Australian Shepherds are supposed to have full dentition: 42 teeth including three incisors, one canine, and for premolars on each side of each jaw, with two molars on each side of the upper jaw and three on the lower as seen in the chart at right (click to make larger).
If all goes as planned you're gonna see 28 of those little needle teeth. Also called: 'milk teeth,' these teeth are sharp like a razor and the Aussie pup equivalent of baby teeth.
6 Months and Older: By the time, your puppy is about six months old or so, all of his puppy teeth should have fallen out, and his adult teeth should have grown in. In general, adults dogs have about 42 teeth (fun fact: that's about 10 more than people!).
Dental disease is one of the most common chronic problems in pets who don't brush their teeth regularly. Unfortunately, most dogs don't take very good care of their own teeth, and this probably includes your Aussie. Somebody is going to have to help her, or she is likely to have serious dental problems.
An adult dog should have 42 teeth in total, that's 20 on top of their jaw and 22 on the bottom. Puppies have only 28 temporary teeth! Not all dogs grow in their 42 teeth! In fact, for unknown reasons teeth may become entrapped by bone or gum tissue.
Older dogs often suffer from tooth decay, but dogs of any can may need to have multiple teeth extracted due to periodontal disease. Dogs without teeth can lead a life relatively similar to dogs with teeth, and might even be happier and healthier.
In addition, Chow Chows also have several distinguishing features including an extra pair of teeth (44 instead of 42), an unusual blue-black/purple tongue and straight hind legs, resulting in a rather stilted gait.
Australian Shepherds are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and are renown for their obedience, agility, and excellence in herding and other active sports.
Dogs need their teeth brushed just like humans do. Brush their teeth 2-3x a week with a dog friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Use dental treats and sticks. At your local pet shop, you can find treats and chew sticks for your dog that can help remove build up on your dog's teeth.
The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners. True to their herding instincts, Aussies are very protective of their families and territory and will let you know if strangers approach, but they are not considered aggressive.
Biting habits of Australian shepherds should be interrupted as soon as you notice them develop, which is generally during late puppyhood, but even an adult Aussie can learn to put energy into more appropriate habits.
Habits die hard in the breed, so bad behaviors should be tackled quickly. Things that Aussie owners may have to focus on include chewing, nipping, excessive barking, and separation anxiety. Puppyhood chewing (teething) is universal and your dog will naturally grow out of it.
Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
An Aussie doesn't want to be everyone's best friend.
They have to be socialized as puppies so they'll tolerate meeting new people, but they won't approach just anyone for kisses. Though some are friendlier than others, they're generally very attached to just one or two family members.
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.
Teeth brushing is important because it eliminates food particles and bacteria from the teeth. Without brushing, the particles adhere to the teeth. Bacteria then feed on these particles and produce tartar. This leads to dental disease, which causes bad breath, tooth loss, and pain.
Australian Shepherds are loyal dogs, and they make great companions. In addition, they are also good with children. Australian Shepherds are relatively easy to care for when it comes to grooming. They only need to be brushed once or twice a week, and they only need to be bathed every few months.
Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that even though Aussies have strong guarding and herding instincts, they are sweet and cuddly indoor dogs that can even be kept in apartments.
They're a very devoted breed and highly intelligent. Australian shepherds bond with their owners and family and take their role as guardians seriously. This can cause them to be protective, but also aggressive toward things they perceive as a threat if they're not properly socialized and trained.
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.
Basenji. The Basenji, known for its cat-like attitude, is the oldest dog breed in the world according to genetic evidence, despite conflicting sources that recognize other breeds. This breed still retains traits from its ancestors.
The Kangal is a large, muscular dog that typically weighs between 100 and 130 pounds. They have been trained to guard sheep and other flocks against giant predators such as wolves, jackals, and bears. The Kangal has a mighty bite, with a bite force of 743 PSI. It is the highest bite force of any dog breed.