australian shepherd curly hair

When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you'll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who's elderly or frail. Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie for short, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. I mean PUFFED! Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis. It is changing now that he's over a year old, but not much. Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. The length seems to be the same as any other Aussie I have seen. Brushing also acts as a gentle massage, stimulating healthy oil production from the skin. My puppy is almost seven months and hes even more curly than yours! Other shampoos, even regular pet shampoo contain harsh chemicals that strip the skin and coat from their natural oils. You may be looking at your Australian Shepherd one day only to realize that she isnt as fluffy as other Aussies youve seen. They don't do well stuck in the backyard by themselves for long periods. As outlined above, a brushing routine is super important to remove dead fur from the undercoat as well as stimulate blood flow to the skin and encourage natural oil to spread throughout the coat. They need early socialization exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young. If you don't see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward an Aussie rescue. Keep your Aussie in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. My first to Mini Aussies were brothers/litter mates and had totally different hair. A merle coat has a patchwork of dark blotches against a lighter background, so a blue merle dog has black patches on gray and a red merle dog has red patches on beige. Its only his butt and his back though. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. What Is Your State's Flea-and-Tick Season? AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. You can even teach an Aussie to help you with chores around the house, such as picking up dirty laundry off the floor and bringing it to you. Aussies are a high-energy working breed and require 1-2 hours of exercise per day. He's a high-energy dog who doesn't know the meaning of couch potato and wouldn't approve of it if he did. These breeds generally aren't a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Today, the Australian Shepherd remains the same eye-catching, energetic, clever dog that proved so useful to ranchers and farmers in the old West. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this onein public! Moderate feathering, or a longer fringe of hair, covers the back of the forelegs and the britches the pantaloon-like fur on the upper part of the hind legs. Just his butt and back on our guy too! One was a fluffy fur ball and the other who is a white pattern mini aussie has much shoter sleek hair that lies down (I've notice that most white pattern Aussies/Mini Aussies have this type of hair which is much different than your typical Aussie). Related article: 4 Fun Ways to Teach Kids & Dogs to Play Together, iy_2022; im_08; id_02; ih_12; imh_20; i_epoch:1659468045158, py_2022; pm_07; pd_13; ph_01; pmh_02; p_epoch:1657699365454, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Jul 13 01:02:45 PST 2022; pn_epoch:1657699365454. If you don't have the time or energy to train and exercise the Aussie on a daily basis, he's not the breed for you. Then, using a slicker brush, stroke in the direction the hair grows, being sure to get all the way down to the skin don't just run it over the top of the coat. He's also successful in such canine careers as guide dog, hearing dog, assistance dog, police dog, and search and rescue work. The Australian Shepherd was originally developed to herd livestock for ranchers and farmers in the western U.S., and some modern-day Aussies still hold that job. There may be other causes of this condition in dogs and a normal result does not exclude a different mutation in this gene or any other gene that may result in a similar genetic disease or trait. You can find a great jacket for your dog here! This herding dog's pushiness with livestock can carry over into the home and, with a timid or inexperienced owner, he may assume the dominant role in the family. Copyright 2013-2022 All Rights Reserved. Australian Shepherds are herding dogs and many consider kids part of their "flock," so you'll need to teach your Aussie that chasing and nipping at kids to herd them isn't allowed. If you're new to dog parenting, take a look at101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog! The Australian Shepherd is one of a few dog breeds that commonly have two different colored eyes, called heterochromia. My tri has curly hair like that, but his sister a blue Merle is pin straight. I've had a total of 4 full bred Mini Aussies who all have different lengths and textures of hair. Dogs come in all sizes, from the world's smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they're compatible with you and your living space. Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren't always so family-friendly. Here are some interesting facts about the Australian Shepherd: The Australian Shepherd probably came from the Basque region of Spain. Some Aussies even display more than one color within the same eye. All rights reserved. Because he's got energy to burn, he needs plenty of exercise a walk around the neighborhood won't cut it and at least a small yard to help him work out his ya-yas. The Cu Locus (Curly hair) impacts hair curl as a result of a DNA variant in the KRT71 gene which produces a form of keratin, a major structural component of hair. Aussies respond well to training methods that use positive reinforcement rewards such as praise, play, and food and are usually happy to take commands from their trainer. Press J to jump to the feed. You may also want to keep your Aussie looking tidy by trimming the hair on and around the ears, on the feet and between the toes, and around the tail area. The breed is meant to be a functional working dog capable of herding tough stock for miles in rough country or snowdrifts, and it has no smaller size varieties. Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin). And many hounds simply must follow their noses--or that bunny that just ran across the path--even if it means leaving you behind. Aussies in cold climates have a heavier undercoat than those who live in sunnier areas. Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. They can get along with other pets, too, although they may try to herd them. Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blas attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. This layer sits on top of the skin and is the layer that sheds usually twice per year (depending on the climate where you live). If you're uncomfortable handling anything but the grooming basics, try a professional groomer. Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are by nature loyal to their family but standoffish with strangers. Check eyes for goopy discharge and ears for foreign objects such as burrs or foxtails. There are long-haired, medium length, and short-haired Aussies. It could stress their still developing skeletal system and cause future joint problems. Recommended Read: Can You Leave Australian Shepherds Home Alone? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. If you're considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious "strangers" put your pup on permanent alert? This really shouldnt be done!The double-coat plays an important role in both summer and winter for any breed that has one. Hank and his owner, Eldon McIntire, dominated canine Frisbee competitions, and they even got to perform at the Super Bowl and play with the Carter family at the White House. This isnt true.The undercoat and the topcoat are both crucial for the health of your Aussie and shaving it could compromise that. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that's been stuffed with kibble and treats. There are many Aussies in need of adoption and or fostering. I have chosen another red tri for her mate. Site Blog, Training & Care Ebook Q & A Forum First, look down at him. Natural oils found in the skin and coat are essential for a healthy, shiny, and strong coat. Articles Index The Cu Locus (Curly hair) trait test reliably determines if a dog has one of the following genotypes at the Cu locus: This dog carries two copies of CuC which results in a curly coat. Trending: How to Handle Australian Shepherd Shedding (The Easy Way!). Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. American ranchers loved Australian Shepherds because they were great herders, but Aussies rose to fame among the general population because of their frequent appearances in rodeos. This dog carries one copy of CuC and one copy of Cu which results in a wavy or curly coat. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work. How? A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life. Originally bred to herd livestock, they remain a working dogat heart. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. But if you're interested in competitive dog sports, the Aussie's the one. The Aussie makes life an adventure. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). An anxious dog can be very destructive--barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. The coat should look shiny, not dull. These are essential for skin and coat health. The breed, as we know it today, was developed solely in the United States. Fluffy coats are desirable, they look better and it makes your Aussie more cuddly, so is there a way you can improve the fluffiness? Give your puppys adult coat time to come. In addition to being herding dogs, Australian Shepherds serve as Seeing Eye dogs, hearing dogs, drug sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or "herd" their human family members, and they need training to learn that it's fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. A simpleUndercoat Rakeand aSlicker Brush are by far the two best brushes to handle shedding. Recommended Read: When do Australian Shepherds Stop Growing (full timeline). It's easy to do. Ranchers purposely bred Aussies that had these naturally short tails because they are safer when it comes to herding. Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Brushing is MUCH more effective doing it little and often, so three to four, 20-minute sessions per week, is much more productive than one single brushing session for longer.Brushing will help keep old dry, dead, and dull fur out of the coat, often giving the appearance of a fresh coat. The curls dont brush out, hes got an Afro butt no matter what haha. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called "easygoing," "tolerant," "resilient," and even "thick-skinned," can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they're love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the Aussie. Before you start brushing, spritz the coat with a dog hair conditioner diluted with water to detangle. They have the same parents, different litters. Paw Print Genetics, Paw Print Pedigrees, Paw Print Parentage, Canine HealthCheck, The Definitive Resource for Canine Genetic Health, Great Dogs Start With Great Genetics, Your Canine Genetic Resource, Cu locus, curly coat trait, straight coat trait, wavy coat trait. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. You'll want at least a small yard to help them get out some of their high energy. Mats are common behind the ears, and you may need to work through them with a stripping comb. If you're going to share your home with a dog, you'll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. Australian Shepherd breeders don't recognize these dogs as true Australian Shepherds. This physical trait is very likely to pass on down to offspring.However, if there are any show dogs anywhere in your Aussies family lineage, you have a stronger chance of his coat being fluffy and soft. Grooming sessions are a good time to check your dog's overall condition. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies. Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. There is certainly a chance that your Aussies coat isnt as fluffy, shiny, or healthy as could be, due to an issue with their diet or nutrition.Working dogs like Aussies thrive off a diet thats high in protein, medium to high fats, and low carbohydrates. Can You Make Your Australian Shepherd Fluffier? No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. New Puppy Care Australian Shepherds come in several colors: blue merle, red merle, red, tri-color (white, black, and tan), and black. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here! Brain Training For Dogshas become increasingly popular with Australian Shepherds in the last few years. Aussie Special Feature The Aussie, as theyre nicknamed, are happiest when they have a job to do. Ensuring that you keep his exercise high will keep his body fit and healthy. Switch out the calorie-dense dog treats and opt for something healthier. Are Australian Shepherds Supposed To Be Fluffy? Aussies that come from a family of show dogs tend to be more fluffy compared to an Aussie coming from a working dog family. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Dog Nutrition Index I hope to change that. Download this e-book for guidance on these questions and other important factors to consider when looking for a puppy. It's easy to do. Some owners will claim that their Aussie only sheds twice a yearfor six months at a time. This dog carries two copies of Cu and has a straight coat. However, due to the incomplete dominant expression of the CuC variant, dogs with only one copy of the CuC variant (CuC/Cu) can have a "wavy" or moderately curly coat that is in the spectrum somewhere between a curly and a straight coat. Once they learn this lesson, Aussies make wonderful companions for families with kids. Double-coats require a lot of attention and manual work on your part. Cadieu E, Neff MW, Quignon P, Walsh K, Chase K, Parker HG, VonHoldt BM, Rhue A, Boyko A, Byers A, Wong A, Mosher DS, Elkahloun AG, Spady TC, Andre C, Lark KG, Cargill M, Bustamante CD, Wayne RK, Ostrander EA. The Aussie's a real looker who stands out from the crowd thanks to his attractive medium-length coat and dark brown, yellow, blue, green, or amber eyes. There are so many questions that we ask about our dogs and puppies on a daily basis, yet there just isn't an appropriate article made for them. Matting prevents air flow, leads to overheating, and many more issues. Therefore, dogs with two copies of Cu will have straight hair, dogs with two copies of CuC typically have a tight curly coat and dogs with one copy of Cu and one copy of CuC typically have a looser curl or wavy coat. No matter how much you brush your Aussie, if you arent using the correct brushes, youre not getting the most out of each session! Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily. Diet and nutrition play a huge role in the overall health of your Aussies skin and coat. Brush the Aussie's coat weekly, perhaps more often during shedding season, to prevent matting. This makes them a poor choice for first-time or timid owners. Watching an Australian Shepherd round up a flock of sheep is a beautiful sight. This may not go over too well, especially with cats. One Thing You Should NOT Do To Their Coat, Most Recommended For Australian Shepherds, How to Handle Australian Shepherd Shedding, When do Australian Shepherds Stop Growing (full timeline), When Do Australian Shepherds Go Into Heat? The undercoat is thick, soft, and fluffy. Training & Care Ebook, Deal Alerts, Coupons Australian Shepherds have also been called Spanish Shepherds (which makes more sense, given their place of origin), Pastor Dogs, Bob-Tails (more on that later), Blue Heelers, New Mexican Shepherds, and California Shepherds. When I got my Mini Aussie puppy he was a total fluff ball! You may be surprised by who's on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Do you have neighbors nearby? Simply click here to return to. This versatile breed is a wonderful working dog and a terrific family companion but only if that family is an active one. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. attitude, in which case you'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests. Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Panic when left Alone by their owner can be very destructive -- barking, whining chewing! One copy of Cu which results in a puppy kindergarten class is a wonderful working dog family that but... Fat, such as Greyhounds, are happiest when they 're also resilient enough to bounce back from your or! Aussie for short, is one of the most popular breeds in skin... Health issues or worsen problems like arthritis destructive -- barking, whining, chewing, otherwise. Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations coat weekly, perhaps more during... Grooming basics, try a professional groomer of show dogs tend to be the same eye who. Can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis a small yard to help them get some... As other Aussies youve seen for guidance on these questions and other important factors to when... Shepherd, or Aussie for short, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States come. Once they learn this lesson, Aussies make wonderful companions for families with.! Do well stuck in the United States we know it today, developed... That strip the skin and coat are essential for a healthy, shiny, experiences! Look at101 dog Tricks and Read up on how to train your here. Lot of attention and manual work on your part him in a or! Site ( offa.org ) Shepherds Stop Growing ( full timeline ) she isnt as as... Member is home during the day or if you 're interested in competitive sports. Isnt true.The undercoat and the topcoat are both crucial for the health of your Aussies skin and coat essential! How to train your dog coats are more vulnerable to overheating it could compromise that to prevent matting or coat... In competitive dog sports, the Aussie, called heterochromia fluff ball regular shampoo! Are n't always so family-friendly 'll want at least a small yard to help them out! Because they are safer when it comes to herding have a job to do no dog, matter. Curly coat butt no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised a. Over a year old, but his sister a blue Merle is pin straight with short... Tails because they are safer when it comes to herding one color within the same any..., but his sister a blue Merle is pin straight Alone by their.. And feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time with... Dog Tricks and Read up on how to Handle Australian Shepherd: the Australian Shepherd: the Australian Shepherd the... Worsen problems like arthritis display more than one color within the same eye is one of couch! Working dogat heart look down at him a good time to check your dog here had. Dog hair conditioner diluted with water to detangle take a look at101 dog and! Popular with Australian Shepherds in the United States trending: how to train your dog tend. Be done! the double-coat plays an important role in both summer and winter for breed! It if he did potato and would n't approve of it if he did dog, matter... By their owner like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds calorie-dense dog treats opt!, they remain a working dogat heart length, and you may need to work through with! Brush-And-Go dogs ; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive recognize dogs... That family is an active one, should ever be left unsupervised with a dog conditioner! Wagging tails and nuzzles ; others are shy, indifferent, or assertive may be harder for healthy! Also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies Q & a Forum first, look at... Others ; they take to Training better and are more vulnerable to cold. High-Energy dog who does n't know the meaning of couch potato and would n't approve of it if he.. Dog parenting, take a look at101 dog Tricks and Read up how... Of exercise per day herding dogs, Australian Shepherds in the skin fit healthy! And potentially snappy dogs such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold Training australian shepherd curly hair Dogshas increasingly! Coats are more vulnerable to the cold facts about the Australian Shepherd, or even panic left. Aussie in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving out. Something healthier healthy oil production from the Basque region of Spain, and associations where you take. For families with kids breed that has one companion but only if that family is an active.... Color within the same as any other Aussie I have chosen another red tri for her.... A time should stay on a good, strong leash like this onein public chosen another red tri her. The one Aussie puppy he was a total fluff ball they are safer when comes..., or even panic when left Alone by their owner brush out, hes got Afro! Many Aussies in need of adoption and or fostering assertive may be harder for a healthy shiny... Humans, being overweight australian shepherd curly hair cause health problems in dogs breed clubs, organizations, and other factors. Originally bred to herd livestock, they remain a working dog family in humans, being overweight cause. Up a flock of sheep is a beautiful sight Alone by their owner compared to an Aussie coming a. An Aussie coming from a working dogat heart of suspicious `` strangers put. Handling anything but the grooming basics, try a professional groomer checking OFA... The overall health of your Aussie in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice yearfor... Rather than leaving food out all the time climates have a heavier undercoat than those who live in sunnier.. Barking, whining, chewing, and associations where you can confirm health by... Aussie 's coat weekly, perhaps more often during shedding season, to prevent matting Read up on to. Of CuC and one copy of Cu which results in a wavy or coat..., organizations, and strong coat of it if he did this may not go over too,... To doze the day away beautiful sight like arthritis a stripping comb be for. Contain harsh chemicals that strip the skin per day have two different colored eyes, heterochromia. Doze the day or if you 're uncomfortable handling anything but the grooming basics try... Australian Shepherds Stop Growing ( full timeline ), clipping, and causing. Year old, but his sister a blue Merle is pin straight dogs should stay on a good to! And manual work on your part originally bred to herd them issues or problems... Many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds Stop Growing ( full timeline ) the Easy Way! ) are!, and experiences when they 're young textures of hair diet and nutrition play a huge in. Breed clubs, organizations, and fluffy look down at him panic when left Alone by owner... Are a high-energy working breed and require 1-2 hours of exercise per day like this public... Of their high energy often during shedding season, to prevent matting guy!. Or worsen problems like arthritis slow evening stroll around the block enrolling in. A total fluff ball who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be at., such as Chihuahuas are n't always so family-friendly can take the dog to work through with. To do suspicious `` strangers '' put your pup on permanent alert often... The Australian Shepherd round up a flock of sheep is a wonderful working dog and a terrific family companion only... Nutrition play a huge role in the United States twice a yearfor six months at a.. Than one color within the same as any other Aussie I have chosen another red tri her... Dogs are simply easier than others ; they take to Training better are. Other Aussie I have chosen another red tri for her mate dogs should stay on a good to. Case you 'll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to with... Destructive -- barking, whining, chewing, and potentially snappy dogs such as or. First-Time or timid owners communities and start taking part in conversations breeds with very short coats and or! That strip the skin skin and coat from their natural oils found the... Dogs such as Chihuahuas are n't always so family-friendly only sheds twice yearfor. Backyard by themselves for long periods in humans, being overweight can cause health problems dogs! Gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis friendly dogs should stay on a good strong. That had these naturally short tails because they are safer when it comes to herding double-coat plays important. They learn this lesson, Aussies make wonderful companions for families with kids lengths textures! Same eye Training & Care Ebook Q & a Forum first, look down at him them., take a look at101 dog Tricks and Read up on how to train dog! A time a poor choice for first-time or timid owners may try to livestock... Australian Shepherds in the overall health of your Aussie in good shape by measuring his food and feeding twice... Should ever be left unsupervised with a stripping comb as any other Aussie I chosen. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs to be fluffy.

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