The Australian Shepherd breed is known for its affectionate nature, intelligence, and high energy.
To avoid any surprises, it’s important to ensure that an Australian Shepherd is purebred.
Key characteristics like appearance, body size, shape, coat, color, and behavior can help in identifying a purebred Aussie. Moreover, pedigree papers and DNA tests offer additional confirmation.
Examining features such as the head, ears, tail, and eyes of the Australian Shepherd is crucial.
Behavioral traits also play a significant role in distinguishing a purebred Aussie. Whether selecting a puppy or an adult, these steps are essential to make sure you’re getting a true Australian Shepherd.
How to Identify a Purebred Australian Shepherd
The general appearance of a purebred Australian shepherd
Usually, Aussies are very intelligent working dogs, and they can do a wide variety of jobs, including eye dogs, drug-sniffing dogs, search and rescue dogs, and hearing dogs.
In fact, they have very strong herding and guarding instincts.
In general, Aussies are incredibly energetic dogs that can work all day without any problem. They are affectionate and remarkably loyal dogs in the canine world.
Original Australian shepherds have a well-balanced body. The height of the dog is relatively shorter than the length. Aussies are considered medium-sized dogs with different colored bodies.
Look at their body size and shape
This is one of the essential things to consider. Aussies are considered medium-sized dogs.
| Gender | Height (cm) | Weight (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 51 – 58 | 25 – 32 |
| Female | 46 – 54 | 16 – 25 |
Aussies have a solid and sturdy built body.
The coat of purebred Australian shepherd
The main features of their coat are:
- Straight to wavy
- Medium length
- Weather-resistant
- Usually medium texture hair
- Multi-colored coat with exciting and dynamic color combinations
- Smooth
- Thick
Their coat is water-resistant, which helps a lot to play and work all over the day without worry about either rain or shine.
The fur is well pronounced on the back of both fore and hind legs. The thickness of their undercoat usually varies with the climate. Purebred Australian shepherds have a well-defined mane and frill than bitches.
There are seven main color variations for their coat:
- Black
- Red
- Merle
- Blue merle
- Red merle
- Red tricolor
- Black tricolor
Three main markings can be applied to any of the colors:
- White markings
- Tan points
- Both
The head of an original Australian shepherd
The head should be well-proportional to the body. It can be described as:
- Dry
- Clean cut
- Strong
Examine their head, muzzle, the shape of the skull, nose, and everything else. The muzzle length is almost equal to the back skull length. Their noses are rounded at the tip, and the muzzle tapers slightly from base to nose.
Observe how the Aussie stands
If you check out the following image, you will recognize that their hind legs are slightly extended to the back of their body. The angle between the hind legs and the belly should be larger than 90 degrees.
They give an impression of a strong neck and flat back as they stand on the ground.
Recommended reading: Do Australian shepherds drink a lot of water?
The ears of purebred Australian shepherds
Original Aussies have folded-down ears, but they don’t seem floppy. The ears are connected almost high on the dog’s head. The shape of the ears is triangular, often with rounded points. It is a bit controversial if they have upright or folded ears.
The eyes of purebred Aussies
Many Aussies have multi-color eyes, though not all do. Heterochromia is when they have different colors in each eye or in the same eye.
These dogs can have a mix of any of the following eye colors:
- Brown (most common)
- Green
- Yellow
- Blue
- Orange
Examine their tail
Generally, Australian shepherds have bushy, bobbed tails. When both the tail and head are held upwards, they should be at the same level.
Check its tail as it stands upright. If you see an arc shape upwards, that indicates it could be a purebred Aussie.
Observe the behavior of an original Australian shepherd
The first thing to look for is their herding behavior. They can herd various farm animals, just like Border collies. Aussies can herd even chickens.
They are protective and well-trained Aussies love to follow commands without stubbornness.
One main issue is they might try to herd people if there are no animals. This happens due to their natural instincts and should not be encouraged.
Aussies are very energetic and won’t be satisfied with a 30-minute walk. If your Aussie is well trained to be off-leash, it helps burn off energy.
If a dog needs strenuous exercises and activities to stay calm, that’s a good sign of a purebred Australian shepherd.
How to Identify a Purebred Australian Shepherd Puppy
To spot a purebred Australian Shepherd puppy, pay attention to these key traits:
- Body Structure: The puppy should have a well-proportioned body. Look for a balanced and sturdy frame.
- Head Shape: Note the head shape. It should be in proportion with the body, with a slightly rounded skull.
- Coat Colors: Purebred Aussies come in several colors, including black, blue merle, red, and red merle. Their coat should be dense and of medium length.
- Eye Colors: The eyes of a purebred Aussie puppy can be blue, brown, amber, or a combination of these. Their gaze is often intelligent and keen.
- Behavior: Though not fully trained, a purebred Aussie puppy will show energetic and alert behavior. Purebred Aussies are known for their high energy levels.
- Documentation: Always ask for paperwork from the breeder. The pedigree papers will confirm the puppy’s lineage.
- Breeder Reputation: Choose a reputable breeder who adheres to ethical practices. They should be open to answering questions and providing necessary documentation.
By focusing on these aspects, you can more confidently identify a purebred Australian Shepherd puppy.
Other methods to tell if an Australian shepherd is purebred
Check if the Australian shepherd has pedigree papers
It doesn’t matter where you buy the dog, you must ask about the pedigree papers of the dog. This is an essential step to avoid getting fooled by fraudulent breeders.
If the breeder cannot show the pedigree papers, it is not recommended to buy that puppy because you will face many problems in the future.
There are many pedigree registration organizations, so make sure the one your breeder is using is well-recognized.
Do a DNA test
This method will tell you if the Aussie is purebred or not. Although it sounds serious, the process is simple.
This can be done with two different methods:
- Perform an at-home DNA test.
- Perform the DNA testing with a veterinarian.
Perform an at-home DNA test: This is a straightforward method but requires spending some money.
Steps to perform an at-home DNA test:
- Place the order for a DNA kit from a well-recognized company. This can be done online.
- Take the swab from the DNA kit.
- Get a sample from your Aussie’s cheek cells.
- Package the sample and mail it following the instructions in the DNA kit.
Perform DNA testing with a vet: If the testing requires blood samples, get help from your vet.
It takes several weeks to receive the results, which will show the purity percentage of your Australian shepherd. If the Aussie is purebred, the result will be 100%. If mixed, the result will show an approximate percentage.
Disadvantages of owning a not purebred Australian shepherd
Difficult to predict their adult size
A big challenge with mixed Australian Shepherds is guessing their adult size. Purebred Aussies are medium-sized dogs, but a mixed breed can be smaller or larger than expected. This makes finding the right living space and supplies tricky.
Hard to predict the future temperament of your Aussie
The temperament of a mixed Australian Shepherd can be unpredictable.
Purebred Aussies are known for their herding instincts and protective nature.
Mixed breeds might not develop these traits, affecting their ability to guard and herd.
This inconsistency can be a problem for those looking for specific behaviors.
Example Table: Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Purebred Aussie | Mixed Aussie |
|---|---|---|
| Herding Instinct | Consistent | Variable |
| Protective Nature | High | Uncertain |
Congenital or genetic health issues
Mixed Australian Shepherds can face various health issues.
These health problems may include congenital or genetic defects.
One common issue is elbow dysplasia, which can cause pain and mobility problems.
Additionally, progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition leading to blindness. Allergies and other eye problems might also occur.
Example List: Potential Health Problems
- Elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Allergies
- Various eye problems
These health concerns mean that owning a mixed Australian Shepherd could require more visits to the vet and higher medical costs. There are no guarantees when it comes to their long-term health.
Things to be aware of
When considering an Australian Shepherd, there are several key points to keep in mind:
- Potential Health Problems: If the puppy’s parents are merle dogs, the risk of genetic issues like deafness or blindness can be higher.
- High Energy Levels: Aussies are very active and require regular exercise. They excel in activities like agility and flyball due to their high energy levels and agility.
- Escape Artists: They can jump over fences exceeding 6 feet. Make sure your yard is secure to prevent them from escaping.
- Herding Instinct: As working dogs, Aussies have a strong herding instinct and may try to herd children or other pets.
- Grooming and Shedding: Regular brushing is essential to manage their shedding and keep their coat healthy.
- Costs: The cost of owning an Aussie includes initial purchase from a reputable breeder, regular vet visits, and proper diet to maintain their health.
For more details on their jumping abilities, visit here.
Conclusion
Owning a purebred Australian shepherd comes with many benefits.
These dogs are known for their affection, protection, and devotion.
- Affectionate Companions: They form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy spending time together.
- Protective Nature: They can be great watchdogs due to their alertness.
- Devoted Friends: Their loyalty makes them reliable pets.
For more details, visit Australian Shepherd Club.
