Australian Shepherd
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{{Infobox Dogbreed
<!-- Put article text AFTER this infobox markup. See: -->
<!-- Wikipedia:WikiProject Dog breeds/Templates for more info.-->
| image = Australian Shepherd 600.jpg
| image_caption = Blue merle Australian Shepherd
| status = LC
| name = Australian Shepherd
| nickname = Aussie
| country = United States of America
| fcigroup = 1
| fcisection = 1
| fcinum = 342
| fcistd = http://www.dogdomain.com/fcistandards/fci-342.htm
| akcgroup = Herding
| akcstd = http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_shepherd/index.cfm
| ankcgroup = Group 5 - (Working Dogs)
| ankcstd = http://www.ankc.aust.com/austshep.html
| ckcgroup = Group 7 - (Herding Dogs)
| ckcstd = http://www.ckc.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=137&Breed_Code=ASS
| kcukgroup = Pastoral
| kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=123
| nzkcgroup = Working
| nzkcstd = http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br513.html
| ukcgroup = Herding Dog
| ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/5bc28874b80a478c85257049004752d4?OpenDocument
}}<!-- End Infobox -->
The '''Australian Shepherd''' is a [[dog breed|breed]] of [[working dog]] that was developed on ranches in the [[Western United States]]. Despite its name, the breed, commonly known as an '''Aussie''', did not in fact originate in [[Australia]].<ref name="FCI site">{{cite web|url=http://www.dogdomain.com/fcistandards/fci-342.htm|accessdate=|title=FCI: Australian Shepherd Short Historical Survey}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.australianshepherds.org/about.html|title=About Aussies|author=United States Australian Shepherd Association|accessed=}}</ref> They acquired their name because of its association with sheepherders who came to the United States from Australia.
[http://www.akc.org/events/herding/articles/2007/aussie_history.cfm]
Australian Shepherds rose rapidly in popularity with the boom of western riding after World War II. They became known to the general public through rodeos, horse shows and through [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] movies made for television.
For decades, Aussies have been valued by stockmen for their inherent versatility and trainability. While they continue to work as stockdogs and compete in herding trials, the breed has earned recognition in other roles due to their trainability and eagerness to please and are highly regarded for their skills in obedience. Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive and usually needs a job to do. It often excels at [[dog sports]] such as [[dog agility]], [[Flyball|flyball]] and [[disc dog|frisbee]]. They are also highly successful search and rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, guide, service and therapy dogs. And, above all, they are beloved family companions. Aussies are very protective and may not be kind to strangers. Aussies will also try to herd anything that moves, including people and all other types of animals.
== Characteristics ==
=== Appearance ===
The breed's general appearance varies greatly depending on the particular line's emphasis. As with many working breeds that are also [[Conformation show|shown in the ring]], there are differences of opinion among breeders over what makes an ideal Australian Shepherd. In addition the breed can be split into two distinct lines - working and show dogs. Working dogs tend to have shorter coats, thinner and are sometimes smaller while the show lines are bred according to breed standard and can have long fur.
====Size====
The Australian Shepherd Breed Standards for all major registries state that males should stand 21-23 inches at the shoulder; females 18-21 inches. Weight is not specified in the standard, though males normally weigh 50-70 pounds, and females normally weigh 45-55 pounds.
====Color====
[[Image:Bvdb-australischeherder.jpg|thumb|240px|right|Color variants: Black tricolor, red merle, blue merle,liver-tri.]]
Aussie colors are black, red (sometimes called ''liver''), blue merle (marbled black and gray), and red merle (marbled red and silver or buff); each of these colors may also have copper points and/or white markings in various combinations on the face, chest, and legs. A black or red dog with copper and white trim is called ''tricolor'' or ''tri'', a black or red dog with white trim but no copper is called ''bicolor'' or ''bi''. White should not appear on the body of the dog from topmost point of the shoulder blade to the tail. The ears should be covered by and completely surrounded by pigment other than white to decrease the risk for white related deafness. Eyes should also be surrounded by color, including the eye rim leather. Excessive white on the face and ears can place an individual dog at greater risk for sunburn and subsequent skin cancer.
The wide variation of color combinations comes from the interaction between the a color [[allele]], which is either black (B) dominant or red (b) recessive, and the dominant merle allele (M). Together, these provide four coat-color aspects that can appear in any combination:<ref name="Coile">{{cite book |last=Coile |first=D. Caroline |title=Australian Shepherds |origyear=1999 |publisher=Barron's |language=English |isbn= |pages=5-7 |chapter=History of the Australian Shepherd}}</ref>
* Black or Red tri, which is a combination of red/black, tan, and white
* Merle, which is a olr combination of blue/red with many grays and spots. Many merles have two different colored eyes.
* Fully black, or fully copper
* Solid color or trimmed with white
The [[Merle (coat color in dogs)|merle]] allele, which produces a mingled or patchwork combination of dark and light areas, is the most common coat pattern associated with the breed. This merle (M) is dominant so that affected dogs (Mm) show the pigmentation pattern; however, when two merles are bred, there is a statistical risk that 25% of the offspring will end up with the two copies of the merle gene (homozygous). These dogs usually have a mostly white coat and blue irises, and are often deaf and/or blind. In this case, the deafness and blindness are linked to having two copies of the merle gene, which disrupts pigmentation and produces these health defects.
All black and blue merle dogs have black noses, eye rims, and lips. All red and red merle dogs have liver or brown noses, eye rims, and lips.
====Eyes====
[[Image:Cheech Boo.jpg|thumb|240px|Red merle with copper points and one brown eye and one blue eye. Blue merle with copper points with blue eyes]]
There is also great variety in the Aussie's eye color. An early nickname for the breed was "ghost-eye dog". Aussie eyes may be green, hazel, amber, brown, or blue; they may have two different colored eyes, or even have [[heterochromia|bicolored or "split eyes"]] (for example, a half-brown, half-blue eye), which appear to be linked to the merle coloration. Merled eyes occur as well, where one color is mixed in and swirled with another. Any combination of eye color is acceptable in the breed standard, so long as the eyes are 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 amber eyes, though these Aussies may also carry the blue eyed gene.
====Tail====
A hallmark of the breed is a short [[docking (dog)|bobbed]] or [[Docking (animal)|docked]] tail in countries where docking is permitted. Some Aussies are born with naturally short bobbed tails, others with full long tails, and others with natural partial bobs, where the tail is midlength and appears stubby. Breeders have historically docked the tails when the puppies are born. <!--save arguments about pros and cons for article on docking. -elf Dec 2005 --> Even without a tail, the wagging movement of the hind end still occurs.
Some Australian Shepherd breeders try to keep the tail on the dog for the natural look, which can still be shown in the breed ring.
===Temperament===
[[Image:Aussie Shepherd Red.jpg|240px|thumb|right|A Red Aussie with the alert, intense gaze common among herding dogs.]]
The Australian Shepherd is unique with regard to its temperament. There are two distinct types of personality to look for depending on the lines, as well as many shades within these two types.
Generally the breed is an energetic dog that requires exercise and enjoys working, whether it is learning and practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or any other physically and mentally involving activity. Other Aussies would rather be with their humans and enjoy being couch potatoes. It is usually a sweet and affectionate dog which is faithful to its owners and great with children. Most Australian Shepherds make wonderful family dogs, provided there is at least one shepherd-figure to act as a leader and mentor to the dog.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Dogs with strong working instinct may show more reserved, guarding behaviors along with a tendency to chase or nip at running children or strangers if not properly trained. Its protective instinct and behaviors can be frightening to children, strangers, and small animals. Those bred for a more family-oriented temperament are more friendly and affectionate with strangers and generally more reliable around children. Because the breed was developed to serve on the ranch, a job which includes being protective of its property, it sometimes can be annoying with its inclination to bark warnings about neighborhood activity, but it is not generally an obsessively barking dog.
The Aussie is intelligent, learns quickly, and loves to play. This means that a bored, neglected, unexercised Aussie will invent its own games, activities, and jobs, which to a busy owner might appear to be hyperactivity: for example, an Aussie may go from being at rest to running at top speed for several 'laps' around the house before returning to rest, all apparently for no purpose. Without something to amuse them, Aussies often turn destructive of yard or property. Aussies also do best with plenty of human companionship: they are often called "velcro" for their strong desire to always be near their owners and for their tendency to form intense, devoted bonds with select people.
The Australian Shepherd has a reputation as a highly intelligent and versatile stock dog with a range of working styles. While improperly trained or frustrated Aussies may exhibit excessive running and barking, a good working Aussie is quick, thoughtful, and easy with its stock. The ability for the breed to adapt to the situation and think for itself makes it an excellent all-around worker. For this reason the Aussie is often chosen to work unusual livestock such as ducks, geese, and commercially raised rabbits.
==Health==
There are many health problems that an Australian Shepherd can acquire, including back and hip problems, vision problems, and pancreatic probems. Also, an Aussie can develop bladder problems and urinary infections over time.
===Mortality===
Results of a 1998 internet survey with a sample size of 614 Australian Shepherds indicated a median longevity of about 12.5 years, but also that longevity may be declining.<ref name="Cassidy Data">http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/breeddata.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Breed Data page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 8, 2007</ref> A 2004 UK survey found a much shorter median longevity of 9 years, but their sample size was low (22 deceased dogs).<ref name="KC Survey">http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/570 Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee. 2004. Purebred Dog Health Survey. Retrieved July 5, 2007 </ref>
The median life spans for breeds similar in size to Australian Shepherds are mostly between 11 and 13 yrs,<ref name="Cassidy Weight">http://users.pullman.com/lostriver/weight_and_lifespan.htm Dog Longevity Web Site, Weight and Longevity page. Compiled by K. M. Cassidy. Retrieved July 5, 2007</ref> so, assuming the results of the UK study are not representative of the population there, Aussies appear to have a typical life span for a breed their size. Leading causes of death in the UK survey were cancer (32%), "combinations" (18%), and old age (14%).
===Morbidity===
Based on a sample of 48 still-living dogs, the most common health issues noted by owners were eye problems (red eye, epiphora, conjunctivitis, and cataracts).<ref name="KC Survey"/> Dermatologic and respiratory problems also ranked high.
[[Collie eye anomaly]] (CEA) and [[cataracts]] are considered major health concerns{{Fact|date=July 2007}} in Aussies. Other conditions of note include iris coloboma, [[canine hip dysplasia]] (CHD), Pelger-Huet syndrome, [[hypothyroidism]], and nasal solar dermatitis .<ref>[http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/96/australian-shepherd.php ''Caring for an Australian Shepherd''] - Breeder Retriever, URL dated [[December 7]], [[2006]]</ref> Prior to breeding, the Aussie should be checked for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, DNA tests performed to show the dog to be free of the MDR1 mutation, cataract mutation, and CEA. Tests should also include those for thyroidism and clearances for other known eye diseases like colobomas, PRA and retinal folds.
The Australian Shepherd (as well as [[Collies]], [[German Shepherd]]s and many other herding dogs) are susceptible to toxicity from common heartworm preventatives (anti-parasitics) and other drugs{{Fact|date=July 2007}}. This is caused by a genetic mutation of the MDR1 gene{{Fact|date=July 2007}}. The most common toxicity is from the heartworm medicine [[Ivermectin]] found in products such as Heartgard{{Fact|date=July 2007}}. (Only at very high doses. Most dogs will not have problems with Ivermectin found in products such as Heartgard Plus.) A test is available to determine if a particular dog carries the mutated gene. Read [http://www.busteralert.org here] for more information.
===Double Merle===
Double merling or homozygous merle,also known as lethal white, occurs when the resulting offspring of two merled parents inherit two copies of the dominant merle gene. Double merles are often mostly white and can have resulting hearing and visual problems as a result of having two copies of the merle gene. Homozygous merles can be deaf, blind, express iris colobomas and micropthalmia. Not all homozygous merles are affected, but most are, making the breeding of two merles an ethical question among the fancy. Breeders will either euthanize mostly white pups or in the case of poorly qualified breeders, sell them as "rare" white Aussies without disclosing the potential for health defects. A large percentage of homozygous merles sold eventually end up in rescue and shelters as the average family is ill prepared to take on a deaf and/or blind pet.
==History==
The Australian Shepherd's history is vague, as is the reason for its [[misnomer|misleading name]] It is believed by some the breed has [[Basque people|Basque]] origins in [[Spain]] and was used there by shepherds[http://www.lasrocosa.com/vanishedtrails.html]
What is known is that it developed in western North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref name="ascasite">{{cite web | title=ASCA Working Description of Aussies | work=Official Breed Club Site | url=http://asca.org/About+Aussies/Working+Description | accessdate=}}</ref>[[Image:AustrShepherdRed2 wb.jpg|thumb|right|An Australian Shepherd from non-standard working lines; early breeders chose dogs for their abilities rather than conformation.]]
Breeds as we know them today did not exist before [[Victorian era|Victorian times]], but local variations of the ancestors of different breeds that we know today came into America along with their owners and livestock. Included are some that are now extinct or that have merged into other breeds. These probably included the [[English Shepherd]], Kelpie, Dorset Blue Shag, Cumberland Sheepdog, Scottish Collie, Glenwherry Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, Welsh Sheepdog (which still includes a blue merle variety) and [[Bouvier des Flandres]], as well as dogs from [[Germany]] and Spain. For many centuries, [[shepherd]]s had more interest in dogs who performed well when helping to manage flocks of sheep than they had in the specific appearance of the dogs. As a result, over time, shepherds interbred dogs that they believed would produce better workers for the given climate and landscape. In the eastern U.S., [[Terrain]] and weather conditions were similar to that of Europe, however, so the existing imported breeds and their offspring worked well there.<ref name="Coile" />
However, in the [[American West]], conditions were quite different. In the primarily [[Desert|arid]] and semiarid areas inhabited sparsely by early Spanish settlers, temperatures reached extremes of hot and cold, and fields varied in altitude from sea level into the higher, rougher [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]] and similar mountain ranges.<ref name="Coile" /> The ranchers in these areas often pasture livestock on remote ranges without attention for months at a time. They prefer aggressive herding dogs that can be taken to remote pastures and work unfamiliar cattle that are not accustomed to the dogs.
With the 1849 [[California Gold Rush]], a massive migration occurred into to the west coast, and along with easterners came flocks of sheep and their eastern herding dogs; from the southwest came people and their dogs of Spanish descent. But it was just as effective to bring sheep in by ship, and in they came, including flocks from [[Australia]] and other regions, along with shepherds and their own herding breeds.<ref name="Coile" />
[[Image:Kite and the Fury on cattle.jpg|thumb|left|Black and white (bicolor) Australian Shepherd stopping cows]]
Dogs from Australia had already begun to be selected and bred for climates and terrains that were often similar to [[California]].
As shepherds selected dogs who could handle stock in harsh storms, high arid heat, and chilling cold, and who could think on their own in challenging terrain, reacting instantly to the movement of sheep and to their handlers' commands, the type that became known as the Australian Shepherd was born.<ref name="Coile" />
It is not clear where the name "Australian" came from, although it is possible that many of the dogs coming from Australia were blue merle and, somehow, the adjective "Australian" became associated with any dogs of that coat color.<ref name="Coile" />
===Recent history===
Development of the breed began in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. The breed's foundation bloodlines are depicted in the '''''Australian Shepherd Genealogy Chart''''' showing the relationship between the early families of dogs. [http://www.lasrocosa.com/spiderweb.html]
[[Selective breeding]] for many generations focused on aspects of the dog that enabled it to function as an effective stockdog in the American west. It had to handle severe weather; have plenty of speed, athleticism, energy, and endurance; and be intelligent, flexible, and independent while remaining obedient. The Australian Shepherd remained more of a ''type'' than a ''[[dog breed|breed]]'' until the 1950s, when they became popular as performing dogs in [[rodeo]]s. Their stunts and skills earned them places in several [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] films, including ''Run Appaloosa Run'' and ''Stub: The Greatest Cowdog in the West''.<ref name="Coile" />
==Activities==
[[Image:Australian Shepherd agility cropped.jpg|thumb|right|A blue merle in a [[dog agility]] competition]]
Like other [[herding breed]]s, these dogs excel at many [[dog sports]], especially [[herding]], [[dog agility]], [[disc dog|frisbee]], and [[flyball]]. The dog has a stride in which its front and back legs cross over, making for an appearance of "on the edge" speed. The dogs instinctively use a "pounce" position (see above) to deal with cattle trying to kick them. They also have strong hips and legs, allowing for fast acceleration and high jumping, sometimes as high as 4 ft (1.3m).
An Australian Shepherd named Pockets is credited as being the oldest dog to earn a title in AKC history, having earned the Rally Novice title at the age of 15 years, 5 weeks.<ref>[http://mnsun.com/articles/2005/10/13/news/aw13aussie.txt Sun Newspapers - MNSUN.com - Archives<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
==Miscellaneous==
The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was founded in 1957 to promote the breed. The National Stock Dog Registry became its official breed registry, which continued until ASCA took over in the 1972. [http://www.lasrocosa.com/ascaearlyyears7274.html]
In 1975, ASCA created a [[breed standard]], describing exactly how an Australian Shepherd should look and be constructed (its ''conformation'' to the Standard). It developed more uniformity in the breed and standardized the type.
In the United States, the [[American Kennel Club|AKC]] is the primary registry for purebred dogs. However, many Aussie breeders felt that AKC put too much emphasis on conformation and not enough on performance, so ASCA declined to join the AKC. Those breeders who felt that AKC membership had its advantages split off from ASCA to form their own Australian Shepherd club, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, created their own breed standard, and joined the AKC in 1993. The decision about affiliation with the AKC remains controversial, as it does with many performance breeds.
In addition to the [[Miniature Australian Shepherd]], the western United States are now seeing the emergence of an even smaller version, referred to as the Toy Australian Shepherd, with adult males tipping the scales at a mere 12 to 15 pounds (5.5 to 7 kg). The genetic consequences of breeding the standard Australian Shepherd down to one-quarter size remain to be seen. Many breeders and owners of Australian Shepherds consider the Mini and Toy to be separate breeds; others consider them to be downsized versions of the same breed. ASCA and AKC considers all such variants to be separate breeds.<ref>http://asca.org/ASCA+News/Announcements</ref>
==References==
<references/>
* {{cite book|author=Cunliffe, Juliette |year=2004|title=The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds|publisher= Parragon Publishing |id=ISBN }}
* {{cite book|author=Fogle, Bruce |year=2000|title=The New Encyclopedia of the Dog|publisher= Dorling Kindersley (DK)|id=ISBN }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.busteralert.org |title=Buster Alert |accessdate= |first=Marla |last=McCormick}}
==Breed Books==
*{{cite book|author=Hartnagle, Carol Ann, Hartnagle, Ernest |year=2006|title=Total Australian Shepherd:Beyond the Beginning|publisher= Hoflin Publishing |id=ISBN #0-86667-072-6. }}
* {{cite book|author=Hartnagle-Taylor, Jeanne Joy |year=1996,2005|title=All About Aussies|publisher= Alpine Publishing |id=ISBN # 1-57779-074-X. }}
** [http://www.lasrocosa.com/education.html Australian Shepherd Books and Videos]
==External links==
{{commons|Australian Shepherd}}
* Breed clubs
** [http://www.cnasa.ca/home.htm Canadian National Australian Shepherd Association]
** [http://www.asca.org Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)]
** [http://www.australianshepherds.org/ United States Australian Shepherd Club]
** [http://www.wewasc.com/ Western European Working Australian Shepherd Club]
** [http://www.n-a-s-a.org.uk/ National Australian Shepherd Association]
** [http://www.australianshepherd.org.au/ Australian Shepherd Club of Victoria Inc.]
** [http://www.australianshepherds.org.au/index.htm Australian Shepherd Association of New South Wales]
** [http://ascne.org/index.htm/ Australian Shepherd Club of New England]
* Information
**[http://aussieinfo.org/ Educational Website Discussing Australian Shepherd Working Style]
**[http://www.usasfoundation.org/ United States Australian Shepherd Foundation]
** [http://www.ashgi.org/ Australian Shepherd Health and Genetics Institute]
**[http://www.abquisto.net/history/ Historical Photos]
** [http://www.lasrocosa.com/vanishedtrails.html Breed Origins and History]
** [http://www.lasrocosa.com/ascahistorymain.html ASCA History]
**[http://www.lasrocosa.com/spiderweb.html Australian Shepherd Genealogy Chart]
** [http://www.herdingontheweb.com/shepherd.htm A View of Australian Shepherd History]
**[http://www.sealevelaussies.com/groom/grooming.htm Grooming Australian Shepherds]
** [http://www.australian-shepherd-lovers.com/lethal-white.html Australian Shepherd Homozygous "Lethal White" Merles]
** [http://www.dogbreedhelp.com/breed/australian-shepherd Australian Shepherd Information Page]
* Breed Rescue Groups (dogs for adoption)
** [http://www.aussierescue.org/ Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline]
** [http://www.aussierescuega.com/ ARPH - Georgia]
** [http://www.arphinc.com/ Northeast ARPH]
** [http://www.HeartlandAussieRescue.com Heartland Aussie Rescue]
** [http://www.australian-shepherd-lovers.com/rescue-aussie-shepherd.html Directory of Aussie Rescue Organizations]
[[Category:Dog breeds]]
[[Category:Herding dogs]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in the United States]]
[[af:Australiese Herdershond]]
[[cs:Australský ovčák]]
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[[fr:Berger australien]]
[[it:Australian Shepherd]]
[[he:רועה אוסטרלי]]
[[nl:Australische herder]]
[[no:Australian Shepherd]]
[[pl:Owczarek australijski (typ amerykański)]]
[[pt:Pastor Australiano]]
[[fi:Australianpaimenkoira]]
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