Australian Shepherd. Charlotte Schwartz

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       BOBBED TAILS

      Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails. Others are born with tails that must then be docked. When docking, the tail must be cut so that no more than four inches is left. By the time the Aussie is fully grown, the short bob is barely distinguishable at a glance.

      Herding dogs can be taught to “herd” a large rubber ball around the house, keep an eye on the children or family cat and make decisions regarding where and when their toys should be put away at the end of the day. Being physical means being active, whether indoors or out. If an owner can find ways to substitute natural behaviors for ones more suited to his chosen lifestyle, then his Aussie can be a vital part of the family unit.

      Aussies also need some grooming to keep their coats shining, clean and free from parasites. They need regular dental care, toenail clipping and ear cleaning, too. Most of these requirements can be done at home without the expense of a professional groomer.

      They need good-quality food and fresh water at all times. They should be bathed several times a year to keep them looking their best. However, most of all, they need love and attention from their owners. They are not solitary animals.

       VIRTUES AND DRAWBACKS

      It should be abundantly clear that Australian Shepherds make exceptionally fine companions for the person who wishes to get involved with his dog. The Aussie is a hands-on, “let’s-work-together” breed of dog and the more an Aussie becomes involved in his owner’s lifestyle, the happier the dog will be.

      The drawbacks of the breed are few, but significant. They do need routine grooming in the form of brushing. Brushed on a regular schedule to remove dead hair and foreign matter, they will always look their best and feel good.

      Even more important is the Aussie’s need for activity. An owner who lives a sedentary life is not suitable as an Aussie owner. It’s unfair to the dog to provide him with insufficient or meaningless activities. Furthermore, it can be miserable for the owner who suddenly discovers that his Aussie has developed some very undesirable behaviors caused by frustration and lack of exercise.

       What type of dog can keep up with the seemingly boundless energy of a young person? The Aussie, of course!

       BREED-SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS

      Generally speaking, the Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed of dog. Aussies do not suffer from the wide variety of diseases and genetic problems and anomalies experienced by many other breeds. However, it is possible for them to become subject to certain health problems, some of which are hereditary.

       CORRECTIVE SURGERY

      Surgery is often used to correct genetic bone diseases in dogs. Usually the problems present themselves early in the dog’s life and must be treated before bone growth stops.

      To determine the probability of a puppy’s getting any of these hereditary health problems, the prospective buyer should question the breeder about the health history of the parents. If the breeder refuses to discuss the matter, look for another litter of puppies and another breeder. Buying a puppy from a person who either denies health problems or refuses to discuss them is just asking for trouble in the months to come.

       EYE PROBLEMS

      Juvenile cataracts have been found in some Australian Shepherds and are hereditary. Appearing as a cloudiness over the lens of the eye, cataracts will eventually cause blindness in the dog.

      PHOTO BY PROF. DR. ROBERT L. PEIFFER, JR.

       The typical posterior subcapsular cataract appears between one and two years of age in dogs. It rarely progresses to where the dog has visual problems.

      A veterinary ophthalmologist can determine whether or not a puppy is carrying the genes for juvenile cataracts. Reputable breeders usually take entire litters to the ophthalmologist for testing prior to selling any of the puppies.

      The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) is a monitoring registry that reports on eye problems in pure-bred dogs. CERF can provide certification of normal-eyed dogs. Responsible breeders have their breeding stock certified and will give the puppy buyers documentation from CERF, showing the eye health of the parents and the puppies.

      Puppies as young as eight weeks of age can be examined for cataracts. Cataract-removal surgery is a consideration and most often very successful. A full consultation with the ophthalmologist is recommended.

      PHOTO BY PROF. DR. ROBERT L. PEIFFER, JR.

       Inherited cataracts generally appear between three and six years of age, and progress to the stage shown here where functional vision is significantly impaired.

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