The Australian Shepherd and the Cattle Dog are two of the most popular and recognizable breeds of dog to come out of Australia. Both are known for their intelligence, loyalty and energetic personalities, making them ideal companions for active owners who want an all-around great pet. While they may look similar, there are some key differences that make them unique. From their appearance to their temperament, these two breeds are sure to make a great addition to any family.
Understanding What Makes a Aussie
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When it comes to purebred dogs, not all animals are created equal. There is a huge range of different breeds available, each with its own unique characteristics, size, and personality. The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie for short, is one of the most popular breeds around. It is well-loved for its intelligence, loyalty, and active nature. But what two dogs make a Aussie? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the breed, and explore how two different dogs can come together to create a purebred Aussie.
History of the Aussie
The Aussie is a relatively new breed that was developed in the United States in the early 20th century. It is thought to have been developed by Australian immigrants who brought their own sheepdogs with them to the US. These dogs were then crossed with some of the local breeds, including Collies, Border Collies, and Australian Cattle Dogs. The result was a hardy, intelligent, and loyal breed that was perfectly suited to the needs of the American West.
Appearance of the Aussie
The Aussie is a medium-sized dog, standing between 18 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 40 and 65 pounds. It has a double coat, with a medium-length, thick outer coat and a soft, fluffy undercoat. Its coat can be a variety of colors, including black, blue, red, and white. Its ears are usually cropped and its tail is usually docked to a medium length.
Personality of the Aussie
The Aussie is an intelligent and loyal breed that is known for its active nature and herding instincts. It is an outgoing and friendly dog that loves to be around people, and is great with children. It is an energetic breed that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy.
What Two Dogs Make a Aussie?
In order to create a purebred Aussie, two different breeds must be crossed. The most common combination is a Collie and an Australian Cattle Dog. This mix produces a sturdy, intelligent, and loyal dog that is well-suited to a variety of activities, such as herding, agility, and obedience.
The breed standard for the Aussie has changed over the years, and some breeders are now using other breeds, such as Border Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, to create a different type of Aussie. While these dogs may not meet the breed standard, they can still be considered Aussies, as long as they possess the same traits, such as intelligence, loyalty, and an active nature.
Conclusion
The Aussie is a popular and beloved breed that is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and active nature. In order to create a purebred Aussie, two different breeds must be crossed, usually a Collie and an Australian Cattle Dog. Some breeders are now using other breeds to create a different type of Aussie, although these dogs may not meet the breed standard. No matter what two dogs make a Aussie, it is sure to be a loving and loyal companion.
**Common Myths About Australian Shepherds**
1. Australian Shepherds are a mix of two breeds. This is false. Australian Shepherds are a purebred breed of dog, not a mix between two different breeds.
2. Australian Shepherds are an Australian breed. This is false. While the breed is named after Australia, the breed actually originated in the United States of America.
3. Australian Shepherds are only good for herding. This is false. Australian Shepherds are actually quite versatile and can excel in many different types of activities, such as agility, obedience, tracking, and even therapy.
4. Australian Shepherds are not good family dogs. This is false. Australian Shepherds are actually very intelligent, loyal, and loving companions and make excellent family pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breeds make up an Australian Shepherd?
An Australian Shepherd is a hybrid breed made up of a combination of two herding breeds – the Border Collie and the Australian Cattle Dog.
Do Australian Shepherds have a lot of energy?
Yes, Australian Shepherds are known to have a lot of energy and are considered to be very active and intelligent dogs. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Conclusion
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The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, is a popular and beloved breed. It was developed in the early 20th century in the US, and is a medium-sized dog with a double coat. It is intelligent, loyal, and active, and needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. To create a purebred Aussie, two different breeds must be crossed, usually a Collie and an Australian Cattle Dog. Some breeders are now using other breeds to create a different type of Aussie. No matter what two dogs make a Aussie, it is sure to be a loving and loyal companion.
