The average price of the
australian shepherd
ranges from $650 to $850 However, an Aussie can cost anywhere between $300 to $1,800+ USD depending on
breeder reputation
, coat colors, pedigree and location. Australian Shepherds are not the cheapest dog breed available, but they’re not terribly expensive either.
What’s wrong with white Australian Shepherds?
They can even have “split” eyes, in which half the eye is one color and the other half is a different color! However, you should avoid purchasing a completely white Australian Shepherd puppy or
adult rescue dog
. The white coloration is genetically linked to blindness and deafness in the breed.
Can Australian Shepherds be white?
White Aussies are rare today because we have been slowly eliminating the “more white” forms of the white marking genes from our gene pool by not breeding Aussies with more than allowable white (though the preference for white trim on the show dogs does have some pushing the envelope.).
Are all white Aussies deaf?
White on and around the ear is associated with deafness in many breeds of dog. Most
double merles
with white on or around the ears are deaf, usually in both ears Occasionally, Aussies that are not double merles who have these markings will be deaf in one or both ears.
What is the rarest Australian Shepherd color?
red merles
are far less common than blue merles because the red-colored gene is recessive in dogs, meaning both parents have to have it for their offspring to inherit the coat. Red is the rarest color in Aussies generally, although the red merle coat is one of the more common red-colored coats in the breed.
How long do Australian Shepherds live?
Aussies are best suited for families with an active lifestyle and a large fenced yard. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and have an average life span of 12-13 years.
Do all Australian Shepherds have blue eyes?
They often have two different colored eyes. Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes Some Aussies even display more than one color within the same eye.
Do Aussie puppies change color?
Some Australian shepherd puppies will change color This effect is uncommon and unpredictable, but an Aussie puppy can change colors. However, color changes are rare and can be due to age or spending time outside in the sun. They can also turn white in extreme cases.
Do Australian Shepherds shed?
As we’ve mentioned, Australian Shepherds do shed considerably They are a double-coated breed, so you can expect a healthy amount of year-round dog fur left in your home, and on your clothes. Because they are double-coated, they also have two periods of time each year where their fur sheds more considerably.
What is the most popular Aussie color?
The black tri Australian Shepherd is one of the most popular coat colors of the whole Australian Shepherd breed. Since black is the dominant color, their eyes are still light to dark brown.
What is a white Aussie?
Aussies with mostly white coats can be produced when two merles are bred together Merle is the patch-work coloring (black and grey or liver and buff) most associated with the breed. When a puppy inherits two copies of the gene for merle, it will usually have a lot of white in its coat.
What is a lethal white dog?
When referring to a dog that is predominantly white, they are appropriately termed as Pattern White or Double Merle. Lethal White is a term used for foals that are born white, usually die shortly after birth, have vision and hearing problems, and are not capable of growing and developing normally.
Do all white dogs have problems?
Still, you may be interested to know that albinism in dogs has been shown to correlate to a much higher risk of certain health problems, including skin cancer Likewise, studies have shown that pigmented white dog breeds are at higher risk of deafness, as well as skin issues, including increased risk of sunburn.
Do white dogs go blind?
As in white cats, the genes responsible for coat color, eye, and ear health are not causally linked, so white and albino dogs are not necessarily more likely to be born blind or deaf However, a rare genetic combination, known as “double merle,” does carry inherent health risks.
Are Aussies blind?
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. Unfortunately, Australian Shepherds are a bit more likely than other dogs to have this condition.
Are Australian Shepherds easy to train?
With an Aussie’s boundless energy, channeling it into something constructive can do wonders for your dog. These dogs bond strongly with their families. Their loyalty with their intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train.
Are Australian Shepherd smart?
The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners. True to their herding instincts, Aussies are very protective of their families and territory and will let you know if strangers approach, but they are not considered aggressive.
Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?
So, are Australian Shepherds good with kids? There are mixed reviews, but Australian Shepherds are generally great playmates for older children However, they’re known to try to herd small children by nipping at their heels. Still, with the right training and socialization, it can be avoided.
How often do you bathe an Australian Shepherd?
Dogs that have double or water-repellant coats, like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, may only need baths every few months Bathing them more often than necessary can cause dry skin.
How do I know if my Australian Shepherd puppy has blue eyes?
Pups that are destined to have eyes that are very dark, almost black, will have dark irises of a midnight blue color from the beginning In a puppy with split or marbled eyes part of the iris is dark like this pup’s eyes, and the blue area is pale. This female from the same litter has eyes that stayed blue.
What is a Harlequin Australian Shepherd?
Harlequin is a dominant modifier of the merle pattern When present, it allows the merle patches to vary in color from lacy pale blue or red to mid ranges of gray (or red in a harlequin red merle).
Do merles fade?
Sometimes a light merling pattern can be seen at birth, but this generally fades as the dog ages.
What should I look for when buying an Australian Shepherd puppy?
In a non-confrontational manner, tell breeders you are interested in the breed but want to learn more before you buy. Ask about things like temperament, grooming, activities, necessary training, as well as health When you get to health, ask what they know about common breed health issues.
Are all double merle dogs white?
The merle gene gives the dog a mottled coloring, but a double merle lacks color pigment and can be all white or have very little coloring on the coat Not all dogs born to mothers and fathers that carry the merle gene will be double merles.
Do dogs with blue eyes have hearing problems?
Blue eyes, resulting from an absence of pigment in the iris, is common with pigment-associated deafness but is not, in and of itself, an indication of deafness or the presence of a deafness gene; however, in several breeds (Dalmatian, English Setter, English Cocker Spaniel, Bull Terrier), dogs (and cats) with blue eyes.
What do breeders do with deaf puppies?
Responsible breeders NEVER knowingly sell, place or give away deaf pups to pet homes [ALL] Deaf pups should ALWAYS be humanely destroyed by a veterinarian. In the event that a deaf pup is inadvertently placed, it should be replaced with a hearing pup.
Why do white dogs go deaf?
This specialized layer of cells, and the cells that determine hair color, come from the same stem cell source. Without this stem cell, the dog’s body won’t be able to make this specialized layer of hearing cells and will likely be white in coloration. Dogs that carry the piebald gene are often affected by deafness.
Do Australian Shepherds bark a lot?
Keep in mind the average Australian Shepherd tends to bark a lot , making it a little more challenging to get him to stop barking unless you give him the ‘speak’ command or there is a situation in which he needs to bark to alert you.
Are male or female Australian Shepherds better?
As you can tell, there are no major personality differences between female Australian Shepherds and their male counterparts Both genders have wonderful personalities that make them fit companions and family members. Choosing a male vs female Australian Shepherd is a matter of personal preference.
How much does an Australian Shepherd puppy cost?
Depending on the breeder and availability in your area, an Australian Shepherd puppy can cost between $800-$1,800 and even be higher in some cases. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,000.
Can Australian Shepherds be indoor dogs?
Yes! Like most dogs, Aussies (and Mini Aussies) are active and outdoorsy, but still best suited to indoor living Medium-large-sized homes with gardens are best, but they can do well in smaller homes, too. Just so long as they get everything they need to be happy and healthy!.
Are Aussie Shepherds indoor dogs?
If your Australian Shepherd is a family pet, he needs to live indoors ; that is, when he’s not out with you playing, jogging, working or showing up all the other dogs at the local agility or obedience trial. Otherwise, he’ll be lonely, bored and destructive. Herding breeds bark, and the Aussie is no exception.
How long can an Australian Shepherd be left alone?
The bottom line. Australian Shepherds are bundles of fun, but they are also highly sensitive dogs. You should never leave an Aussie alone for more than four hours at a time , and try to make the most out of every day to prevent boredom and loneliness when they’re left to their own devices.
Why do Aussies have no tail?
The natural bobbed tail is a recessive gene within the Australian Shepherd dog breed genetic code This genetic mutation curbs the tail, naturally creating a shortened tail that is only about one or two vertebrae in length.
Why do they cut Australian Shepherd tails?
Australian shepherds get their tails cut off (docked) primarily because of breed or conformation standards Sometimes, it’s done just for cosmetic reasons, as breeders often want their pups to have a certain look. In other cases, it’s to prevent a working dog (especially herders) from an injury.
What two dogs make a Australian Shepherd?
There are many theories on which breeds were used to create the Australian Shepherd. It’s likely that the Aussie’s ancestors include collie and shepherd-type dogs that were imported with shipments of sheep from Australia during the 1840s, hence the name.
What is a Phantom Aussie?
Cryptic merles are sometimes referred to in Aussies as “phantom merles” but cryptic merle is the correct terminology. The merle mutation is a bit of inserted DNA called a SINE (short interspersed nucleotide element) that can change in length from one generation to the next.
Are all Australian Shepherds merle?
The breed standards state that Australian Shepherds can come in some combination of two basic body colors (black and liver), one pattern (merle) , and two trim colors (white and tan.).
Do Australian Shepherds have ears that stand up?
Even if you breed two Australian Shepherds together with traditional ears, a puppy from their litter may end up with erect ears. Therefore, purebred Australian Shepherds with erect ears do appear , though they won’t be as common as dogs with “traditional” ears.
Should I get a golden retriever or Australian Shepherd?
The Golden Retriever is a better breed for first-time owners and families due to its friendliness, trainability, and fun-loving attitude The Australian Shepherd is a great breed known for loyalty, intelligence, and positivity, but their independent nature makes them better for experienced owners.
Do Australian Shepherds like to cuddle?
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don’t know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
Do Australian Shepherds smell?
While Aussies have a natural odor , with proper care it should not become an overpowering bad smell. Most often the cause of a strong odor from your shepherd is due to their coat’s condition. For many owners, bathing their Australian shepherd poses some challenges.
Can Aussies be black and white?
Australian Shepherd dogs are known for their gorgeous coats, and the Black and White Aussie is no exception Typically, the Black and White Aussie will have black markings on his face, back, and down his tail, with white over his muzzle, belly, chest, and paws.
Are Australian Shepherds water dogs?
Australian shepherds are very athletic and built very proportionate which allows them to handle the water pretty well I currently own three Australian Shepherd dogs as of now, and all of them love to go swimming with me. Not only are they good at swimming, but they can actually retrieve objects from the water.
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