When your Australian Shepherd is happy, he shakes his whole rear end side to side. This incredibly endearing trait is nearly universal across all Australian Shepherds, regardless of their tail type. Furthermore, the happier your dog, the more he will wiggle his butt!
If you see an Australian Shepherd wiggling their bodies, they are likely attempting to show you that they are happy and excited about something going on.
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of only a few breeds that can boast the rare feature of a naturally bobbed tail. While not every Australian Shepherd dog is naturally tailless, about one in five Aussies are born without a tail.
Many Have Naturally Short Tails
In addition to having a genetic predisposition for heterochromia, Aussies have a one-in-five chance of being born with a naturally bobbed tail. Ranchers purposely bred Aussies that had these naturally short tails because they are safer when it comes to herding.
For long tails, the ASHGI survey indicates that the most typical tail is slightly curved with the length of feathering tapering from base to tip. Tail carriage appears to be variable though carriage that is either high over the back or very low are outside the norms.
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don't know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
Aussies have a lush, medium-length coat that is straight or slightly wavy.
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.
“Is it cruel to dock a dog's tail?” YES. Dogs “talk” with their tails. They use them for balance. Tail docking is typically done when puppies are just a few days old, without anesthetics to numb the pain.
Australian Shepherds will bark at strangers, loud noises, and other animals as a way of getting rid of all that excess energy. More so, they can display the same type of behavior towards squirrels, thunderstorms, or even a passing car.
"Dogs generally sleep on their back to cool down," McDermott says. "Dogs exchange heat through their paws, and this [position] allows them to cool off." Canines have fewer sweat glands than humans, but those they do have are mostly concentrated in their paws. Dogs release sweat there, but nowhere else on their body.
Some Australian Shepherds tend to “grin”, not to be mistaken for baring their teeth, when feeling silly or goofy. It's a sign of appeasement! A dog will grin if it senses you his owner needs to be calmed down or when they are excited by greeting people or guests.
Australian Shepherd
Despite their high energy, Aussies are usually quiet. They may bark to alert their owners of a stranger or an unfamiliar situation but other than that, you won't hear much from them. This fits the self-controlled personality that Aussies possess.
While intelligent and hardworking, the Australian Shepherd can still be a goofy and loving family pet.
Australian Shepherds are born herders, and this trait extends to their human family. If your Aussie often tries to herd you by circling around, nudging, or pushing you in a particular direction, it's a clear sign of their instinctual love and care for you.
A dog's tail has 20 vertebrae (although some breeds with short tails have less) and can pack a pretty good wallop. Happy tail syndrome in dogs occurs when this strong tail repeatedly hits solid objects with force during a wagging session, resulting in the thin skin of the tail splitting open.
Any non-veterinarian who docks a dog's tail, or any veterinarian who docks for a reason other than the dog's welfare, is liable for prosecution. A maximum penalty of $15,480.00 applies for individuals and up to 5 times more for corporations. Dog tail docking is banned in all other Australian states and territories.
A: Tail docking is painful. The intensity or duration of the pain under ideal or typical circumstances is difficult to quantify.
Cons! The Australian Shepherd develops a strong bond with its owner that won't easily break. If this breed doesn't have an outlet for its bundled up energy, then it may start destroying objects around the home. This breed will complete any task or job you give it.
While adaptable, the loyal and devoted Australian Shepherd does best with its people nearby. They are often demanding of attention and they do not like to be left alone.
Sleep. Australian Shepherds need around 12 to 14 hours of sleep daily, depending on the energy burned during the day. Although puppies are little bundles of energy, they need 18 to 20 hours to support their growth and development.
Australian Shepherd History
Their Pyrenean Shepherds crossbred with other working dogs, including Collies and Border Collies, creating the modern version of the Australian Shepherd.
About the Breed
Being a medium-sized dog, Australian Shepherds, on average, weigh between 40-65 pounds and stand 18-23 inches in height. Their expected lifespan is 12-15 years.