| Description: These perpetual puppies, so to speak, are easy going and love to play. North American Shepherds are courageous, loyal and affectionate and devoted friends and guardian, since they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile, and attentive, these dogs are eager to please with a sixth sense about what the family/owner/handler wants.
North American Shepherds are highly intelligent, easy to train and need to be put to work. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without exercise. North American Shepherds need lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very smart, active and easily bored.
They are naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should be well socialized as puppies. Some like to nip peoples heals in an attempt to herd them. A fine companion, it also enjoys working small stock. They are quiet workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livestock. This breed is not usually dog aggressive.
NAS Height: 13 to 18 inches
NAS Weight: 15 to 30 lbs.
MAS Height: 14 to 18 inches
MAS Weight: 20 to 40 lbs.
Colors: Blue merle, black, red merle and all red with or without white markings and/or tan points.
Coat: Double coat is medium length and straight to slightly wavy.
Temperament: Highly trainable, versatile family dog and companion
With Children: Yes, gentle with children.
With Pets: Yes, good with other pets
Special Skills: Working dog and family pet.
Watch-dog: High
Guard-dog: Medium
Care and Exercise: Regular brushing once or twice a week will help to minimize shedding and keep the skin and coat healthy. As with any herding dog exercise is essentially to maintain a healthy, well-balanced dog.
Training: A intelligent breed he enjoys obedience training. Early socialization is a must.
Learning Rate: High
Activity: High
Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is essential. He would do better in a rural environment as he was bred to herd and guard the flock.
Health Issues: Eye disorders, hip dysplasia, allergies
Life Span: 12 - 13 Years
Country of Origin: United States
History: The Australian Shepherd arrived in the United States by the late 19th century where the dogs’ qualities became recognized by local ranchers, who used the dogs to work cattle, sheep and other livestock. The North American Shepherd was developed in 1968, when two small Australian Shepherds were bred. He is a scaled down version of the Australian Shepherd. The goal was to develop a small herder and guardian who had the qualities of the larger Australian Shepherd but was smaller in size.
Class: Herding
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