History
The German Australian Shepherd (GAS) is a cross between two of the famous sheep-herding dogs – the German Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd. They are large-sized dogs with a distinct appearance and unique behavioral traits, inherited from their parents. They possess a proportionate head, triangle-shaped ears with round corners, and a muscular body - and sometimes with a frill or mane around their necks. Strong shoulders and thighs and round feet with sturdy soles are common attributes of any GAS.
Interesting Facts
- The University of South Florida started a project in 2011 to help a 2-year-old GAS obtain certification of a therapy dog.
Temperament & Personality
Australian Shepherd mix puppies are smart, attentive, playful and loyal dog which bonds strongly with its owner and other family members. Early exposure to socialization training makes them get along with kids. Just like other herding dogs, they are shy about strangers. Their terrific protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs for watching and shielding their houses and families. However, they are not recommended for meek persons or first-time dog owners.
Care
Exercise
The king German shepherd mix puppies need at least one hour of physical activities and agility exercises daily, and give them enough opportunity to run and play, and also for long walks to avoid boredom. Brainstorm your pet with dog puzzles and engage it with different kinds of toys.
Grooming
Periodically brush The GAS’s coat to keep it shiny and in excellent condition. Comb its hairs with a slicker brush towards the direction of their growth, as this will prevent the dead strands falling on your clothes and furnishings. Do not bathe your pet very often as this might rob its skin of all natural oils, and cut its nails sparingly and keep them small.
Health Problems
Ask for health clearance records of the parents from the breeder before buying a puppy. Watch out for general health issues like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, food and contact allergies, idiopathic epilepsy, hemophilia, nodular dermato fibrosis, auditory problems, renal cystadenocarcinoma. Occasionally diagnose for perianal fistula, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, panosteitis; and go for physical checkup, eye examination, X-rays, Brain Auditory Evoked Response a.k.a. BAER from time to time. Maintain its dental hygiene by brushing your dog’s teeth with a gentle dog toothpaste regularly.
Training
Apply rigid, positive reinforcement training methods while teaching, without being too stern. Stick to your leadership role and adore your dog’s good behaviors by showering it with praises, offering your pet its favorite treats, or rewarding with all the toys that it loves to play. All these will condition the dog to listen to your commands. Obedience classes with basic command sets ( E.g., STOP, STAY, COME, HEEL, SIT ) will inculcate positive behavioral traits in your GAS.
Feeding
Feed your dog with high-quality low-calorie dog food, three to four cups daily, and which includes a small amount of necessary protein and fats.
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