Are you seeking a live-in babysitter or a family to adopt a loving and active lifelong companion? Check out Australian Shepherds for sale and get your hands on one that you prefer. These beautiful and alert dogs are good companions and are known for their agility, intelligence, and obedience. Australian Shepherds possess beautiful coat patterns and blue or amber eye color, which makes them very impressive.
Whether you are a sportive person in need of a companion for your hiking or other outdoor activities or a family looking for a faithful and loving protector – Australian Shepherds are just for you. It is endowed with a high level of intelligence and is wrought to perform a multitude of tasks ranging from obedience training, herding, racing, hunting as well as competing in any dog sports.
As you search for Australian Shepherds for sale, it is crucial to deal with a responsible breeder or adoption agencies. It is a factor that matters a lot when picking the new pet because their present environment will have an impact on their behavior.
Start your search for the right partner today and look at the available Australian Shepherds for sale in your area. You are well aware that your life will be a more fulfilled one with the addition of this remarkable breed.
Characteristics and Traits of Australian Shepherds
Intelligence, agility and strong working drive are hallmarks of the Australian Shepherds. Adults are medium and their common weight rage is between 40 to 65 pounds while their average height ranges from 18 to 23 inches at the shoulder level. Another interesting aspect is the coat; dogs of this breed can be virtually any color, such as blue merle, red merle, black, or red. They have medium size fur and are fluffy with undercoat which offers them warmth and shield from the prevailing weather conditions. They also have very animated looking eyes, which are blue, brown or even one of each, making them very adorable.
In addition to their appearance, Australian Shepherds are animated and need aerobic and cognitive exercises on a daily basis. They are active breeders and hence require to be in a home with much activity, having fun in playing games like retrieving exercises which include: fetching exercises like the balls and frisbee. They are intelligent dogs and this means that when put through a training exercise they are quick to grasp and this makes it a most fulfilling undertaking for the dog as well as the owner. But the same intelligence can cause boredom if they are not challenged and this may lead to wrong and undesirable behaviors. Hence, they should be given many exercises and other activities that will further stimulate their minds and bodies.
The Australian Shepherds are very loyal and form strong attachment to their families. They are guard dogs who are protective and may even be aloof to strangers. They are affectionate animals and need companionship, which makes them enjoy participating in family related activities. This breed is also highly trainable, it is good in obedience, it is good in agility exercises and it is also a good herding breed. They are suitable for any way of life, from the most dynamic farm to the strict city timetable as long as they are given enough physical activities as well as an intellectual stimulation.
Benefits of Owning an Australian Shepherd
Having an Australian Shepherd is truly a very fulfilling thing. They are intelligent beings who are also willing to learn new things make up one of the most important advantages. I found out that this breed is highly trainable and owners can easily train this dog to learn commands and tricks. The quick learning capabilities make them good for various activities associated with dog courses such as agility and herding. Also, their intelligence enables them to be trained to perform specific duties and they will be perfect for those people with an active lifestyle and families.
The third major advantage of the Australian Shepherd breed is that these dogs are intelligent and very active. These dogs are therefore fit to engage in any physical activities as they love to follow their masters on such trips. Whether tracking, running, swimming, or simply chasing a ball on the playground, Australians fiercely enjoy themselves. This entails that one can be encouraged to live an active lifestyle whenever they own one, and this is good for the dog as well as the owner. It point to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled relationship because the bond is created out of activities.
Also, Australian Shepherds are excellent in loyalty and are often affectionate to their owners or families. They are great as family companions and can become very attached to their masters and other members of the household. They are also good watchdogs since they will do anything to protect their families from any form of harm. This breed is also friendly with children which makes them popular among families that are looking for pets that will love and play with their kids. They are extremely versatile and fit well in any living conditions, making them even more desirable family pets.
Australian Shepherd Breed History and Origin
The breed called the Australian Shepherd was, in fact, bred in the United States. The breed was created in the nineteenth century in the American West to provide help to ranchers and farmers by herding animals. The belief about the dog’s name its relation to Aussies is that the Basque shepherds who had settled in the United States by the 1800s had taken their dogs from Australia where they had been herding sheep there. These dogs were crossbred with local breeds which produced the herding dog who is now regarded as versatile and skilled.
Intelligence, agility and a strong work ethic contributed to the popularity of Australian Shepherds. They were created to be versatile, suitable for use in numerous types of environment and weather, whilst tending to sheep in the craggy wilderness of the American West. The TCU evolved over time and the breed became very famous for their high skills in herding and were mostly associated with cowboys and rearers. Their skills and devotion to work made them most desirable and apt partners in the sphere of livestock and the part they played in the growth of the American agriculture cannot be underestimated.
The breed became more popular mid-20th century as a performer in dog sports and shows. Thus, identifying their intelligence and obedience, the Australian Shepherds started to attend different types of shows, obedience trials, and agility trials. The growing popularity also meant that people wanted to have these dogs, and this created expanded interest in their possibilities and temperamen Today’s Australian Shepherds are not only the working breeds but also the favorite dog of many families all around the world.
Finding Australian Shepherds for Sale Near You
Looking for the Australian Shepherds for sale can be a thrilling experience but sometimes overwhelming. First of all, one should find out more about other local breeders, rescues and shelters, which may have this breed. You will find that most responsible breeders have a website or social media account through which they advertise their puppies and the breeding process. Choose breeders who are registered members of breed clubs so that the dog breeder will follow strict responsible breeding practices of the club.
Local shelters and rescue organizations are also sources of Australian Shepherds that are still up for adoption. Some of the dogs are left for reasons beyond anyone’s control and adopting an Australian Shepherd is a good thing as it offers shelter for a sweet animal. Many of the subject shelters will also have mixed breeds, and some of the breeds that may be present include the Australian Shepherd. Make sure that you check the adoption events because they commonly present dogs in the adoption process and therefore you get a chance to interact with potential friends.
While choosing the appropriate Australian Shepherd few important points should be taken into consideration, such as the age of the dog, its health state, and temper. Puppies may still be a blank slate that needs to be trained and socialized, while adult dogs have certain potty training habits, and temperament issues that may need to be addressed. Local breed clubs may also be beneficial as they can help you source your new pet from the right source or direction. In essence, it is important to make sure the dog you plan to adopt or purchase came from a reputable place.
Questions to Ask When Buying an Australian Shepherd
There are some questions that one needs to ask when thinking of buying an Australian Shepherd to avoid making a wrong decision. The first aspect that should be discussed with the breeder is the breeder’s experience with the breed. Knowing how many years they have been breeding Australian Shepherds, their approach towards breeding business, and how dedicated they are to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies may help to understand if the breeder is good or bad. A good breeder should be able to provide you with information on lineage and the health status of the puppies.
Another area that needs to be discussed is the health testing done on the puppies and the parents. Asking about the breeding dogs and their respective health tests and checks for dysplasia, eye problems, and health issues related to the breed. A responsible breeder should have the paperwork showing that these tests have been done and should be willing to talk about any health problems associated with the breed. This information is very pertinent in having a good lead on the comprehensive details of their new companion’s healthy beginning.
Besides, one should ask about the kind of socialization and early training that has been done with the puppies. Australian Shepherds are smart dogs that should be introduced to different conditions, situations and individuals at an early age. A good breeder will start exercising the puppies from the time they are young in an effort to produce well developed adult dogs. Ask the breeder if they train the puppies and how or if they give new owners advice on how to proceed with training the puppy once it is sold.
How to Choose a Reputable Australian Shepherd Breeder
One of the greatest considerations that you will need to make is the selection of a reputable Australian breeder. The first step is always to search for breeders in your locality and then go through the various testimonial given by other customers. This may need a breeder who focuses on the health and temperance of the dog, although there are those who only care for their pocket. A responsible breeder will always care more about where their puppies are going to end up than how much money they can make out of the sale.
If you find potential breeders, arrange to pay them a visit. During this visit, you will be able to determine living conditions and accommodations of the dogs and puppies. Responsible breeders will also have clean and safe environments for the dogs, socialization and medical needs will also be well provided. Observe how the animals are handled; observe a clean, well-groomed, healthy, well-socialized animals. It can also be a chance to see the puppy’s parents and probably, have a hint of what to expect in term of the temperament of the puppy.
In addition, a good breeder should also be willing to talk to you and answer all the questions that you may have and should be willing to give you the contact information of past customers they have sold their puppies to. They also should provide a written agreement concerning the main conditions of sale and health warranties for the puppy. It may have provisions for returning the dog if for any reason you cannot keep it any longer. A responsible breeder will want to see to it that his puppies find good homes and this goes a long way in showing the responsibility of the breeder in positively influencing the breed and the well being of the dogs.
The Cost of Owning an Australian Shepherd
The use of an Australian Shepherd comes with different expenses that any potential owners should expect to incur. The initial cost that many people incur is the cost of buying a puppy which is usually between $500 and $1,500, depending on the kind of breeder, pedigree, and geographical location. The fees are comparatively lower when adopted from a rescue or a shelter and can cost between $100 to $400 and that often covers getting vaccinated and/or spayed/neutered.
However, one should not ignore the fact that there are some other expenses that are associated with the Australian Shepherd. Recurrent costs include feed, grooming, and medical fees. Premium adult dog food that meets the nutritional requirements of a working breed is necessary and costs from $50 to $100 per month. Their coat requires regular grooming, and while you can do it yourself, you may hire someone to do it for you; this will cost an extra $30 to $80 for each visit, depending on the services offered.
It is also important to allocate money for food, training classes, supplies, and emergency veterinarian care. As recommended, training classes may be useful for Australian Shepherds because of their high intellect and enthusiasm for learning tasks. These classes can cost up to 100-300 credit hours depending on the type as well as the duration of the class. Another good practice is to save for mishaps that are part of owning a dog, to give your friend the care they deserve at all stages of their life.
Australian Shepherd Care and Training Tips
To have an Australian Shepherd one has to be ready to devote time to them and know more about them. This breed requires a lot of exercises, and it is highly recommended that they engage in physical activities. Short walks, playing outside, and other daily activities like solving puzzles or going through an agility course would be helpful in maintaining the physical as well as the mental health of the animals. It is suggested to have at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day in order to keep from getting bored and to avoid mischievous behavior.
Grooming is another crucial factor that is involved in proper care of an Australian Shepherd. Their coats are double layer, and you need to groom them frequently to avoid them being stuck together and immense shedding. In shedding period which is during spring and autumn, you might be required to brush them several times a week. Their coat also needs to be bathed often to ensure it is clean and healthy, but do not give them too many baths because it can harm the pores of their skin. It is also important to note that one should groom their ears and examine their nails.
Training should start at an early stage, and as much as it is fun, the Australian Shepherd can also become rebellious at times. Puppy training important and it involves the act of familiarizing them with different social areas, people and other animals for them to grow strong adult dogs. With this breed it is best to use positive reinforcement because they are responsive to the reinforce and follow commands associated with rewards. Consistency is very important in training; establishing rules and guidelines will assist your Australian Shepherd to know his position within the pack.
Conclusion: Is an Australian Shepherd the Right Companion for You?
Thus, in conclusion, the Australian Shepherds could be a great addition to selected families. They are intelligent, loyal and full of energy, which is why they are great for people who lead an active lifestyle and families with children who will be able to provide them with proper exercising and mental development. Nevertheless, the potential owner must decide if they are willing and able to provide the breed with proper affection, playtime, and obedience.
Before getting an Australian Shepherd, one should consider his or her activities and routines to see if they fit the breed needs. You should be active and ready to devote all your time to address all the needs of these dogs; in this case an Australian Shepherd may help you. They are friendly and caring animals, as well as useful guards, which makes them excellent friends and family members.
In conclusion, potential owners should bear in mind that the decision to adopt or purchase an Australian Shepherd should be based on careful research along with a proper assessment of oneself as a potential owner. If done properly and with dedication, you will realize that the happiness that comes with having the Australian Shepherd dog and its companionship is priceless. If you want a loyal and energetic companion, begin your search today on the available Australian Shepherds up for sale near you.