dog · Boop field guide
Australian Shepherd
High-drive herder bred in Colorado (despite the name).
Aussies are working dogs with the cosmetic merle coat people fall in love with. They need a job — herding, agility, frisbee, scent work — or they'll invent one. Bored Aussies destroy doors trying to get out and find one.
What makes them, them
- 40–65 lb adult; merle, blue/red, or black-tri coat.
- MDR1 gene mutation common — sensitive to ivermectin and other meds.
- Heterochromatic eyes are common and harmless.
- Drop-dead loyal but reserved with strangers.
Safety — what actually goes wrong
- Test for MDR1 before any vet visit — your vet can pick alternative meds if positive.
- Loud noises (fireworks, thunder) trigger flight responses; secure the yard preemptively.
- If you don't give them a job they'll herd children, cars, and bicycles — train recall.
How Boop helps Australian Shepherds stay home
Boop's medical-alert field is built exactly for breeds with MDR1 — so an emergency vet sees the warning before reaching for ivermectin.
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