With Deep amiable eyes and a small furry body, the Aussalier dog remains a rare treasure waiting to be discovered. It is a charismatic, intelligent, and very friendly dog that will sweep away all your loneliness.
So, if you are planning to get an Aussalier puppy or want to know more about where this breed comes from or what it is like, keep reading this article. This article contains all the necessary information about the Aussalier dog including personality, grooming, training, and health.
Table of Contents
Origin and Introduction to Aussalier
If you haven’t heard of Aussalier, it is because the Aussalier is a relatively new breed that first made its appearance in around 2013. It is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The Australian Shepherd dogs were developed in the 19th century as herding dogs whereas the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was specifically bred as a lap dog.
As the name suggests Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a great favorite of King Charles and remains the 19th most popular breed. Whereas, the Australian Shepherd an even more popular dog is listed as one of the top 20 most famous breeds by the American Kennel Club in recent years. This is why this breed is considered a rare gem coming from a reputable parentage that is both adored and greatly sought after.
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Before you read more about this breed, have a look at these adorable and lovely Aussalier puppies.
Appearance
The Aussalier is like a box of chocolates, you never know which one you are going to get. Depending on which parent it takes after more they can be found in several variations. However, the one thing that remains constant is their furry cuteness. Along with that, you should expect your Aussalier to be like the following:
- In stature, the Aussalier are small dogs, usually no more than 16 inches tall.
- A healthy Aussalier dog typically weighs around 16 to 35 pounds when grown fully.
- Their eyes are almond-shaped and are found in different colors such as brown, blue, or even a combination of the two.
- Their ears are floppy like a pendulum.
- They tend to have long, skinny tails like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
- Their coats can be wavy, silky, or straight in a combination of brown and white or black and white.
Personality
The Aussalier can be high or low-energy dogs, depending on which one of their parents they take after more. Dog owners describe the Aussalier as great companion dogs that enjoy both- cuddling with humans and running around the house by themselves.
They are sweet and well-behaved by nature and do not get aggressive around strangers. They are friendly with everyone and enjoy pleasing their owners. Since these dogs crave affection, they easily get attached to their human families and are very loyal to them.
Small gestures, like praises, are enough to excite and please these dogs who love being the center of attention. Overall, they are intelligent dogs that are smart enough to learn new things quickly, so dog owners find them easy to train.
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Living with an Aussalier Dog
The Aussaliers are described as very manageable dogs, and they adapt well to smaller dwellings like apartments, quite easily. They are wonderful around children and will get along with other animals just as well.
They are very well-behaved and do not bark or drool excessively either. They are not aggressive or ill-tempered and are known to be excellent housemates.
Some dog owners have reported that their pups are afraid of riding in cars making trips to the vet particularly challenging. However, with early training, any pet can adjust to car rides.
Training
Aussalier dogs are known to be intelligent and fast learners- thanks to one of their parents, i.e. the Australian Shepherd. They enjoy learning new tricks and playing with interactive toys that keep them engaged.
They require about 45-60 minutes of walking or running each day to burn off excessive energy. They also enjoy trips to the beach, parks, and hiking for rarer occasions.
Moreover, like any other dog, they also need to begin socialization at an early age so that the dog grows up to be friendly. Early socialization can make or break a dog’s personality so owners should pay extra caution to it. Through reinforcement techniques, dog owners can instill desirable behaviors in their pets.
Grooming Needs
Their grooming needs depend on the type of fur they have. They usually require a bath only when absolutely needed. If their coat is silky then a conditioner should be used, but if the coat is coarser the conditioner can be skipped. In any case, the Aussaliers’ fur requires frequent brushing to avoid tangles.
Additionally, dog owners will need to brush their Aussalier teeth at least twice a week and trim their fur and nails when needed. Frequent brushing helps maintain oral hygiene and prevent gum diseases and tooth decay. Whereas trimming nails ensures that the dog does not hurt himself while scratching.
Also, keep an eye on their ears and make sure there are no foreign objects or wax stuck in their ears. As they have floppy ears, they may develop infections if not taken care of.
Diet
Dietary needs are determined based on a dog’s age, size, and activity levels. However, for an average Aussalier foods rich in prebiotic fibers with natural ingredients are highly recommended.
A bag of high-quality dog food will last your Aussalier a month. You can portion the servings as advised but for most dogs, 2 servings of one and a half cups a day are more than sufficient.
Dog owners are encouraged to spoil their dogs with occasional meat strips and other tasty treats. You may also feed them with selected human foods occasionally.
Health-related Issues
Like most crossbreeds, the Aussaliers are healthy dogs. However, they are prone to certain health complications that significantly reduce their life spans. Retinal Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, and Epilepsy are some of the most common health complications that these dogs are inflicted by.
Early diagnosis can reduce the risk of the diseases mentioned above. Therefore, don’t forget to schedule frequent checkups for your dogs. Getting a puppy from a reputable breeder may also decrease the chances of genetic diseases, so make sure you get an Aussalier puppy from a well-reputed and responsible breeder and not a puppy mill or backyard breeder.
Bottom line
Aussaliers are wonderful dogs that no doubt make excellent pets. They are ideal for people who live alone and are looking for company. But they also make good family dogs owing to their overly affectionate nature. So, if you are looking to get a dog, the Aussalier would be a lovely choice, one you won’t regret.
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Image credit: Royal Crown Kennels