03/04/2020
What a beautiful and satisfying sight to see....now let me tell you why!
••Did you know there are two different lines of Australian shepherds?••
Most people don't! I was shocked too and then I realized it all made sense after learning that!
To keep both lines out of shelters, it's very important to know. It’s a dirty secret people don’t like to share: there are two types of Australian Shepherd. Conformation and working. Generally, the two don’t mix – and when that happens, misinformation abounds.
The extremes of conformation type dogs are often characterized as Bernese mountain dog-like: Heavy-boned (thick bones), heavy-coats, big heads, loose jowls, low ears. Take for instance Booker! He is a confirmations Aussie, or show Aussie. Now on the other hand we have this Australian shepherd Henry who is pictured, and the extremes in the working-type Aussies tend to look very English border Collie-like, with inconsistent looks, high ears, narrow faces, lighter bone (skinny), and lighter coats.
•TEMPERMENT•
The ideal working Australian Shepherd is more focused on his task and person than showing strangers the same attention. They should not be “friendly.” Many a dog has been returned to a breeder (or even worse a shelter) because these dogs are the kind that may not appreciate friendly stranger advances – they may tolerate or even growl at an outstretched hand or face in their face.
And the owner THOUGHT they were buying......
In the conformation line Aussie, now they couldn’t last long with attitudes like that, as they spend their weekends primped and pretty, touched by strangers and are encouraged to show off for judges and spectators alike! Friendliness is key! These types of dogs are what appeal to most suburban family homes, with non-working homes! now on the other hand these also make it into shelters if bought by first time Australian Shepherd owners looking for a partner to work with ease but not showing those natural tendencies.
Do you know the difference now? it's why it's so beautiful to see Henry tuckered out because he was bred to WORK all day without problem. He wants to please YOU as his one handler and works very hard!
