Australian Shepherds in California
Australian Shepherds, despite their geographically confusing name, are very much an American dog. The breed developed in response to the real need for sheep herding dogs as the western parts of the United States became more and more settled and the levels of sheep ranching in states like California increased. The original dogs that arrived from Australia together with imported sheep did not look at all like the modern Australian Shepherd. However, they were the start of a breed that could herd sheep in the rugged regions of the American West.
The harsh heat of the American west, especially in the arid southern regions, was a bit of a shock to early settlers used to the eastern parts of the continent. The types of working dogs available in the east weren’t used to this heat. Then of course, in winter, in the northwestern regions it became extremely cold, much colder than both people and dogs from the eastern side were accustomed to.
The settlers and ranchers needed a dog that could cope with the extreme heat, as well as freezing cold and blinding storms. They wanted a dog that would be a great sheep herder as well as highly trainable and obedient. In response to these needs, the Australian Shepherd we know today was bred.
Australian Shepherds are highly adaptable and can cope with most climates, from very cold to extremely hot. They have an in-built, natural, herding ability around livestock and are quick to learn basic commands. Australian Shepherds live to work and are always there to give a hundred percent. On top of this they are extremely loyal and will form a solid bond with their master.
There are still many working Australian Shepherds on ranches across California, herding livestock as their forefathers did generations ago. However, this working dog has become slightly separate from the Australian Shepherds that are bred to be show dogs, agility dogs or pets. The Aussies that are specifically bred for herding livestock are more athletic, less heavily-built and have slightly shorter coats than show bred Australian Shepherds. The working Aussies are very intelligent and active dogs and need rigorous exercise and mental challenges on a daily basis, more so than the show bred types. As a result, they are not ideal pets for suburban homes as they require much more activity than the average suburbanite can provide. These are farm dogs, and do best if they are out herding sheep.
Show-bred Australian Shepherds still retain that inherent herding instinct, but it is usually not as strong as it is in the ranch Aussie. Nevertheless, show-bred Aussies are hard working dogs that thrive when given a job. Many of these dogs are used as guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, therapy dogs, drug detectors, show dogs, and for search-and-rescue. However, they are perhaps best known as affectionate and loyal family companions and increasingly becoming a favourite breed of pet owners worldwide.
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