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Aussie Wheaten |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
U.S.A. <> Ireland -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Aussie Wheaten |
| An Aussie Wheaten is a cross between a pure-bred Australian Shepherd and a soft-coated Irish Terrier. Aussie Wheatens are bred to be active companion dogs because of their energy and affability. The breed is known for being affectionate, alert and loyal, although sometimes stubborn due to their Terrier lineage. Because they are so energetic, they need regular, vigorous exercise. Because of their temperament, Aussie Wheatens are wonderful with children and great pets for an active family. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Their weight, size and color vary, but will generally be on the high end of medium-sized dogs, with light-colored shaggy coats and vague Australian Shepherd markings. |
History of the Aussie Wheaten |
| The name Aussie Wheaten is a combination of the nicknames of its two parent breeds, the Australian Shepherd, also known as the "Aussie", and the soft-coated Irish Terrier, also known as the "Wheaten" or affectionately "Wheatie". Currently, the Aussie Wheaten is not widely recognized and lives in the shadow of the more popular Australian Shepherd mixes. Although the breed is relatively new and its personality has not stabilized, breeders have found that Aussie Wheatens generally retain the affectionate, alert and protective traits of their parent breeds. These desirable traits are part of the reason they have a reputation in North America as lovable pets for active families. Note, however, that Aussie Wheatens are not yet recognized by the AKC, so Aussie Wheaten breeders should be thoroughly researched if you intend to buy from them. |
A little of the Australian Shepherd |
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| The Australian Shepherd originated, not in Australia, but in the western United States, where it was probably bred from Collie varieties in the early 1900s for flocks of sheep. Australian Shepherds gained in popularity during the 1950s and are now employed as handicap guides, therapy dogs, drug detectors, search and rescue agents and of course beloved pets. | ||
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| Standard of the Australian Shepherd | ||
A little of the Irish Soft Coated Terrier |
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| The Irish Soft Coated Terrier is a large Terrier breed from Ireland. Originally, Irish Soft Coated Terriers were bred for demanding farm work and were particularly good at herding cattle, hunting vermin and guarding. They arrived in the United States with Irish immigrants in the mid-1900s and were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1973. | ||
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| Standard of the Irish Soft Coated Terrier |
Appearance of the Aussie Wheaten |
| Aussie Wheatens can vary considerably due to their novelty and currently unstable breeding. They often resemble a leaner, slightly smaller Australian Shepherd with some Terrier characteristics. They are medium to large in size and square in shape, with longer legs than a standard Shepherd. The wide range of color combinations within the Australian Shepherd breed explains the wide range of patterns and colors of the Aussie Wheaten coat. They have slightly wavy, medium to long coats in tricolor combinations of brown, black, beige, gray and white, with darker shades around the muzzle and ears. Some even have slight Australian markings. The Aussie Wheaten has a square head, medium oval eyes, a slightly tapered muzzle and a broad nose. They tend to wear an alert, eager expression. Their legs are compact with thick pads for walking outdoors, and the tail is of medium length with a full, sometimes feathered coat. |
Temperament of the Aussie Wheaten |
| An Aussie Wheaten's intelligence also makes it a relatively easy breed to train, however, these dogs can be lively and stubborn due to their breeding and hunting lineage. It's particularly important to socialize Aussie Wheatens at an early age to counteract these impulses. More shepherd-like Aussie Wheatens may be wary of strangers due to their protective instincts, but they are known to be devoted pets who develop a strong attachment to their owners and family members. |
Needs and activities of the Aussie Wheaten |
| Aussie Wheatens are affectionate, alert and loyal. They have inherited the ability to get along with children from their shepherd and terrier parents, making great pets for active families and companions for children. Aussie Wheatens are also very energetic and intelligent. For this reason, they need considerable physical and mental stimulation to be satisfied. Aussie Wheatens are happy to walk, run or play energetically with their owners and other dogs. |
Maintenance of the Aussie Wheaten |
| The Aussie Wheaten is not entirely hypoallergenic, but the breed produces fewer allergens from its coat due to its Terrier lineage. It can be a messy dog, the medium-length wavy coat requiring regular brushing with a firm bristle brush to reduce matting and moderate shedding. Regular professional grooming is not necessary, but owners may also consider trimming the edges around their dog's ears, feet and under the tail for easy maintenance. Owners should aim to bathe Aussie Wheatens monthly or as needed, and pay particular attention to cleaning around the eyes and ears. Like all breeds, Aussie Wheatens should have their teeth brushed daily and their nails trimmed every month or so. Since they like to romp around outdoors, owners should take care to inspect their coats for debris or insects, such as ticks, that could get caught in their coats. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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