A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Shepherd to consider for puppy training.

The exact origin of the Australian Shepherd is not known. The breed that is cherished and loved today was developed exclusively in the United States. The Australian Shepherd has an innate versatility that makes [...]]]>

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Australian Shepherd to consider for puppy training.

The exact origin of the Australian Shepherd is not known. The breed that is cherished and loved today was developed exclusively in the United States. The Australian Shepherd has an innate versatility that makes them useful on ranches and farms as a herding dog, retriever, and watchdog. They are typically referred to as “The Aussie”.

The Australian Shepherds most identifiable characteristic is the natural or docked bobtail. Their eyes are one of this breeds most commented on feature. Their eyes come in a variety of colors or color combinations and include blue, amber, hazel, and all shades of brown. The Aussie is a vigorous and athletic dog breed.

The Australian Shepherd has a striking and varied coat. It is of moderate length, straight to wavy, and weather resistant. The under coat is shed twice a year; with moderate shedding between these periods. The coat comes in four accepted colors: black, blue merle, red, and red merle. A variety of white and tan markings may appear on the face, chest, front, and rear legs.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, delightful, and loyal. They are highly energetic and thrive on being given something to do. The Aussie has a high degree of intensity and a “no-quit” attitude. Their herding instinct may be problematic or annoying to their family, as this breed will often attempt to perform this task on everyone or anything that moves. They are reserved and cautious with strangers until the Aussie decides about them. They are confident and protective. Human companionship is crucial to this breed. They get along well with active, considerate older children. The Aussie is not typically aggressive to other dogs.

The Australian Shepherd requires minimal grooming. An occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush will suffice. It is important to do more in depth grooming when they are going through their seasonal shedding. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Aussie is susceptible to a myriad of health issues and concerns. Their merle coloration carries a blind/deaf factor. Natural bobtails may have serious spinal defects. They are also prone to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and cataracts.

Australian Shepherds are easy to train. They benefit from early socialization and very basic obedience. It is important that they know who the master is or they will attempt to take control. The Australian Shepherd requires firm, fair, consistent, and effective direction. Their high intelligence and keen learning ability make repetitive training boring.

The Australian Shepherd requires an inordinate amount of exercise. A mere walk is not sufficient. They thrive on running, herding, playing, and all family activities. They are at their best when they are given a great deal of social interaction and a task to do. Australian Shepherds are not recommended for apartment dwelling. They are moderately active indoors and require a non-sedentary owner and a large securely fenced yard or safe open area.

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Bearded Collie to consider for puppy training.

This dog breed is commonly referred to as the “Beardie”. They are a medium-sized agile herding dog that is an ancestor of the Old English Sheepdog. Originating in Scotland, this breed was used for [...]]]>

A Look At Breeds For Puppy Training

Here are some puppy facts about the Bearded Collie to consider for puppy training.

This dog breed is commonly referred to as the “Beardie”. They are a medium-sized agile herding dog that is an ancestor of the Old English Sheepdog. Originating in Scotland, this breed was used for centuries to herd flocks of sheep and cattle. They were developed to be independent workers and made decisions concerning their charges without human guidance. The Bearded Collie nearly disappeared in the early part of the 20th century, but were saved from extinction in 1944. They are still fairly rare in the United States today, but their popularity is growing.

The Bearded Collie is hardy and active. This unspoiled and natural breed has strength, is a hard worker, and makes a devoted companion. They possess self-confidence and are never shy or aggressive. The Bearded Collie is bouncy, bright, reliable, and trustworthy. They are suited equally for being a household pet, as well as working in any weather condition on any terrain.

The Bearded Collie has a shaggy coat that covers the entire body, even under the chin. The weatherproof outer coat is long and dense. The under coat is soft and thick. Their coat color changes several times over their life-span. The Bearded Collie puppies are generally born black, brown, blue, or fawn. The puppy coat then fades to cream or light gray. Once they reach maturity they darken again to their adult coat of brown, fawn, blue, or black. Bearded Collies are average shedders.

An enthusiastic, affectionate, and loving breed, the Bearded Collie thrives on family, fun, and being given a task to perform. They are sweet and easy-going, as well as bold and rowdy. This breed is excellent with children and other family pets. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time with nothing to do. Since they are herding dogs, this breed may attempt to perform the task with everyone and everything that moves. The Bearded Collie is not an excessive barker, but will bark to announce visitors, show their excitement, or if they are bored.

The Bearded Collie requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. The coat must be misted with a conditioning spray prior to brushing. Professional clipping can be done every two months. Dry shampooing or bathing should be done as needed. This breed is prone to allergies, hip dysplasia, eye problems, hypothyroidism, and auto-immune disease.

As independent thinkers, the Bearded Collie will occasionally decide that they know best. Some are easier to housetrain than others. This breed is highly trainable for various activities. Obedience training is a must as they have a tendency to be headstrong. They excel in tracking, agility, herding, performing tricks, and competitive obedience. They respond best to firm, fair, consistent, and loving methods of training.

A highly active breed, the Bearded Collie requires an inordinate amount of exercise. They are not recommended for apartment dwelling, as they prefer to have free run. Fairly active indoors, they do best with a large yard or on a farm. Bearded Collies do not like to be confined and enjoy being outdoors with their family playing or performing a task.