BERNESE AUSSIE AUSTRALIAN MOUNTAIN DOG

At Stokeshire we’ve created a new breed as part of our AMD breeding program. We wanted to reduce the overall size of our Australian Mountain Doodles and therefore had to breed for a smaller Australian Moutain Dog to breed with our poodles. Here is a little history of the three breeds used in our variety. These puppies are 50% Mini American Shepherd, 25% Berense, and 25% Australian Shepherd.

The Miniature American Shepherd, also known as the Mini American Shepherd, is a breed that was developed in the United States in the late 20th century. The breed was created by breeding smaller specimens of the Australian Shepherd, which was popular in the western United States as a working dog and companion.

The first dogs to be used in the creation of the Miniature American Shepherd were Australian Shepherds that were smaller in size than the average for the breed. These dogs were selectively bred for their smaller size while still maintaining the herding and working ability of the Australian Shepherd.

The breed was originally known as the Miniature Australian Shepherd, but in 2011, the breed's name was changed to the Miniature American Shepherd to more accurately reflect the breed's country of origin.

The Miniature American Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2015, and is now considered a separate breed from the Australian Shepherd. The breed has become increasingly popular in the United States and around the world, both as a working dog and as a companion.

The Miniature American Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic breed that excels at a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and herding. The breed is known for its loyalty and affectionate nature, and is a popular choice for families and individuals who are looking for a smaller, yet active and trainable, dog.

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd breed did not originate in Australia, but rather in the western United States in the 19th century. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is believed that the breed was developed from various types of shepherd and herding dogs that were brought to the United States by European settlers.

The breed's early development is linked to the Basque shepherds who immigrated to the United States from the Basque region of Spain in the mid-19th century. These shepherds brought their sheep and their herding dogs with them, and the dogs were eventually crossbred with other herding breeds like the Collie and the Border Collie to create the Australian Shepherd.

The breed became popular in the western United States in the early 20th century, particularly among ranchers and cowboys. The Australian Shepherd was valued for its versatility, intelligence, and loyalty, and was used for a variety of tasks, including herding livestock, guarding property, and serving as a companion.

The Australian Shepherd was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1993, and is now popular not only in the United States but also around the world. Today, Australian Shepherds are still used as working dogs on farms and ranches, but are also commonly kept as family pets and compete in a variety of dog sports and activities, such as obedience, agility, and flyball.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that originated in Switzerland, where it was used for herding and guarding livestock. The breed was first introduced to the United States in the early 20th century, but it was not until the 1930s that the breed began to gain popularity.

In 1937, a group of Bernese Mountain Dog fanciers in the United States established the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDC), with the aim of promoting and preserving the breed. The BMDC played a key role in the breed's development in the United States, and today it remains one of the largest and most active Bernese Mountain Dog clubs in the world.

During the mid-20th century, the breed faced some challenges, including a decline in popularity and a reduction in breeding stock due to the effects of World War II. However, the Bernese Mountain Dog's popularity began to increase again in the 1960s and 1970s, and the breed's numbers in the United States have continued to grow steadily since then.

Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a popular breed in the United States, both as a working dog and as a family pet. The breed is known for its gentle nature, loyalty, and strong work ethic, and is used for a variety of tasks, including herding, search and rescue, and therapy work. The Bernese Mountain Dog is recognized by the American Kennel Club and is one of the top 50 most popular breeds in the United States.

A Bernese Mountain dog and Australian Shepherd mix, also known as a Bernese Aussie, is a hybrid dog that combines the traits of both breeds. As a mixed breed, the temperament, appearance, and health of a Bernese Aussie can vary depending on the specific characteristics inherited from each parent.

Both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd are working breeds with strong instincts for herding and guarding. The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its loyalty and gentle nature, while the Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent and energetic.

When these two breeds are crossed, the resulting Bernese Aussie may inherit the loyalty and affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog, as well as the high energy and intelligence of the Australian Shepherd. The Bernese Aussie may also inherit the herding instincts of both breeds, making it a good candidate for activities such as obedience training and agility courses.

In terms of appearance, the Bernese Aussie may have a mix of physical traits from both breeds, such as a sturdy build, a thick coat, and distinctive coloring. The Bernese Mountain Dog typically has a tricolored coat of black, white, and rust, while the Australian Shepherd is known for its striking merle coat pattern.

Overall, the Bernese Aussie can make a great companion for families who are looking for an active, loyal, and intelligent dog. However, as with any mixed breed, it's important to research and understand the specific traits and needs of both parent breeds to ensure that the Bernese Aussie is the right fit for your lifestyle and household.

The lifespan of a Bernese Aussie, or a Bernese Mountain Dog and Australian Shepherd mix, can vary depending on several factors, such as genetics, environment, and overall health. However, on average, the Bernese Aussie has a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6 to 8 years, while the Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. As a mixed breed, the Bernese Aussie may inherit genetic traits from both breeds that can affect its longevity. For example, the Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and cancer, while the Australian Shepherd is prone to conditions such as epilepsy and eye problems.

To help ensure a longer lifespan for your Bernese Aussie, it's important to provide proper care, nutrition, and exercise. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can also help detect and manage health issues early on. Additionally, providing a healthy and stimulating environment, along with plenty of socialization and training, can contribute to the overall well-being and longevity of your Bernese Aussie.

Hybrid vigor, also known as heterosis, is the phenomenon where the offspring of two genetically diverse parents exhibit greater health, size, and fertility than their parents. This is often seen in mixed breed dogs or designer dogs that are bred from two different purebred dog breeds.

In dogs, hybrid vigor can manifest in a variety of ways. For example, mixed breed dogs may have a lower risk of inherited health problems that are common in purebred dogs. This is because the genetic diversity of two different breeds can reduce the likelihood of inheriting certain health issues.

Hybrid vigor can also result in improved physical characteristics, such as increased size or stamina, stronger immune systems, and a more balanced temperament. Mixed breed dogs may also be less prone to certain behavioral issues that are common in purebred dogs, such as separation anxiety or aggression.

However, it's important to note that not all mixed breed dogs will exhibit hybrid vigor, and some may still be prone to certain health or behavioral issues. Additionally, breeding practices can also impact the health and temperament of mixed breed dogs, so it's important to do thorough research and choose a reputable breeder when looking for a mixed breed dog.