About
Characteristics
Healthcare
Normally Treatment Method
Supplements

About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 71-91 cm

Height range  : 46-58cm

Weight range : 16-32kg

Coat : double coat|medium-length|water-resistant|lush texture|straight to wavy|plush fur

Life expectancy years : 12-14

Colors: black|blue merle|red|red merle|white|tan|gray|multi-colored.

Activitity Level : high

Origin: United States of America

Similar Breeds : Border Collie|English Shepherd|Australian Cattle Dog|Miniature American Shepherd|Belgian Shepherd Dog

 

History

Australian Shepherds most likely originated in the United States , especially California around the Gold Rush era , though their lineage traces to European herding dogs associated with Basque shepherds and Australia. The breed was refined in America and recognized by AKC in 1993.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

even-keeled|smart|loyal|friendly with family|can be reserved with strangers|protective alert barker|high-drive and eager to work

Personality

highly intelligent|energetic|loyal|trainable|active|work-oriented|versatile|affectionate with family

Needs

daily exercise|mental stimulation|job to do|early socialization|secure fencing|active owner|ongoing training

Social Needs

very sociable with family|can be good with children , cats and other dogs when socialized|prefers company|may become a shadow dog|can develop separation anxiety if overly attached

Grooming 

brush weekly|brush more often during shedding|bathe when needed|check and clean ears routinely|trim nails regularly|daily tooth brushing is ideal

Nutrition

high-quality balanced diet|adjust calories to activity and age|working or highly active dogs may need performance diets|fresh water always available|meal feeding preferred|puppies often eat 3 to 4 meals daily before transitioning to 2 meals

 

Breed Standard

lean , tough , medium-sized herding dog|strong muscular body|athletic and agile movement|triangular ears|lively eyes|medium-length water-resistant double coat|balanced ranch dog outline

Did you know?

Despite the name the breed is closely tied to California ranching and cowboy culture and became especially popular through rodeo , horse shows , Western culture and canine sports.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hereditary Eye Diseases, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, MDR1 Drug Sensitivity

 

Symptoms

1. night blindness may appear
2. bumping into things may occur
3. cloudy pupil or cataract may develop
4. dilated pupils may be seen
5. sudden or progressive blindness may occur

1. stiffness may appear
2. lameness or limping may occur
3. bunny hopping gait may occur
4. reluctance to rise or jump may develop
5. hip pain and rear muscle loss may occur

1. forelimb lameness may appear
2. pain with movement may occur
3. reduced mobility may develop

1. recurrent seizures may occur
2. stiffness and paddling may appear during generalized seizures
3. drooling may occur
4. post-seizure confusion may develop
5. temporary blindness or pacing may occur

1. tremors may occur after trigger drugs
2. ataxia or stumbling may occur
3. disorientation may develop
4. seizures may occur
5. coma or respiratory collapse may occur in severe cases

Onset of symptoms

 

Hereditary Eye Diseases

1. CEA is present at birth and may be diagnosed at 5 to 8 weeks or after 6 weeks
2. hereditary cataracts may occur around 1 to 5 years
3. PRA may appear in adulthood around 3 to 9 years and some texts note juvenile or early onset in first months

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be high because eye disorders are repeatedly cited as common breed concerns
2. PRA , CEA , cataracts are specifically noted across sources

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may occur in rapidly growing dogs
2. may also become apparent later with arthritis in more mature dogs

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be Moderate to high
2. provided breed text indicates around 6 to 7 percent among screened Aussies

Elbow Dysplasia

1. signs may appear during growth or later with joint degeneration

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be Moderate
2. provided breed text indicates around 4 to 5 percent among screened Aussies

Epilepsy

1. seizures typically begin between 6 months and 5 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be significant because hereditary epilepsy is recognized in the breed

MDR1 Drug Sensitivity

1. mutation is present from birth
2. toxic signs may appear within hours to a day after exposure to trigger drugs

Probability Of Onset:

1. risk may be very high in relevance to the breed because many Australian Shepherds may carry at least one copy of the mutation according to the provided breed text

Reasons

Hereditary Eye Diseases       

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because these are inherited defects of the eye , lens or retina

 

Elbow Dysplasia:

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a developmental joint disorder

 

Hereditary Eye Diseases       

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because these are inherited defects of the eye , lens or retina

Elbow Dysplasia:

1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a developmental joint disorder

 

Hip Dysplasia

 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because this is a hereditary and conformational joint disorder
2. natural joint-support compounds may not keep pace with chronic damage

Epilepsy

1. the text indicates there may be an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission rather than a simple deficiency

MDR1 Drug Sensitivity

  1. 1. the text indicates dogs may lack normal functional P-glycoprotein activity involved in moving certain drugs away from the brain

Normally Treament Methods

Hereditary Eye Diseases:

  1. 1. annual ophthalmic exams and DNA testing may be used for screening
    2. cataract surgery might restore vision in suitable cataract cases
    3. PRA may have no cure and management may focus on adaptation
    4. breeding affected dogs is not recommended

 

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. management may include weight control , controlled low-impact exercise , physical therapy , NSAIDs and possible surgery
    2. excessive high-impact activity during growth is not recommended

 

Elbow Dysplasia

  1. 1. management may include medications , joint supplements , therapies and sometimes surgery

 

Epilepsy:

  1. 1. diagnosis may involve ruling out other causes
    2. lifelong anticonvulsant medication may be used to reduce seizure frequency and severity

 

MDR1 Drug Sensitivity:

  1. 1. prevention may rely on DNA testing and avoiding trigger medications
    2. unsafe drug exposure is not recommended
    3. emergency supportive care may be needed if toxicity occurs. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hereditary Eye Diseases :

  • 1. antioxidant eye formulas can,might be helpful for general eye support and oxidative stress balance
    2. omega-3 fatty acids including DHA can,might be helpful for retinal support
recommend product

Hip Dysplasia

  • 1. glucosamine and chondroitin can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    2. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for joint inflammation
    3. green-lipped mussel can,might be helpful for joint support
recommend product

Elbow Dysplasia

  • 1. joint supplements can,might be helpful for mobility support according to the text
recommend product

Epilepsy

  • 1. MCT oil can,might be helpful for seizure support under veterinary guidance
    2. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for neuroprotective support
recommend product

MDR1 Drug Sensitivity

  • 1. no supplement may correct this genetic drug handling defect
recommend product

電話

+852 6358 3131

地址

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