Do you want to own an Australian Shepherd, or have you just acquired one, but you’re not sure how to be a good pet owner? Well, worry no more! Because this article will give you the information you’ll need on how to be a qualified pet owner and will give you the best methods to take care of your dog.
Australian Shepherds are herding dogs that are originally from Spain’s Basque region. Although they are called Australian Shepherds, they actually didn’t originate in Australia. The reason why these dogs have been given this name by Americans is that Basque Shepherds were once brought to the United States and Australia, hence earning this breed name.
Australian Shepherds can also be called Aussies. They originally had the purpose of herding, which makes them known as hardworking dogs on the American frontier. This breed was introduced to the world during the 1800s, and their lifespan is pretty long! which is about 13–15 years. In fact, this dog breed is also one of the most popular ones in the country due to its loyalty, playfulness, and hardworking nature.
These dogs typically have a coat color of black, merle colors, or tricolors of either black, red, brown, white, or red. Male Australians have a usual height of 51–58 cm, while females are 46–54 cm. They are intelligent, active, trainable, protective, and loyal! Which will definitely be a good best friend and a companion to you.
If you want to own this dog, make sure to acquire vaccines and medical consultations in order to keep it protected from canine diseases. You can find vets in Austin, both physical and online, that can offer you the best medical assistance for your pet.
- Meal Time
Just like any other dog, you shouldn’t overfeed your Australian Shepherd. For adult dogs, who have reached one year old, you can just feed them twice a day, four-six cups of food each meal, morning and night. But for puppies, you can just feed them one to four cups each day. Remember to research what foods are forbidden for dogs so they may be safe from intoxication!
- Grooming
Australian Shepherds can be pretty high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Since they have a thick amount of fur, they tend to shed often, which can make your home messy. You should brush their fur twice a week to keep them clean, healthy, and tangle-free. These dogs don’t need to acquire haircuts often because their thick fur has the purpose of regulating their temperature. For bathing, unless they’re smelly or dirty, you can just bathe them at least once a month.
You can also brush their teeth regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep their gums and teeth protected from plaque. Trimming their nails is also essential, as they can get too long and make them feel uneasy and disturbed. Remember to check their ears and their hidden areas often to keep them free from ticks and fleas.
- Training and Exercise
Just like other dogs, training your Australian Shepherd is also important to keep them disciplined and to behave. The most effective way to train them is by using reward-based methods or positive reinforcement. Since they are smart dogs who love to please people, there’s no doubt that they will cooperate.
These dogs need at least two hours of exercise each day too. You can take them on walks or let them run around parks to achieve their healthy state.
- Health
Australian Shepherds are known to be active and healthy dogs. But they may still have the possibility of acquiring illnesses and diseases such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, and cancer. To prevent these, take them to vets regularly, clean their ears often, and brush their teeth regularly.
- Temperament and Behavior
Australian Shepherds can be one of the best dogs you can own! They are loyal, easy to train, intelligent, and love to please people, and they tend to have instincts, which makes them known as territorial dogs. They will certainly do a good job of protecting you and your properties.
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