Australian Shepherds are small to medium-sized dogs. Male Aussies can be 20-22 inches and female dogs are generally a little smaller, approximately 18-20 inches. They normally weigh between 41-64 pounds.
A Female is a bit smaller than the male. The female Australian Shepherd is usually about 18-21 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 35-50 pounds. A female does not have the density or thickness as well as the length of the coat as the male. It is suggested that females are also more sensitive and laid back.
Australian Shepherds grow for about 16 months until they reach about 50-65 pounds (males) or 40-45 pounds (females) on average. A mature Australian Shepherd stands approximately 18-23 inches tall, classifying the breed between medium- to large-size dogs.
While Australian Shepherds are known for being strong working dogs, they can be cuddly and affectionate, too. Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them.
If you're looking for a fun-loving, goofy dog that yearns for affection and attention, a male Australian Shepherd is a good fit. If you are more interested in a loving yet independent dog that does not mind spending time alone, a female might be a better fit.
If you are a first-time owner, you're probably wondering, at what age will my Mini Aussie calm down?! All puppies and young dogs experience a period of extreme activity. In Aussies, it should stop at around 2-3 years of age.
However, it is common for an Australian shepherd to go through heat cycles every six months. So, they go into heat at least twice a year. By the time they reach their third or fourth cycle, they might establish a pattern, but before that, it is too early to determine their heat cycle.
Splooting is a great stretch for the animals' hips. Splooting also allows the animal to cool themselves by pressing their belly into the ground or against tile floors. Owners may notice that their pets sploot more often when they are younger.
The Australian Shepherd will choose one person in the family and then want to spend lots of their time around that person, including sitting on them. Their loyalty is unwavering, so your Shepherd might become your new shadow by your side.
Attention Seekers
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in everything and anything that is going on around them.
Aussies are best suited for families with an active lifestyle and a large fenced yard. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and have an average life span of 12-13 years.
Border collie
According to The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dog breeds in terms of their relative intelligence, the border collie is the smartest dog breed known to man.
The differences between female and male dogs
Male dogs tend to be bigger and heavier than female dogs by breed, so if space is an issue, you might prefer a female dog. Female dogs mature earlier than male dogs, which means that they might be easier to train when they are younger.
Females tend to be smaller in stature and less likely to mount other dogs or scent mark their surroundings, but can still practice these behaviors in certain contexts. Female dogs also tend to show more affiliative behaviors towards males.
Size doesn't matter
And size isn't always an obvious clue. “Male dogs tend to be larger than female dogs, however, the exact size difference is dependent on the breed,” says Colleen-Demling Riley, certified dog trainer and canine behaviorist, Dogtopia.
“Some dogs do it when they are excited or anxious: The physical contact may be comforting to them,” Dr. Sung says. “It can also be a form of attention-seeking behavior. Who would not pay attention to a dog walking between their legs?”
They require plenty of attention. Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
Dogs that have double or water-repellant coats, like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, may only need baths every few months. Bathing them more often than necessary can cause dry skin.
Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.
The natural bobbed tail is a recessive gene within the Australian Shepherd dog breed genetic code. This genetic mutation curbs the tail, naturally creating a shortened tail that is only about one or two vertebrae in length.
Since dogs consider their owners a part of their family and pack, they want to lay on top of them to show them that and to provide them with comfort and security as well as receive it in the process. Laying close to their owner is also their way of protecting what they love, even if there is no real threat or danger.
Stage 1: Signs a Dog Is in Heat
The first signs your dog is in heat are the swelling of her vulva and bright red bloody discharge. This stage is called proestrus. "There will be lots of licking," Nielsen says. A dog in heat can bleed for around seven to 10 days.
While dogs don't experience menstruation the same way humans do, they do ovulate. And they'd probably appreciate a treat or two when they do. When a female dog is in heat (called estrus), she has a bloody discharge from her vulva—similar to a human period or menstruation.
Heat usually lasts between 2-4 weeks. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to male dogs, although some are receptive through the entire cycle. It can be shorter or longer and you'll know the cycle is over when all her vulva returns to its normal size and there's no more bleeding or discharge.
Aussies are very sociable dogs. They can feel lonely when they're left alone often and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This is when dogs feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety over being apart from their owners.