Australian (Aussie) Shepherd: Dog Ultimate Owner's Guide (2024)

Australian Shepherds, commonly known as ‘Aussies,' are medium-sized working dogs originally bred for herding livestock. They have a sociable, energetic, and intelligent nature and thrive in the company of a loving family. Being a working dog at heart, they enjoy being part of a family and are always willing to learn and take on new tasks. Their endless energy and high intellect make them fun, entertaining, hardworking pets and service dogs. Here is some information to help you decide if the Australian Shepherd is the right dog for you and your family to adoptor maybe your next pet. The Aussie Shepherd Dog, this breed is loyal, loving, active, and great with kids.

American Shepherd vs an Australian Shepherd

The American Shepherd is typically larger and more muscular than the Australian Shepherd. American Shepherds can weigh up to 75 pounds and stand up to 23 inches tall, while Australian Shepherds usually weigh between 40-65 pounds and stand up to 23 inches tall. Classed as medium in size, Australian Shepherds size can vary.

The Australian Shepherd is a highly trainable dog known for its intelligence and ability to form strong bonds with its human family. They are fond of learning new tricks and skills and are very responsive to positive reinforcement. This makes training them in areas such as toilet training relatively easy.

They are energetic and enjoy running and playing with kids and adults. They love the attention that playtime brings. Despite their energetic nature, they are generally relatively calm and laid-back.

Due to their natural instincts to herd livestock, Australian Shepherds are naturally protective. They are not aggressive but strongly desire to protect their family and territory.

Is the Aussie Shepherd Dog a Good Family Pet?

Yes, of course, an Aussie will make an excellent indoor pet! Due to their generally calm and easy-going nature, Australian Shepherds make great family dogs and get along well with kids and other breeds. Their herding instincts often kick in during playtime, making them great fun for both kids and other dogs. Contact your vet for training tips and further advice if you are concerned about your pet's behavior.

Like most other working dogs, the breed, American Heelers, aka Blue Heelers,Catahoula, Border Collies, and Aussie and Mini Aussies, are active and love the outdoors. But they are still best suited to live indoors. We recommend medium-large-sized homes with a yard and garden, but they can do okay in smaller homes, too. Aussies will do fine in a smaller space if their daily needs are met, loved, and healthy!

Aussie Dog Breed Characteristics:Looks, Colours & Markings

Australian Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including blacks, whites, copper reds, and browns. Merle-patterned Australian Shepherds, with a speckled merle pattern covering their coats, are especially striking. They may also have heterochromia, meaning two different colored eyes. Supervision is highly recommended for interactions between children, pets, and dogs.

Typically, Aussies have one brown eye and one blue eye, but my Aussie has two blue eyes. There are red merle Aussies and blue merle Aussies. Red merles are white and brown, while blue Aussies are black and white. Many people ask if Australian Shepherds are born with a tail. The short answer is that around 20% of Aussies are born with a bobbed tail, and Australian Shepherds born with a long tail are often cut off after a few days old.

Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but they may suffer from certain conditions. Vision problems are common, and they may be susceptible to inherited eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, retinal detachment, abnormal eye development, cataracts, and collie eye anomaly. It is recommended that potential puppy owners ask to see the parents' eye certificates and confirm that they have been screened for these inherited conditions.

Hip dysplasia is another common ailment that affects Aussies. Abnormal formation of hip sockets may cause a slow degradation in their joints, leading to lameness and painful arthritis with age. It is essential to ensure the parents have been screened for hip dysplasia, and the testing results should be available to you (potential puppy buyer). Proper nutrition andexercisecan also help slow down the progression of hip problems. Keeping adult dogs in the healthy weight range and physiotherapy are also essential to slowing down the development of osteoarthritis.

Breeding double merle Australian Shepherds, offspring that inherit two copies of the dominant merle gene, is controversial. This is because these puppies are much more likely to suffer from developmental issues with their vision, hearing, and general well-being. Partial or full blindness and deafness are common genetic conditions in double merle Aussies.

Despite their working shepherd dog temperament, Aussie dogs are very loving. Plus, they love to cuddle up on the sofa, sit on your lap or head, give kisses, and be part of the household and family life. Further, they are incredibly friendly, family-orientated dogs, patient, and love kids, so they should live, play, eat, and sleep indoors in their Luxury Dog Bed or bed with their owners.

Australian Shepherds love to be in the mix in all aspects of family life; hence, try to include them wherever possible. They are busybodies and happiest when they have a job or something to do. Therefore, let them accompany you while you do daily chores and take them on long walks but be sure to use a no pull dog harnessbecause Aussies are very excitable. If you provide an Aussie with daily physical and mental activity, this dog breed can also live in an apartment.

Australian Shepherds can quickly get bored – but this isn't necessarily due to living indoors. However, boredom can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors, negatively affecting your home.

Aussies get bored when underworked, and they may bark excessively and destroy furniture and soil in the home out of frustration. They could even hurt themselves or, in extreme cases, be aggressive toward other dogs. Intense, intelligent shepherd breeds like Aussies tend to form and cling to compulsive behaviors when stressed. As an owner, you should do everything possible to prevent boredom with sufficient exercise and play.

About My Aussie Dog Addie

While my Aussie Addie doesn't get aggressive with other dogs, she gets anxious and tears up my house shoes. It is a behavior I didn't stop when she was a puppy, and I gave her a shoe she tore up as a toy thinking she would only chew it. One way to help Addie with her separation anxiety is by giving her prescribed medication, Dog Safe CBD Oil, and CBD treats. My first choice was only taking a holistic approach, but it wasn't enough for her. Take the NuLeaf NaturalsProduct Finder Quizto see what is best for your pet.

Feeding & Diet

The high energy needs of Australian Shepherds require carefully considered food to keep them healthy. Aussies have a good appetite and may overeat if not monitored. It's important to choose dog food that is high in nutrients and lower in calories, with proteins such as chicken, beef or lamb, healthy fats and nutrients. Dry or wet dog food, or a combination of both, can work for your Aussie. Consult with your local vet team to discuss appropriate food for your pet.

As mentioned above, Australian Shepherds can become bored when they are underworked. However, it's not just about walks. Exercising the mind is just as important, if not more. Brainy breeds like Aussies need their minds to be challenged andentertainedregularly with fun games, tricks, andtoys.

Aussies love to play games that exercise their herding instincts, like fetch and chase, so incorporate them into your walks whenever possible. Many owners even like setting up obstacle courses in their homes and gardens using household items to test those natural agility skills.

Toys For Aussie Pet

Toys are also a fab way to entertain and challenge your Aussie. Why not try out some mentally stimulating interactive feeders, and treat dispensers? Toys that stimulate the senses are also great, especially for pups. We highly recommend the pet brandOutward Houndfor its mentally stimulating dog toys. For my Aussie, we must buy hertoys she can't chew up and destroy; she is a heavy chewer.

Living with an Australian Shepherd is best suited for people with access to outdoor spaces where dogs can run, play, and exercise. Apartment living is typically not suitable for this energetic breed. It's essential to exercise your Australian Shepherd every day to keep them healthy and happy.

Aussies tend to get into mischief when they are not being stimulated enough. As an active breed, they may resort to destructive or other unhealthy behaviors if left alone for extended periods.

Australian Shepherds shed quite a bit, but they are considered moderate shedders. You may need to spend some time cleaning up their fur from surfaces in your home and car. It is essential to brush their coat weekly to prevent matting and keep it shiny and healthy.

Since Aussies are shedders, we brush, trim, and bathe our Aussie shepherd to help with shedding. Plus, we have 2 Roombas and several Bissell vacuums for pethair, including the BissellPet Hair Eraser, and we use dry mops to gather all the dog hair.

Final Thoughts

Australian Shepherds make fantastic family members and are great with kids. They will only add to your household with proper training, exercises, fun, and games! Your pet should always have a quiet place with a dog bedto go to when they feel overwhelmed; it should be their safe place.

Aussies Have Many Jobs

Not only are Aussies known for being herding dogs, but Australian Shepherds also serve as Seeing Eye dogs, drug-sniffing dogs, hearing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Because of their extremely high intelligence, Aussies are well suited to live indoors and do various jobs.

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