Australian shepherd

Description:

It is a medium sized  robust  well-balanced rustic dog. The ears are set high at the side of the head, triangular and slightly rounded at the tip.

Coat:

The coat is of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant of moderate length with an undercoat. The quantity of undercoat varies with climate.

Hairs:

 Hair is short and smooth on the head, outside of the ears, front of the forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of the forelegs are moderately feathered; breeches are moderately full.

Body :

The front legs are straight, perpendicular to the ground. The feet are oval, compact with close knit, well arched toes. The front dewclaws are sometimes removed, but back dewclawsare almost always removed.

Height: Dogs 20-23 inches,Bitches 18-21 inches
Weight: Dogs 50-65 pounds,Bitches 40-55 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Litter Size:

6-9 puppies -  Average7

Living Conditions:

This breed is not recommended for apartment life. hey are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard.

Grooming:

The coat is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin:

Despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed most likely in the Pyrenees Mountains somewhere between Spain and France, and refined in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches.