Australian Shepherd
Give this dog a job and he'll love it.
Australian Shepherd Characteristics
Affectionate with family
Apartment appropriate
Dog friendly
Drooling potential
Ease at being home alone
Easy to groom
Energy level
General health
Good for novice owners
Heat tolerance
Intelligence
Mouthiness
Tendency to bark or howl
Vigor
Vital Stats
Height:
18 to 23 inches at shoulder
Weight:
40 to 65 pounds (males average 57 pounds, females average 47 pounds)
Coat:
medium-length; wavy or straight
Life span:
12 to 15 years
Breed Group:
Herding Dogs
Summary
Despite his name, the Australian Shepherd originated in the western U.S., not Australia, around the time of the Gold Rush in the 1840s. Originally bred to herd livestock, he remains a working dog at heart; the Aussie, as he's nicknamed, is happiest when he has a job to do. He can be a wonderful family companion if his intelligence and energy are channelled into dog sports or activities.
Full Australian Shepherd profile on DogTime.com
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