Australian shepherds are renowned for their energy and ability to herd sheep and cattle. Although popular, they are not suited to every home. If you want to buy Australian shepherds breeders will be keen to help you choose a suitable dog. They are used for guide and therapy work, detection and search and rescue. They do wonderfully well at obedience and agility. Fly-ball is another option for this energetic breed.
You should buy a new shepherd only from a trustworthy breeder. Most breeds are subject to a few inherited problems. A reputable breeder will have had his breeding dogs tested for an array of conditions. It is only by testing potential stud animals and breeding from the healthiest that the breed can overcome genetic problems.
This breed may be a solid red or black color or may be merled. Merled dogs have irregular dark streaks or patches on a lighter colored background. For instance, blue merles have black patches on a blue-grey background. The eyes may be brown or blue. One eye might be blue and the other brown or an eye might be half-blue and half-brown. The two colors are sometimes 'merled', appearing in a swirled pattern in the one eye.
Problems occur when two dogs are mated which both carry a gene for the merle coloring. A quarter of the pups from a mating of two merle colored dogs will be affected by deafness, blindness or both. Those most badly affected are usually euthanized. If the affliction is not too pronounced, the dog may be sold on to an unsuspecting person. Some of these find themselves in shelters when their care becomes too difficult for their owners.
Another distinctive feature is the bobbed tail which occurs naturally in many of the breed. Others have shorter than normal tails or full length tails. The progeny of bobtail dogs sometimes don't have an anus. If not naturally bob-tailed the animal is often docked.
Other conditions which affect the breed are epilepsy, and respiratory and skin disorders. Problems with vision are caused by progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), iris coloboma, hereditary cataracts, conjunctivitis and red eye. There are DNA tests which can detect cataracts, MDR1 mutation and CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly). Dogs which carry the MDR1 mutation can suffer a massive reaction to administered anti-parasitic drugs.
It is possible to test dogs for a number of these conditions. Hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas and congenital heart conditions can be detected by specific tests. Many dogs live very healthy lives. By testing Australian shepherds breeders can be reassured that their pups can be sold as healthy.
You should buy a new shepherd only from a trustworthy breeder. Most breeds are subject to a few inherited problems. A reputable breeder will have had his breeding dogs tested for an array of conditions. It is only by testing potential stud animals and breeding from the healthiest that the breed can overcome genetic problems.
This breed may be a solid red or black color or may be merled. Merled dogs have irregular dark streaks or patches on a lighter colored background. For instance, blue merles have black patches on a blue-grey background. The eyes may be brown or blue. One eye might be blue and the other brown or an eye might be half-blue and half-brown. The two colors are sometimes 'merled', appearing in a swirled pattern in the one eye.
Problems occur when two dogs are mated which both carry a gene for the merle coloring. A quarter of the pups from a mating of two merle colored dogs will be affected by deafness, blindness or both. Those most badly affected are usually euthanized. If the affliction is not too pronounced, the dog may be sold on to an unsuspecting person. Some of these find themselves in shelters when their care becomes too difficult for their owners.
Another distinctive feature is the bobbed tail which occurs naturally in many of the breed. Others have shorter than normal tails or full length tails. The progeny of bobtail dogs sometimes don't have an anus. If not naturally bob-tailed the animal is often docked.
Other conditions which affect the breed are epilepsy, and respiratory and skin disorders. Problems with vision are caused by progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), iris coloboma, hereditary cataracts, conjunctivitis and red eye. There are DNA tests which can detect cataracts, MDR1 mutation and CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly). Dogs which carry the MDR1 mutation can suffer a massive reaction to administered anti-parasitic drugs.
It is possible to test dogs for a number of these conditions. Hip and elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas and congenital heart conditions can be detected by specific tests. Many dogs live very healthy lives. By testing Australian shepherds breeders can be reassured that their pups can be sold as healthy.
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