Short Haired Australian Shepherds: An Overview of These Unique Aussies

Short haired Australian Shepherds stand out from the typical representatives of the breed due to their uniquely shortened coats. While most Australian Shepherds are recognized for their lush, medium-length double coats that come in a variety of captivating colors, some Aussies inherit genes that cause them to have significantly shorter fur that lies close to the body. These distinct short haired Australian Shepherds lack the long feathering and ruffs usually associated with the breed and instead have an attractively sleek, low-maintenance appearance quite unique from the expected Australian Shepherd look. Their one-of-a-kind coat sets the short haired Australian Shepherds apart from the average Australian Shepherd.

This article will provide an overview of the short haired Australian Shepherd’s origins, coat qualities, grooming needs, temperament, and how their shorter coat impacts their care. While not as common as the classic amply coated Aussie, the short-haired Australian Shepherd has charms all its own, along with some advantages that appeal to many owners.

Where Short Haired Australian Shepherds Come From

To understand the short haired Australian Shepherd, you must first look at the breed’s history. Australian Shepherds were originally developed in the American West in the 19th century to handle long days herding livestock across arid rangelands. Their medium-length double coat helped protect them from cold nights and allowed them to work year-round.

But some Australian Shepherds produced through selective breeding inherited a variant gene that limited overall coat length. Puppies receiving this gene from both parents end up with significantly shorter fur as adults. They also tend to have straight, sleek hair that lies close to the body rather than having lots of feathering or a profuse mane and breeching.

This natural gene mutation has likely been present occasionally throughout Australian Shepherd bloodlines since their origins as ranch dogs. But in recent decades, intentionally breeding short-haired Aussies together has produced more dogs, purposefully exhibiting this signature shortened coat. The trait breeds true when both parents carry the gene.

Appearance of the Short Haired Australian Shepherd

While coat length is significantly reduced, short-haired Australian Shepherds have the same general breed hallmarks as:

A moderately sized, athletic and well-balanced body exhibiting strength and agility. Short-haired Aussies should not appear delicate or fine-boned.
A broad, wedge-shaped head with alert, intelligent eyes and erect ears set high on the head.
A moderately tapered muzzle and black nose. Teeth meet in a scissors bite.
A tail that reaches the hock when naturally long or partially bobbed.

Additionally, short haired Australian Shepherds exhibit:

A noticeably shortened, sleek outer coat usually 1-3 inches long compared to 4-5 inches on fully coated Aussies. The coat lies flat against the body.
Minimal feathering on legs, tail, stomach and neck. Frontal neck ruffs are less pronounced.
Ears covered in shorter, velvety fur instead of dramatic fringing.
Pantaloons, breeching and leg feathers are greatly reduced or absent.

The coat retains a soft, dense undercoat for insulation. But the signature shoulder manes and leg fringes are missing or minimized on the short coat.

Common Coat Colors

While less voluminous, short haired Australian Shepherds still exhibit the typical range of Aussie colors like:

Black tri-color – A black base with rich copper trim and white accents on the face, neck, chest and feet.
Red tri-color – A deep reddish-brown base with black trim and white markings.
Blue merle – Gray, black and white marbling. May have tan points.
Red merle – Red, liver and white marbling with copper points.
Liver tri-color – Instead of black, liver brown is the predominant color.
Black bi-color – Mostly black with white markings on the face, chest and feet.

No matter the color, all short-haired Australian Shepherds share noticeably shorter coats than is typical for the breed. But their colors and merle patterning remains equally vivid.

Are Short Haired Aussies Recognized?

Currently, major kennel clubs like the AKC do not recognize short haired Australian Shepherds as meeting the ideal breed standard for exhibition conformation showing. However, they are gaining increased acceptance in other venues.

In performance and companion events, short-haired Australian Shepherds increasingly compete and earn titles alongside their amply coated counterparts. Their athleticism and shorter coat may confer some advantages in dog sports requiring agility and speed.

While disqualified in conformation showing based on coat alone, short haired Australian Shepherds make wonderful active pets and competition dogs living up to quintessential Aussie traits in all other aspects. More clubs are acknowledging their talents despite non-standard coats.

Grooming Needs for the Short Haired Australian Shepherd

One of the biggest advantages of the shortened coat is significantly lower grooming requirements. A short haired Australian Shepherd needs only:

Occasional brushing to remove dead hairs. Weekly brushing is often sufficient versus daily for coated Aussies. Their hair does not mat or tangle readily.
Infrequent bathing. Short-haired Aussies rarely need full baths except when dirty thanks to less debris clinging to the sleek coat.
Minimal shedding. While shedding still occurs seasonally, the reduced coat sheds considerably less inside your home.
Quick nail trims. With less hair, their nails are easier to clip regularly.
Easy ear cleaning. Reduced ear feathering makes cleaning ear canals simpler.

Thanks to the naturally shortened fur that requires little daily upkeep, the short-haired Australian Shepherd is less demanding grooming-wise. But take care not to clip or shave their coat down further.

Temperament of Short Haired Australian Shepherds

When it comes to personality, temperament, trainability and exercise needs, the short-haired Australian Shepherd mirrors their amply coated counterparts. They exhibit the same:

Extreme intelligence, focus, and work ethic inherent in Australian Shepherds.
High energy requiring vigorous daily activity and mental engagement.
Loyalty and protective instincts are typical of the breed.
Wariness around strangers but affection towards family.
Strong herding instincts.
Eagerness to please making training very rewarding.

Aside from shedding and grooming traits, expect a lively, clever Aussie personality from short haired Australian Shepherds. Their coats make no impact on spirit.

Ideal Homes for Short Haired Australian Shepherds

Best suited for active owners able to properly channel their energy and intelligence, short-haired Australian Shepherds thrive in homes that provide:

Regular opportunities for vigorous exercise like running, hiking, fetching, and interactive play.
Mentally stimulating activities such as dog sports, advanced trick training, and puzzle toys to occupy their agile minds.
Close companionship and involvement in family activities to satisfy their loyal people-focused nature.
Proper socialization and training to mold good behaviors and manners.
A securely fenced yard to play and expend energy in is ideal, but apartments can work with sufficient outdoor access.

While lower maintenance coat-wise, short haired Australian Shepherds have the same exacting temperament and activity requirements as any Aussie. They need engaged owners able to provide proper lifestyle management.

In summary, while their shortened sleek coats may not adhere to current breed standards for exhibition, short haired Australian Shepherds make excellent active family companions and competitors. Their minimal grooming needs adds convenience for owners without sacrificing true Aussie personalities. Seek breeders who intentionally breed for short coats and focus on health. Then enjoy the best of both worlds – lively Australian Shepherd temperament wrapped up in a wonderfully low-maintenance coat.