Black Australian Shepherd: The Black Beauty of the Aussie Family

 A frequently asked question, have you ever seen a black Australian Shepherd? Yes, you can see. Generally, when the word black is used for these dogs, all black is incomprehensible. It means bi or tri. They refer to a color in which most of the dog's coat is black but can also be found in other colors, including white, brown, or tan.

However, an all-black Australian Shepherd can be obtained. You know it is a wonderful sight when you meet such a dog. Their eyes can be light or dark, sometimes even golden or hazel. A close look at the coat may reveal differences in tone in the hair around the chest and legs. The second or third colors would have been here if it had not been genetically modified.

Is The Black Australian Shepherd Rare?

The black Australian Shepherd is not common, but not exactly rare. Because a recessive gene causes it, both parents must carry this gene for the offspring to have this color.

Black dogs may not always be first-choice dogs, as there are negative connotations about black dogs that are associated with bad luck. For such reasons, the black Australian Shepherd is a rare beauty, although not rare.

Now let's get to know the breed of these beautiful dogs.

Origins And History

The qualifier “Australian” was attributed to him by association with the sheepdogs that arrived from Australia in the United States in the 19th century.

Moreover, his smaller "brother", initially called Miniature Australian Shepherd or Dwarf Australian Shepherd, was renamed American Shepherd.

His great popularity in the United States is due to the success of western-style riding, spectators having met him at rodeos, horse shows, or through films and shows broadcast on television. In Europe, he has begun to be known in recent years.

 Australian Shepherd Physical Characteristics

The Australian Shepherd is a well-proportioned dog, slightly longer than tall, of medium build and build, and with a strong and muscular build without heaviness. The eyes, almond-shaped, can be brown, blue, amber, or any combination of these colors. The ears are triangular, set high on the head, with relatively small pavilions. When the dog is alert, they fold forward. 

Hair: of texture and medium length, it is straight or a little wavy, resistant to bad weather. 

Color: blue merle, black, red merle, red. All these colors can be with or without white spots, with or without tawny spots.

 Character and Abilities

The black Australian Shepherd is an intelligent working dog with strong herding and herding instincts. Of stable temperament, he is naturally good and rarely a fighter. He is a very good companion dog, suitable for many jobs and sports. He is also a sociable dog, which tolerates his congeners very well and adapts well to family life with children.

Affectionate: This dog has a perfect character; he is very faithful to his masters and knows how to show them his great affection.

Player: Naturally very playful, this sheepdog will delight young and old alike and will appreciate play sessions more than anything to let off steam physically, sometimes mentally, and above all, to spend time with the members of his social group.

Calm: This dog is brimming with energy and will have difficulty staying put, especially if he isn't getting enough exercise. He will need regular outings and occupations to succeed in being satisfied and, therefore, peaceful at home.

Clever: Like any good self-respecting working dog, this Australian is very intelligent and receptive to his master's requests.

This dog is gifted in many disciplines and excels in agility, tribal, obedience, and of course, herding competitions.

Naturally, he will also make the happiness of a sheep or cattle farmer who needs canine help to guide his herd.

Hunter: This doggie is not a hunter for a penny, even if he can indulge in the pursuit of small prey, especially if he is not socialized early enough with cats or other small pets.

However, this dog, predestined to driving herds, will prefer to group animals rather than pursue them to hunt them.

Fearful/wary of strangers: This sheepdog is naturally sociable and friendly but can sometimes be reserved with strangers.

The black Australian Shepherd is a sheepdog; as his name suggests, he sometimes tends to protect his social group and may be suspicious, even virulent, if an intruder comes into contact with his master or feels threatened. 

Independent: This shepherd is very close to his social group, and independence is not part of his natural temperament.

Behavior

Enduring loneliness: His great attachment to his social group can have advantages and disadvantages, such as not supporting loneliness very much and preferring to be surrounded than alone.

It will therefore be necessary to accustom this dog from an early age to manage the absences of his masters with serenity, in particular by positive departures and by offering him playful activities of occupation during his periods of solitude.

Easy to train / obedient: Like many sheepdogs, this Australian is a dog full of enthusiasm when it comes to meeting the demands of his master.

However, it is still necessary that his master offers him an education adapted to his sensitivity and respect for the principles of positive education.

To do this, education must be firm, consistent, and offered early.

This dog may, however be stubborn, but the precocity of the various learnings and the strengthening of the master/dog relationship will be the keys to a successful education and a harmonious cohabitation.

Barking: The Australian Shepherd may be a barker in certain situations, especially if, in the context of herding, for example, he is unable to create the movement of the animals or if he finds the time a little long when driving. Absence of his masters.

This doggie will be able to make himself heard if he does not get what he wants or if he is very excited or bored. This personality trait may vary according to the education he has received, the attitude of his masters, and the proper response to his needs.

However, he can show initiative in his work, especially alongside sheep or cattle breeders, but daily, as a companion dog, this dog is very attached to his masters.

Runaway: Like any self-respecting shepherd, this dog will prefer to stay with his social group, to keep it and interact with it rather than take to its heels and see what is going on elsewhere.

Nevertheless, if this dog, full of energy, is not sufficiently physically spent, it could be that he finds his account in crossing the gate of the house to go for a little walk.

Destroyer: Very active and dynamic, if he is not sufficiently stimulated, the Australian Shepherd could then be destructive to compensate for his lack of energy.

Moreover, having little appreciation for solitude, Fido could occupy his time and manage his frustration by chewing on everything that comes his way.

Here again, good education and a response adapted to the expenditure needs of this sheepdog will make it possible to reduce or even eliminate the destruction problems.

Greedy/gluttonous: This pet is a great foodie who will never miss a good treat. This will be very valuable for education because the food will be an incredible motivation to attract the dog's attention and especially to maintain his concentration and enthusiasm to listen.

Despite this certain advantage, it will be a question of taking care to use treats sparingly, offering this wonderful doggie a quality diet, and avoiding giving him food outside meals.

Watchdog : Sheepdogs are quiet guardians because they are very close and protective of their social group. Even though this dear Australian canine is not the most dissuasive of shepherds, he will still be keen to protect his group.

First dog: This dog, very popular for a few years, is very often the first dog that many masters adopt, very often for his physical qualities above all.

Living Conditions

This is a very endearing dog that is not recommended for future guardians of a first dog and for people who are too passive because the black Australian Shepherd is active and needs to exercise. Having a garden available is therefore ideal, and offering extended hours of walks is essential. He is a very affectionate dog, sometimes intrusive, who hates loneliness. He needs a master who knows how to impose himself.

Australian Shepherd in an apartment: Little appreciative of loneliness and overflowing with energy, this active and sporty dog ​​will only tolerate life in an apartment if his masters are present and available to guarantee him a maximum of special moments of spending and games.

This dog will always be happier in a garden but must, in any case, be taken outside every day to maintain his physical and mental balance.

Apartment life will, therefore not be very suitable for him, primarily if his masters work all day.

Need for exercise/sport: Insatiable player, hard worker, and outstanding competitor, this dog is ideal for sporty and dynamic masters. This companion will flourish very little with sedentary or homebody masters.

It will be necessary to make sure to offer this special canine daily outings, regular and rich in stimulation, whether physical, mental, olfactory, or social.

Travel / Ease of transport: However, it will be necessary to respect the sensitivity of this dog who cannot live well in crowds, for example.

By car, you will have to respect one of the three mandatory options for transport:

In transport crate

In the trunk with a partition grid

Attached to the seat belt

In the train, his size will oblige you to make him wear a muzzle and keep him on a leash. His ticket will be at your expense but be careful, and you will not have an additional seat.

By plane, your dog must travel in the hold in a transport crate that meets the safety standards of the chosen airline.

Best Products for Black Australian Shepherd

Compatibility

Health

Several health problems can affect the Australian Shepherd, including back problems, hip problems, and eye defects. The breed is also affected by epilepsy problems. Studies have shown that a marriage between two merle dogs will result in a 25% risk of puppies being born blind and deaf or becoming so. Finally, it is recommended to do an MDR1 test because this dog is a potential carrier of this gene. 

Resistant / robust: This dog is quite resistant and solid. He can work for a whole day without problem alongside his master and shows excellent endurance in the effort.

Withstands heat: This sheepdog can adapt to many climates but will not tolerate extreme heat either.

Withstands the cold: Its quality undercoat, which varies according to the seasons, will be able to adapt to a cold climate without however resisting freezing temperatures.

Tendency to grow: His (ideally) regular and rich physical activity allows him not to gain weight easily despite his great gluttony. However, you must be vigilant by offering him a quality diet and a good response to his spending needs.

 

Common illnesses:

Several health problems can affect the Australian Shepherd, including back problems, hip problems, and eye defects. The breed is also affected by epilepsy problems.

In addition, studies have shown that a marriage between two merle dogs will give 25% of puppies at risk of being born blind and/or deaf or becoming so. These marriages are, therefore, to be avoided.

Finally, it is recommended to do an MDR1 test because this dog, like all Collie-type dogs, can carry this gene. This test is very important because if the dog is a carrier of the gene, specific treatments and substances should be banned because they are potentially fatal.

Grooming and maintenance

This dog's medium-length coat will not be difficult to maintain if brushed regularly. This regularity will prevent the appearance of knots but also and above all maintain the beauty and the protective qualities of its beautiful dress.

Hair loss: This semi-long-haired dog has a fairly significant loss of hair, in particular, due to the high density of its coat. This loss will be critical during the two annual molting periods (spring and autumn).