Thursday, January 22, 2015

Consider Australian Shepherds New Mexico As A Companion

By Janine Hughes


In the early 19th century, Australian shepherds were first bred in the western states of America. Their job was to herd farm and ranch animals like sheep, ducks, geese and rabbits. They were also popular attractions in rodeos. In recent years, this breed has been used as guide and therapy dogs, in search and rescue operations, and as detection and disaster canines

This medium-sized breed weighs up to 65 pounds and stands up to 26 inches tall. They are born with either long or bobbed tails. The life expectancy of Australian shepherds New Mexico is approximately 12 years. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in the herding group in 1991.

These animals are very smart and devoted to pleasing their trainer. They learn commands quickly and show their loyalty by being a constant companion to their owner. They are not extreme barkers but will do so if strangers are on the premises.

Aussies have a high level of energy and need a lot of attention and exercise for both mental and physical well being. They should be allowed to exercise and play for at least two to three hours each day. Otherwise they tend to become hyper and destructive. They are extremely good at dog sports like agility and Frisbee.

There are four main colors associated with this canine. Black shepherds may also have white or brown markings, and red shepherds can also sport the same color markings. Blue Merles have marbled gray, black and white colors; and Red Merles have marbled red, buff and white colors. Black and red dogs with white and tan markings are known as tri-colored dogs, but those with just white or tan markings are called bi-colored. Blue Merle and black breeds have lips, noses and eyelining that is black. Red Merle and red breeds are brown in these areas.

The eyes of these animals are either blue or brown. Both eyes may be the same shade or one eye can be blue and the other brown. They can also sport one or both eyes that are split with both colors. Brown eyes are commonly seen in the black breeds, and amber eyes are more evident in the red breeds.

This breed is prone to vision problems like red eye, pink eye, watery eyes, cataracts and blindness. Other health issues include epilepsy, deafness, skin problems, heart conditions, and respiratory ailments like bronchitis. Hypothyroidism is low levels of the hormone that regulates metabolism, and canine hip displasia is an abnormal hip socket that causes arthritis and difficult walking later in life.

These dogs can also be tested for inherited health ailments like Pelger-Huet anomaly. This gene alters white blood cells but does not require treatment. Animals with this gene should not breed with other Aussies who have this gene. Doing so results in stillborn puppies or shortened life expectancy. Another inherited health concern is iris coloboma that affects the iris.

This breed makes loving pets and hard-working canines. Gorgeous Aussies in Albuquerque, NM exhibit fiercely loyal and loving personalities with the natural instinct to protect. They interact well with individuals, couples, children and larger groups of humans.




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