Herding Dogs
Aussie, Beauceron, Belgian Sheepdog, German Shepherd
Australian Shepherd (Aussie)
Overview
- intelligent, active, good natured, outgoing
- Spanish origin
- 13-15yr life expectancy
- Require weekly brushing & occasional bathing
- Require daily exercise; highly energetic
- Cataracts, hip/elbow dysplasia, double merle, epilepsy
Appearance
- Weight: male: 50-65lb, female: 30-45lb
- Height: male 20-23", female 18-21"
- Eyes: brown, blue, amber (variation/combination)
- Ears: tirangular, medium size
- Tail: straight, docked or naturally bobbed (4" max)
- Coat: Blue/red merle, tri (red/black, bi (red/black)
Fun facts
- Name "australian" was associated with coat color
- 17th most popular dog breed
- Officially recognized by AKC in 1991
Beauceron
Overview
- Faithful, gentle, obedient, smart, reserved
- French origin
- 10-14yr life expectancy
- Require weekly grooming
- Require regular exercise; highly energetic
- Hip dysplasia, dermatomyositis, gastric tortion
Appearance
- Weight: 70-110lb (male & female)
- Height: male 26-28", female 25-26"
- Eyes: dark brown
- Ears: short drop ears, cropped upright
- Tail: strong, carried down ( "J" shape)
- Coat: Black and tan, Harlequin (+grey)
Fun Facts
- AKA: Berger de Beauce or Bas Rouge
- Used to create Doberman Pinscher
- Has double dewclaws
Belgian Shepherd
Overview
- bright, trainable, alert, loyal
- Belgian origin
- 10-14yr life expectancy
- Require weekly brushing & grooming
- Require daily exercise; highly energetic
- cancer, epilepsy, hip/elbow dysplasia, cataracts
Appearance
- Weight: male: 55-66lb, female: 44-55lb
- Height: male 24-26", female 22-24"
- Eyes: brown (preferably dark)
- Ears: tirangular, stiff
- Tail: low, tip bent back
- Coat: Black
Fun Facts
- Recognized by AKC in 1912
- Breed standards say dog must have 'ornamentation'
- Some consider the Belgian Malinois to be a variety of this breed
German Shepherd
Overview
- Smart, confident, courageous, approachable, alert
- German origin
- 9-13yr life expectancy
- Require weekly grooming
- Very active, require regular exercise
- Cataracts, hip/elbow dysplasia, arthritis, Von Willebrand disease(bleeding, genetic)
Appearance
- Weight: male: 66-88lb, female: 49-71lb
- Height: male 24-26", female 22-24"
- Eyes: dark brown
- Ears: moderately pointed, erect
- Tail: bushy, rather low, moderate curve
- Coat: Bi color, Black, Black & cream/red/silver/tan, blue, grey, liver, sable, white
Fun Facts
- Known to be the 3rd most intelligent dog
- Show GSDs have sloping topline
- Has a unique stack pose