Breed Clubs - South Africa
July/August 2011
Order the Aussie back issue ...
- Dobermann
- French Bulldogg
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Greyhounds & Whippet
- Irish Wolfhound
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
- Miniature Dachshund
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Pomeranian
- Poodles
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Saluki
- Scottish Terrier
- Setters
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Spaniels
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- White Swiss Shepherd
- Xoloiztcuintle
- Yorkshire Terrier
Australian Shepherd Dog
It is recommended that only reputable breeders should be approached when seeking breed information or if you wish to purchase a puppy.
See the advertisements in either this month's issue, our classifieds section, or our back issues featuring your breed of choice. Alternatively contact one of the clubs listed below for breeders in your area.
Gauteng |
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| Australian Shepherd Dog Club of East Gauteng | Australian Shepherd Dog Club of East Gauteng Chairman: Gerhard Schultz Tel: 082 831 3259aussie-club@mweb.co.za
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| Working & Herding Breeds Association Golden Reef | Working & Herding Breeds Association Golden Reef Chairman: Mr. H. Krantz Tel: 011-9729204 / 083 295 3358
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Kwazulu Natal |
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| Group Club | Natal Working & Herding Breeds Association
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Border |
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| Group Club | Quinera Working & Herding Breeds Club
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Cape |
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| Australian Shepherd Club of the Eastern Cape | Australian Shepherd Club of the Eastern Cape Chairman: Amanda Young Tel: 083 330 3356 amandayoung@wol.co.za
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| Australian Shepherd Club WC | Australian Shepherd Club WC Secretary: Mrs. S. Grobbelaar Tel: 083 558 4777 / 021-5565819
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| Working & Herding Breeds Club of the Cape | Working & Herding Breeds Club of the Cape Chairman: Mr. R. Koning Tel: 021-9033104 / 082 535 7135
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Fact File - Australian Shepherd Dog
| KUSA Group | Herding | |
| FCI Group | Group 1 | |
Original Function |
Ranch or stock dog | |
| Modern Function | General all-rounder | |
Appearance |
Well-balanced, slightly longer than tall, of medium size and bone, with colouring that offers variety and individuality. He is attentive and animated, lithe and agile, solid and muscular without cloddiness. Has a coat of moderate length and coarseness. Natual bobbed tail or natural long tail. | |
Weight |
Dogs: 25 - 29kg (50-65 pounds) |
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| Height | Dogs: 51 - 58.5cm (20-23 ins) |
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| Coat Colour | Blue merle, black, red merle, red – all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preference. White should not be predominate. | |
| Coat Texture | Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather-resistant and of medium length. Undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, ears, front of forelegs and below the hock joints. Backs of forelegs and britches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches. | |
Grooming |
Easy to groom and needs little attention. Bruch occassionally with a firm bristle brush and bath only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. | |
| Personality/Temperament | Intelligent, active dog with an even disposition, good-natured, seldom quarrelsome. Intelligent working dog of strong herding and guarding instincts. Loyal companon and has the stamina to work all day. | |
Compatibility with other dogs |
This is not an aggressive breed and dogs generally get on well with others. | |
| Compatibility with cats and other animals | Generally gets on with cats if raised with them. | |
Compatibility with people/children |
Recommended for active people & families. Aussies are excellent with children, even with an active child, as they love to play. A devoted, loyal friend and guardian as they are naturally protective. | |
Living Space – Indoors/Outdoors |
Aussies aren't the kind of dog to lie around the living room all day or live happily in the backyard with only a 15 minute walk. They need much more exercise than that and something to occupy their minds daily or they will become bored, leading to serious behaviour problems. Without enough mental and physical exercise and/or a lack of a true pack leader, they can become nervous and destructive if left alone. | |
Space and Exercise |
A very energetic working dog needing plenty of exercise to keep fit and the mind occupied. | |
Trainability |
Affectionate, very lively, agile and attentive – they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants – although they can be stubborn. | |
| Suitability as Watchdog
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They will alert you to intruders and protect you when they are there, but they will not protect material things. | |
Noise Factor |
They can be vocal. | |
| Average Lifespan
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10-14 years. | |
| Feeding | Any good quality dog food – follow manufacturers recommendations for age and weight. | |
Health |
This is a hardy breed, although some can suffer from hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye problems. | |
| Availability | Enquire via Clubs for reputable breeders and healthy puppies. Be prepared to wait for well-bred puppies. | |
| Some questions to ask Breeders | Are the puppies registered with KUSA; are they de-wormed and vaccinated; ask to see both parents of the litter if possible. Are health tests undertaken - ask to see certificates. |