Star Of Elune

The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is a breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world thanks to its intelligence, loyalty and indefatigable energy. The Australian Shepherd is an extremely elegant, yet independent dog. They are known for their herding abilities, unique appearance and active character. Australian Shepherds require a lot of attention from the guardian – in terms of intellectual and physical exertion, but also regular grooming of the dense coat of hair.

History of the breed

Contrary to its name, the Australian Shepherd is not native to Australia, and the diminutive “Aussie” (Australian) was invented by Americans. Its origin is not fully known, although the United States is considered the cradle – hence the American type in the breed’s name. Among the genes of the Australian Shepherd are the best genes of European shepherd dogs, mainly the Pyrenean shepherd dog, which is considered the protoplast of the Australian Shepherd. It was here, on the border between France and Spain – that the Basques built their centuries-long reputation as world-class shepherds. They emigrated with their dogs to Australia, only to move at the turn of the 20th century – this time to North America.
Sources say that the protoplasts of the Aussie were small, multicolored dogs that arrived in the US aboard ships carrying flocks of sheep and accompanying Basque shepherds from Australia. The new American farms needed versatile and reliable herding dogs. Farmers wanted a dog that could not only guard the sheep, but also protect the farm. So the Australian Shepherd was also bred as a watchdog. The development of the Australian Shepherd breed was closely linked to the American lifestyle of farmers and cowboys. These dogs proved themselves both as invaluable helpers at work and faithful companions.

Australian Shepherds were prized for their ability to make decisions independently in the field and for their remarkable energy and endurance. These traits allowed them to work long hours in a wide variety of conditions. Aussies quickly became popular throughout the western United States. The breed received a significant boost in popularity thanks to rodeo competitions held in America. Jay Sisler, a rodeo star, gave performances with his Australian Shepherds during breaks. The skills of his dogs were amazing and impressed every spectator. As early as 1957, the Australian Shepherd Club of America was founded in Arizona, but it was not until 1996 that the breed was officially recognized by the FCI. The breed went from being a simple shepherd dog to a popular domestic dog. With its athleticism, intelligence and charming appearance, it has become a family dog.

Character

The Australian Shepherd is a breed with an extremely active and energetic character. They are very intelligent dogs, easy to train and willing to work. Aussies are known for their strong herding instinct, which can sometimes result in attempts to “shepherd” even people, especially children. Australian Shepherds are also extremely loyal and attached to their owners, making them excellent companions. They require a lot of attention and time spent on shared activities. Aussies have a balanced temperament, are friendly and loyal to their owner, but can also be stubborn. Toward strangers, the Australian Shepherd remains reserved.

Activity

Inherited from their ancestors, the ability to work hard makes the Aussie not a dog that can lie idle all day. They are typical working animals and extremely active. Individual individuals vary in character and some may be less busy and quieter than others. However, the vast majority of these dogs are extremely active and require work. Their owners must be prepared to give them lots of time and attention, play with them regularly and go for walks. Otherwise, Aussies can develop typical destructive tendencies. This is effectively prevented by exercise, work and active play – the very things that give meaning to the life of any Australian Shepherd.
Australian Shepherds love training – they are eager to learn new skills and tricks. In particular, they enjoy working with a clicker, obstacle training and exercises performed at a distance from a human. Aussies excel in sports such as agility and other such activities. As for walks, in the case of this breed, one long outing, preferably two hours long, is better than several short ones.

Care and health

As a rule, a thorough weekly brushing of the coat is enough to keep the Australian Shepherd’s waterproof, double-layered coat looking its best. However, during the moulting season, i.e. spring and autumn, it should be done more often, such as every two or three days. Australian Shepherds also do not require frequent bathing. It should be done occasionally, unless the dog gets extremely dirty. Claws, as with other breeds, should be trimmed regularly. Of the diseases typical of the breed, there are patella prolapse, hip and elbow dysplasia. Aussie Sheepdogs are prone to problems with the musculoskeletal system, which is why it is so important to keep them in good shape from puppyhood. During this period, dogs should not jump high or climb many stairs on their own. The breed also shows frequent cases of epilepsy. Another common problem is eye disease. Australian Shepherds are prone to various diseases such as cataracts, retinal dysplasia, conjunctivitis and glaucoma.

Nutrition

As a lively dog, the Australian Shepherd enjoys a great shape and figure when given the right amount of exercise. To maintain proper body weight and rapid muscle recovery, it is recommended to feed him a high-protein food with a high meat content. It is worth noting whether the food contains ingredients that protect the dog’s joints and strengthen its bones – chondroitin and glucosamine. For a beautiful and shiny coat, you can enrich the diet with Omega unsaturated fatty acids from natural sources. Lack of adequate physical activity and an inadequate diet can lead to overweight.

Average size and life expectancy of the breed

Growth:
Males: 51-58 cm
Females: 46- 53cm
Weight: Males: approximately 25-32 kg Females: approximately 18-25 kg
Life expectancy: 12-13 years

Australian Shepherd at Star of Elune

The first Australian Shepherd in our kennel appeared in 2017. It was a female Fifi, who came from Hungary. It was with her that the adventure of Australian Shepherds with the surname Star of Elune began. In 2019, we welcomed the first litter of this charming breed to our kennel. We were surprised by how well the Aussie lives with other breeds. Despite their distinctive character and increased activity, Australian Shepherds do not spoil the day for their four-legged kennel friends. We are also pleased with the many successes the breed achieves at world shows, bringing recognition and popularity to Star of Elune.

Did you know...

… Miniature American Shepherd (MAS) is a breed derived from the Aussie? It was created by selectively breeding smaller individuals of the Australian Shepherd.