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"About Our Breed" reflects the opinions of the Stevens family. Opinions differ, and other Breeders may think differently. The exact origin of the Australian Shepherd is unknown. However, it is generally accepted that it evolved from sheep dogs imported into the Western U.S. by the Basque shepherds from the Pyrenees mountain region of Spain. The Aussie's heritage almost certainly includes a variety of different herding breeds and good ranch dogs, but whatever its family tree, it is a wonderful breed - just ask any Aussie owner!! However, its uniqueness, much of which is derived from its herding origin, also makes it a breed that is not for everyone. In the right home, under the right circumstances, the Aussie can be the most wonderful "dog" experience you will ever have. But the wrong Aussie, in the wrong home, with the wrong owners, can be a disaster. If you are a first time Aussie owner, please research the breed thoroughly and carefully before you acquire one. We would like to point out the following: Unfortunately, two "types" of Aussies have evolved within our breed, and the two are rather different in appearance and frequently in temperament. There is the "conformation", or "show" type Aussie, which in general is larger, has more bone and coat, and has a more mellow temperament than the "working" type. The "working" type resembles more closely the "old time" Australian Shepherd that was found solely on farms and ranches, many years ago before conformation shows were held for Aussies and before they became popular as companions. If you are not familiar with the different types the best thing to do is to attend some ASCA events where you can see both types competing in conformation, herding, obedience, and agility. Then be sure to select a breeder that produces the type you like. Our breed has experienced a vast increase in popularity over the past few years. As popularity increases, so does the number of people who produce Aussies only for the fun of it or to try and make a few dollars. These people do not have the best interest of our breed (nor their puppy buyers) at heart and often are ignorant of the genetic and health problems that Aussies can have. If you plan to acquire an Aussie, buy only from a reputable breeder that knows the breed thoroughly and doesn't hesitate to discuss not only its good points, but its faults, with you. Be certain a written guarantee is given, even on pet quality puppies. Don't be offended if the Breeder questions you at length about your lifestyle, location, goals for the puppy, etc. A good Breeder is genuinely concerned about their dogs and wants to be sure that they, as well as the new owner, will be happy. Interview several different breeders and find one that you are comfortable with and that produces the type Aussie you are looking for. Be clear about what you expect from the dog you acquire and ask if the Breeder thinks their dog will meet your expectations. Respect the Breeder who tells you they don't think an Aussie is the dog for you, or that their Aussies don't fit your particular need. You and the Breeder will likely have a long relationship, so be sure it's a good one!! The Australian Shepherd was developed as a herding breed. Most Australian Shepherds will exhibit herding traits, including some nipping of heels, attempts to herd objects (and people) together, and a desire to stop motion. Some people find this behavior objectionable. The Australian Shepherd is normally protective of its territory and family. How protective it becomes is determined by its heritage, socialization, and upbringing. Australian Shepherds are normally high energy dogs and are very intelligent. They require regular and adequate exercise. If left alone and not given adequate attention and exercise they will become bored and seek to amuse themselves in ways you will not find amusing -- like barking, howling, digging, being destructive, etc. In our opinion apartments and condos are not well suited to Aussies although some do reside there quite happily. City homes can be acceptable if a large fenced in exercise area is available, and if the family includes the dog in their activities so that it receives adequate attention. Their high intelligence and herding heritage makes some Aussies a challenge to the novice pet owner. Basic obedience training is a must, as it is with any dog. They are normally very eager to please their owner, but can be quite strong-willed. Although some Australian Shepherds have very moderate coats, this is a long haired and double coated breed. Shedding is normal, especially about two times a year when the undercoat sheds. Bitches also shed after their heat cycle or after weaning a litter. Aussies kept inside most of the time may not experience seasonal shedding but will shed to some extent all during the year. Regular brushing will be needed to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Australian Shepherds are normally good with children, particularly if raised up with them. The energetic, fun loving Aussie is often well paired with active young people. However, very young children must not be allowed to dominate or aggravate an Aussie, as this can have a lifelong adverse effect on their relationship. The merling gene that gives merle colored Aussies their beautiful distinctive coat pattern can also cause defects in merle puppies that result from the breeding of two merle parents, and happen to inherit the merle gene from each parent. These puppies are called "merle whites", homozygous merles, or "lethal whites" and will normally be deaf or blind, or both. They usually can be identified readily at birth but sometimes look quite normal and the defect is not apparent until they are older. Be especially careful if you are purchasing a puppy from a litter which resulted from a merle to merle breeding. For further explanation of the merle gene, click here. Aussies come in four acceptable main colors: black, blue merle, red, and red merle. Sable and yellow are unacceptable colors. Each color can occur without or without copper and/or white trim. A non-merle Aussie is generally referred to as a solid, even though it may have white and/or copper trim. The red gene is recessive and can be carried by black or blue dogs. For picture examples and further explanation of coat colors in the Australian Shepherd click here. Although the Aussie is considered to be a "healthy" breed, it is not without its health problems. Any breeder who tells you they have never had any genetic problems with their dogs either has not bred very many litters, doesn't check for genetic disorders, or isn't being truthful with you. Dogs are not physically perfect (neither are humans!) and it is not a crime to produce a dog with a defect. The crime occurs when the breeder hides it, denies it, and isn't truthful when asked about it. Click on the name to learn more about the following disorders which may affect your Australian Shepherd: Hip dysplasia, Cataracts, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Persistent Papillary Membrane (PPM), bad bites and missing teeth, demodectic mange, epilepsy, and Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA). As you can see, it is important to ask questions and acquire an Aussie from relatively clean genetic lines (no line is "perfectly clean"). For a complete list of Aussie health articles, click here. If you have never owned an Aussie, it is imperative that you understand its temperament and tendencies before acquiring one. Please read the following regarding TEMPERAMENT, which is an excerpt from our standard Purchase Contracts:
In addition to the reading material listed below that we find helpful, please visit the web site of the Australian Shepherd Club of America to learn more about our breed. Remember that it is very important to RESEARCH before you buy!! Suggested Reading:
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