The Australian Shepherd is a brilliant dog with strong herding instincts that is easily trained. Aussies perform their duties with great style and enthusiasm. This high-energy dog was developed in the U.S. to work in all weather and over all terrains. Specifically, Aussies were bred to control the movement of sheep and cattle.
To out-think and control livestock, natural ability and intelligence coupled with stamina and agility are needed, and Aussies possess all these traits. Unlike some other herding breeds, the Australian Shepherd is versatile. As such, he can switch off the herding instincts to become a family pet. In essence, Australian Shepherds can adapt well to living in a home environment.
However, you should know what you are getting yourself into before deciding to bring home an Aussie. Generally speaking, doing research prior to buying or adopting a new dog is very important. It can help you understand what to expect in terms of temperament and exercise needs, as well as grooming needs. It can also provide great insights into the health of the breed you intend to buy or adopt. So, prior to getting an Australian Shepherd, here are a few things to take into consideration.
1. The Australian Shepherd is a High-Energy Dog
Like many other working breeds, the Australian Shepherd is known for its high energy levels. When there is no herding work to be done, the Aussie needs to occupy his mind and body with other activities. To this end, training and exercise are essential. A well-trained and exercised Australian Shepherd is a happy and healthy Australian Shepherd. It is highly recommended that Aussies are taught obedience, agility, or working trials. Aussies are eager to please and love to learn new things. They need plenty of play and exercise to keep their minds occupied. So a job or activity of some sort is a must for the Australian Shepherd. Aussies need at least an hour or two of exercise daily.
They love to accompany their owners on long walks or, better yet, hikes as well as jumping and running around in a fenced-in yard. They need a fenced yard to run in and therefore do not always make the best apartment dogs. A Mini American Shepherd, aka Mini Aussie, might be slightly better suited to an apartment, although they still need frequent exercise. By constructively channeling the breed's boundless energy through training and exercise, you will have a happy dog that is devoted to you and your family and a pleasure to own. Don't get an Aussie if you aren't willing to commit the time and energy necessary. An Aussie may not be the right breed for you if you’re not looking for an active breed.
2. The Australian Shepherd requires early socialization
According to the breed standards, Aussies can be reserved with strangers but shouldn't be shy or aggressive. The word "Reserved" is often mistaken for shy. In actuality, a reserved Aussie is self-possessed and confident. He is alert and very aware of his surroundings. What's more, a reserved Aussie is cautious and usually an extremely good judge of character of people, as well as other animals. They don't seek out strangers and they don't like to accept them as friends.
In essence, Aussies are more selective about who they want to interact with. However, once accepted as a friend, an Aussie will never forget you. An intensive program of socialization during an Aussie's first year is required to channel this type of temperament correctly. Aussies need to be taken to different places and be introduced to different kinds of situations. Otherwise, guests to your home may be faced with a very aggressive dog. Alternatively, your dog may become shy and fearful of strangers, to an unusually or disproportionately large degree. Either case can result in your Australian Shepherd acting aggressively towards people and other animals.
3. The Australian Shepherd is loyal and a great companion
Aussies are very loyal and bond strongly with their owners. They tend to be more of Velcro dogs and less of independent dogs. If you want a dog that follows you every second of every day, then the Australian Shepherd is the right breed for you. Aussies need to be close to their family, as they were bred to work closely with shepherds.
Human companionship is necessary for this breed's mental well-being. If left without companionship for long periods too often, an Australian Shepherd can become destructive. The Aussie isn't always the best breed to kennel outside as he may constantly call for you. They were bred to go wherever their masters (livestock owners) go, following their commands. In short, an Aussie is not the right dog for you if you can't provide it with constant companionship.
4. Aussies possess a very strong work drive
Aussies are working dogs, not couch potato dogs. If you are looking for a dog with couch potato instincts, then an Aussie may not be the right breed for you. Aussies possess strong herding instincts and exhibit an irresistible impulse to herd, making them too much dog for a sedentary pet owner. If you don't own sheep or cattle, the best course is to give your Aussie another job to perform, whether that is competing in canine events or helping you around the house. Otherwise, your Aussie may attempt to herd you.
5. Aussies aren't low-maintenance dogs
An Australian Shepherd isn't the right breed for you if you are looking for a low-maintenance breed. Aussies are generally deemed high maintenance in terms of exercise and grooming needs. Like all high-energy breeds, the Aussie needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis to stay healthy and happy. In addition, they are a double-coated breed, meaning they can shed quite a bit. An Australian Shepherd isn't the right breed for you if you're looking for a breed that doesn't shed much. To keep your Aussie's double-layer coat looking its best, weekly brushing sessions are required, albeit more work will be required during shedding season. Brushing your Aussie regularly will also help reduce the amount of dog hair in your house. Here are the top four best dog brushes for Australian Shepherds.
6. Aussies aren't guard dogs
An Aussie isn't the right breed for you if you are looking for a dog with a strong guarding instinct. Aussies do possess guarding instincts but only to some extent. Their main purpose was to control the movement of sheep or cattle, not to guard them. There are herding dogs and there are livestock guardian dogs, and the Aussie falls under the former category. Your Aussie will bark and alert you to any potential danger and will instinctively try to protect you. However, they aren't really big or formidable-looking enough to be used as guard dogs. Think of a Pyrenean Mastiff or Anatolian Shepherd for that job.
7. Aussies are medium-sized dogs
Size really matters when trying to make a decision on the right dog for you. You need a dog that is the right size for you and your home. Full-grown Aussies stand between 18–24 inches tall and weigh from 40–65 pounds. Plus, they are very active. If you live in a tiny space where your own bed barely fits, then an Aussie may not be the right breed for you. However, this is the right breed for you if there is enough room for your dog to roam around during the day and bed down at night. In essence, you need a convenient green space to walk and exercise your Australian Shepherd.
8. Are Aussies Good for Families?
Australian Shepherds are owned by families across the United States. They are well-loved in the country and are everything from pets to working dogs to therapy dogs. As mentioned earlier, Aussies don't immediately trust people when they meet them. However, they are open to friendly people and get along with other dogs. Aussies aren't generally considered an independent breed and they aren't overly affectionate either. They generally make great family dogs and are fantastic with young children. However, they're known to try to herd kids that run around a lot. Luckily, this behavior can be managed with training and supervision.
Conclusion
Is the Australian Shepherd for you? Yes! It could be! Aussies are wonderful dogs and have changed the lives of many Americans over the years. However, they are not for everyone, particularly sedentary people. Don't get an Aussie because you like their gorgeous looks. Or, because you've heard how smart the breed is or because your friend said they're great. You have to want an Aussie because it matches your personality and you understand and have what it takes to meet their needs. This article isn't to discourage you from getting an Australian Shepherd. Rather, it's intended to get you to evaluate if this is the right breed of dog for you.
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