trait. This property is found in many breeds, but is most commonly found in Australian Shepherds. The name "turn off white" is a misnomer, because this genetic condition is not lethal for dogs; often deadly livestock breeders for their children by annihilating them soon after birth. Many consider the term "white turn off" to be insulting.
Available health tests
Many diagnostic tests are available for Aussie owners who care to check the dog's overall health. In addition, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has an extensive database to track results and provide statistics for this problem: hip, elbow, heart, patellar luxation (knee), and thyroid disease (autoimmune). The OFA database also includes results for eye examinations performed by the Eye Registration Foundation veterinarian, but only if the Aussie owner submits the results. This database is a great resource for investigating the lineage and related health of some dog ancestors, at least regarding the hip rating.
Many tests have been developed by, or processed in, laboratories to examine 11 health problems that interfere with the Australian Shepherd breed. Some of these are Optigen, Animal Health Trust, Endocrine Diagnostic Center, Animal Health Laboratory, Washington State Veterinary Clinic, Vet DNA Center, and HealthGene. This laboratory may perform one or more tests that have been developed.
Testing or evaluation has been developed for:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Ease patella (knee)
- Eyes
- Collie eye anomalies
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Thyroid (autoimmune) - some labs do this OFA-checking app for the list
- Congenital Heart (heart)
- Multiple drug resistance genes
- Cataracts
- Pelger Huet anomaly
Other areas that are not currently a health issue, but the tests that have been developed for, are:
- Coat color (red/red operator) - Vet DNA Center and HealthGene process this example
- a dilute gene carrier - The Vet DNA and HealthGene centers process this example
DNA tests to authenticate offspring or to verify offspring) for the Australian Shepherd can be done, and by January 2010, all adult-producing adults will be asked to test DNA to enable breeders to register garbage with the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA).
History
The history of Shepherd Australia is unclear, as is the reason for her misleading name. This breed was originally called by many names, including the Spanish Shepherd, Priest Dog, Bob-Tail, Mexican New Shepherd, California Shepherd, and Austrian Shepherd. It is believed by some that this breed has a Basque origin in Spain and is used there by the shepherds. The shepherds may then emigrate to the West Coast of the United States through Australia. What is known is that it developed in western North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Australian Shepherd is a tireless shepherd sheep in the Rocky Mountains because it is relatively unaffected by the heights. Breeders in Boulder, Colorado, begin breeding dogs that will attract buyers from the west as far as California for the ability to shepherd their legendary sheep. A theory shows that they were named for the imported sheep they sleigh. There is also the possibility that many dogs from Australia are blue merle and the adjective "Australia" is associated with the dog with the fur color.
Breeds as we know them today did not exist before Victorian times, but local variations of the ancestors of today's descendants came to America along with their owners and cattle. Including some that are now extinct or that have joined other breeds. This may include some English shepherd dogs, native dogs from North America (originally from Asia/Siberia), as well as dogs from Germany and Spain including Carea LeonÃÆ'Â © s. For centuries, shepherds were more interested in dogs' ability to work than their appearance. As a result, over time, pastors associate dogs that they believe will produce better workers for particular climates and landscapes. In the eastern part of the USA, terrain and weather conditions are similar to Europe, so that existing imported breeds and descendants work well there.
In West America, the conditions are very different. Spanish herds of cattle are introduced for food and fiber which is mainly Churra. The Spanish dogs who accompanied them to West America proved perfectly suited for their work in the wild and dangerous areas. They are greatly appreciated for their ability to lead and protect their allegations from predators in the open span. In dry and semi-arid regions occupied by early Spanish settlers, temperatures reach extremes of heat and cold and fields vary at altitudes from sea level to the higher and rougher Sierra Nevada and similar mountains. Farmers in this area often graze cattle at long distances. They prefer aggressive shepherd dogs who serve in shepherd and guardian capacity.
Recent history
The development of the breed began in the West America. This hereditary lineage is depicted in the Australian Shepherd Genealogy Chart showing the relationship between the dog's early family. The American Kennel Club (AKC) rated the Australian Shepherd as the 17th most popular breed in the United States in 2016.
Selective breeding for many generations is focused on the aspect of the dog that enables it to function as an effective retainer in West America. It must handle bad weather; has a lot of speed, athleticism, energy, and endurance; and intelligent, flexible, and independent; while remaining obedient. The true ground for the Australian Shepherd was established between the 1940s and early 1970s, when the Shepherd Club of America Australia was formed and the registration began.
Their actions and skills produce places in several Disney movies, including Run Appaloosa Run and Stub: The Greatest Cowdog in the West . An Australian shepherd is featured in the film Flight of the Navigator (1986) and the Flash Forward TV series (1996). Recently, an Australian Shepherd starred in the movie Famous Five (2012) and its sequel.
In June 2017, US Vice President Mike Pence and his family adopted a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd named Harley.
Activity
Like other shepherd breeds, these dogs excel in many dog ​​sports, especially herding, dog agility, frisbee, and glide. Instinct and trainability can be measured by noncompetitive instinct tests. Aussies that demonstrate basic shepherding instincts can be trained to compete in ASCA stock dog trials or AKC grazing events.
The dog has a step in which the front and back legs cross, making for a "edge" appearance of speed. The dogs instinctively use the "pouncing" position to handle the cattle that tried to kick them. They also have strong hips and legs, allowing for quick acceleration and high jumping, sometimes as high as 4Ã, ft (1.3 m).
An Australian shepherd named Pockets is credited as the oldest dog to earn a degree in AKC history, having earned Novice Rally at the age of 15, 5 weeks.
Miscellaneous
Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was established in 1957 to promote this breed. The National Stock Dog Registry became an official breed registry, which continued until ASCA took over in 1972.
In 1975, ASCA created breed standards, describing exactly how an Australian shepherd should look and build (his conformity with the Standards). It develops a deeper uniformity of type and standardized type.
In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is the primary registration for dog breeds, and first recognized the Australian Shepherd in 1991 as a member of the Herding group. However, many Australian breeders feel the AKC is over-emphasizing breed adjustments and not enough on performance, so ASCA refuses to join AKC. Farmers who feel that AKC membership has a separate advantage from ASCA to form their own Shepherd Australia club, the Australian Shepherd Association of the United States, created their own breed standards, and joined AKC in 1993. Decisions about affiliation with AKC remain controversial, such as as is the case with many breeds of appearance.
The FÃÆ' Â © dation Cynologique Internationale (FCI-World Canine Organization) recognized the Australian Shepherd for international competition in 2007, in Group 1 of Shepherd Dogs and Livestock Dogs as number 342.
The Australian Shepherd Miniature is developed by breeders looking for smaller dogs ranging from 14 inches to Aussie standards. In 2010, NAMASCUSA renamed the American Shepherds miniature breeds and later changed their name to MASCUSA, The Miniature American Shepherd Club of USA. This new breed was received in AKC Miscellaneous class in June 2012 with a size written in the standard as a female of 13-17 inches and a male of 14-18 inches.
In addition, the emergence of a smaller version occurs, referred to as Australian Shepherd Dog, with adult males weighing 12-15 pounds (5.5-7 kg) and all dogs falling below the 14-inch height at the withers. Many breeders and owners of Australian Shepherds consider Mini and Toy as separate breeds; others think of it as a small version of the same type. While the Mini size can be achieved through selective Australian Shepherds selective breeding, Toy sizes are usually the result of cross-breeding with other toy races. ASCA and AKC consider both variants for separate breeds.
See also
- Australian Beef Dog
- Australian Kelpie
- Border Collie
References
Further reading
- Hartnagle, Carol Ann; Hartnagle, Ernest (2006). Total Shepherd Australia: Beyond the Beginning . Hoflin Publishing. ISBNÃ, 0-86667-072-6.
- Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy (2005). All About Aussies . Alpine publishing. ISBNÃ, 1-57779-074-X.
- Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy; Taylor, Ty (2010). Stockdog Savvy . Alpine publications. ISBN: 978-1-57779-106-5.
- Cunliffe, Juliette (2004). The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds . Parragon Publishing. Ã,
- Fogle, Bruce (2000). The New Encyclopedia of the Dog . Dorling Kindersley (DK).
- Renna, Christine Hartnagle (2000). Herding Dogs: Selection and Training of Farming Dogs Work . Kennel Club Books. ISBN 978-1-59378-737-0.
External links
- Australian Shepherd in Curlie (based on DMOZ) - An active list of Australian Shepherd links.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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