So you’ve seen photos of those adorable Australian Shepherds on Instagram and are now wondering if you’re ready to get one of your own. Before you rush off to the nearest breeder, there are a few things you should know about these energetic and intelligent dogs. Aussies, as they’re affectionately called, require daily exercise, training, and attention or they can become bored and destructive. However, for the right owner, make incredibly loyal and rewarding companions. If you’re an active person looking for a dog to motivate you to get outside, open to training and socializing a dog to be well-behaved and want a lifelong furry friend by your side, an Australian Shepherd could be the perfect match. However, if you’re away from home for long hours, live in an apartment, or want a low-maintenance lap dog, you may want to consider another breed. Here’s what else you need to know before bringing one of these playful pups into your life.
Australian Shepherd Breed Overview
Australian Shepherds, often called Aussies, are a popular medium-sized breed known for their intelligence, energy, and herding instincts.
Appearance
Australian Shepherds have a sturdy build, weighing between 35 to 70 pounds. They have a weather-resistant double coat, and medium-length fur, and commonly come in colors of blue merle, red merle, black, and red – often with white markings and tan points. Australian Shepherds: Are They Right for You? Their almond-shaped eyes can be amber, brown, or blue, and sometimes come in two different colors or shades. Aussies are natural bobtails, meaning they are usually born with a short stubby tail or no tail at all.
Temperament
These energetic, hardworking dogs are devoted and protective of their families. They are an intelligent breed and require daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral issues. Aussies tend to be wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs, though they are not aggressive dogs by nature. They are playful, and lively and enjoy activities like fetching, hiking, agility courses, and learning new tricks.
Living with an Aussie
Australian Shepherds need daily exercise and attention from their owners. They require at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day. Without it, they can become restless, and bored, and may develop unwanted behaviors. Aussies are adaptable dogs but prefer a home with a fenced yard where they have space to run and play. They can live in apartments if given plenty of opportunities to get out and about.
Overall, Australian Shepherds can make a great family pet for an active household. However, their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation and attention mean they may not suit every lifestyle. Australian Shepherds: Are They Right for You? If you can commit to exercising, training, and spending time with your Aussie, they will reward you with a lifetime of loyalty, fun, and adventure.
Pros of Owning an Australian Shepherd
When deciding if an Australian Shepherd is the right dog for you, consider the many benefits of owning this breed.
Australian Shepherds, often called “Aussies,” are extremely intelligent dogs. They were originally bred as herding dogs, so they excelled at learning commands and new tricks. Aussies pick up on obedience training very quickly. They also perform well in agility courses and games that challenge them mentally. This high intelligence, however, also means Aussies require daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.
Aussies are energetic, friendly, and playful dogs. They form very strong bonds with their owners and love spending time with the people in their lives, especially kids and families. Aussies are natural athletes and make great exercise buddies for hiking, jogging, swimming, or playing fetch. Their energetic and playful nature also makes them entertaining companions. However, because of their boundless energy, Aussies need daily exercise and playtime. Without it, they can become restless, and bored and may develop unwanted behaviors.
Australian Shepherds are protective of their homes and families. They make excellent watchdogs and will alert you to anything unusual. However, Aussies are generally not aggressive dogs and are friendly towards strangers when properly socialized from an early age. They may be wary of newcomers at first but will warm up quickly once they see their owner welcome the new person.
Aussies have a long lifespan of 12-15 years, so they can be a life companion. With their intelligence, energy, playfulness, and loyalty, Australian Shepherds make wonderful lifelong friends for the right owners. However, their high need for activity, attention, and training also means they require dedicated, experienced owners who can commit the time needed to properly care for them.
If you want an energetic, playful, and intelligent dog that will be your faithful companion for years to come, an Australian Shepherd could be the perfect match. But only if you are ready to provide the mental and physical stimulation they require every day.
Cons of Owning an Australian Shepherd
Owning an Australian Shepherd can be challenging. These energetic, intelligent dogs require a major time commitment to proper care and exercise. Before getting an Aussie, make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.
Demanding Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherds were bred as working dogs and needed a job to do. If they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they can become bored, restless, and develop behavioral problems. Aussies require at least an hour of exercise each day, including walks, hikes, fetching, agility training, or other vigorous activity. If you don’t have the time or energy to commit to daily exercise and play, an Australian Shepherd may not be the right breed for you.
Requires Ongoing Grooming
The Australian Shepherd has a long double coat that needs frequent brushing and bathing. Plan to brush your Aussie several times a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Bathe your dog once a month or every other month. Australian Shepherds: Are They Right for You? You’ll also need to trim your Aussie’s nails regularly and check their ears weekly for signs of infection. Grooming an Australian Shepherd properly takes a major time commitment.
Difficult To Train
While intelligent, Australian Shepherds can be stubborn and require patient, consistent training. They need firm and confident guidance, or they will try to assert themselves as the “alpha”. Basic and advanced obedience training is a must for Aussies. If you’re inexperienced with dog training, you may find an Australian Shepherd challenging.
Tends To Herd
Australian Shepherds were bred as herding dogs and had a strong instinct to herd. They may try to herd family members, other pets, or even strangers. This behavior needs to be discouraged early through training and by not rewarding the herding behavior. However, their herding instinct can never be fully eliminated.
An Australian Shepherd can make a great companion for an active owner, but they require a major commitment to proper care and training. Make sure you understand the responsibilities that come with this energetic and intelligent breed before getting an Aussie.
Are Australian Shepherds a Good Fit for Families?
Australian Shepherds, often called Aussies, can make great family pets. However, their high energy level and herding instincts mean they require daily exercise, attention, and proper training to thrive in a family environment.
Aussies were originally bred as herding dogs, so they have a strong instinct to herd, including children and other pets. Early socialization and training are essential to teach them appropriate behavior and help them become accustomed to the dynamics of family life. Well-trained Aussies can become very devoted and patient companions for children.
Aussies require daily exercise and attention. Australian Shepherds: Are They Right for You? They are an energetic breed and can become restless, anxious, or develop unwanted behaviors without adequate stimulation. Walks, playtime, games of fetch, and puzzle toys are all great ways to keep an Aussie entertained.
Australian Shepherds
Proper grooming and brushing 3-4 times a week is important. Aussies have a double coat that needs frequent brushing to minimize shedding and keep their coat clean and mat-free. Bathing every 4-6 weeks is typical.
Early positive reinforcement training is highly recommended. Aussies are intelligent dogs and training helps establish you as the pack leader, curbs unwanted behaviors, and gives them mental stimulation. Basic and advanced obedience training and agility or herding training are all great options for Aussies.
While Australian Shepherds can make wonderful family pets, they require an active lifestyle and attentive owners. If you’re looking for an energetic, intelligent companion and are committed to proper care, exercise, grooming, and training, an Aussie could be the perfect dog for you. However, if you have a more laid-back lifestyle or are away from home for long hours, an Aussie may not be the ideal choice. The key is making sure this breed’s needs align with your own to ensure a happy, well-adjusted dog and a fulfilling relationship.
Tips for Training and Exercising Your Australian Shepherd
Training and exercising your Australian Shepherd properly is key to having a happy and well-adjusted dog. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Socialize Early and Often
Australian Shepherds are naturally wary of strangers, so it’s important to socialize your puppy early and often. Take your puppy out to meet new people and experience different environments and sounds as much as possible. Let strangers pet and handle them while giving treats and praise. Early positive experiences will help prevent fearfulness and anxiety later on.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
These intelligent dogs need daily mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and behavioral issues. Give your Aussie interactive dog toys that make them work for treats or play games that stimulate them mentally like hide and seek. Take your Aussie on long walks, jogs, hikes, and play fetch or frisbee to release pent-up energy. Without enough stimulation, Aussies may resort to excessive barking, chewing, or other destructive behaviors.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
Australian Shepherds are highly sensitive and respond best to positive, reward-based training. Use luxuries, admiration, and play to support good behavior. Avoid scolding or punishing, which can cause distrust or anxiety. Keep training sessions short and fun. Basic obedience training is a must, but you can also do agility training, herding training, or trick training to challenge them mentally.
Set Clear Rules and Boundaries
Establish yourself as the pack leader by setting clear rules and boundaries for your Aussie in a calm, consistent manner. Don’t let them get away with behaviors like jumping up, barking for attention, or food stealing. Give them rules to follow and reasonable limits, especially in the first year. Australian Shepherds: Are They Right for You? Providing rules and structure will help reduce anxiety in your Aussie and make them feel secure.
With the proper care, training, and attention, an Australian Shepherd can make a wonderful companion for an active owner or family. Following these tips will help ensure you have a happy, well-adjusted Aussie from day one.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the highs and lows of welcoming an Australian Shepherd into your life. They’re gorgeous dogs with loads of energy, intelligence, and affection to share with the right owner. But they also come with significant demands on your time, patience, and wallet. If you’re an active person looking for an adventurous companion to join you on hikes or jogs, play Frisbee at the park, or just lounge on the couch for movie night at home, an Aussie could be your new best friend. However, if you have a busy schedule with little time to devote to training and exercise, consider another breed. The choice is yours – just make sure you go into Aussie ownership with realistic expectations. Life with one of these beauties is rarely dull, so get ready for some chaos and lots of love if you take the plunge!