A potential con is that they are known to be a high energy breed. If you're not an active person, I would not recommend this breed for you as they do require daily walks and training to have a well-balanced dog.
Australian Shepherds are very good with children and tend to get along well with other pets. They have a very easy-going temperament, making them great family pets as well as herding animals.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a high-maintenance dog. Though they make great companions, their constant health problems and tend to shed make them a difficult breed to own. They also require a lot of exercise and can be high-maintenance when it comes to their health.
Whether your Aussie is a new addition to the family or has been your faithful friend for years, it's important to be aware of their potential health concerns. The 6 most common Australian Shepherd health issues include anxiety, skin and eye problems, joint dysplasia, Multiple Drug Sensitivity, and epilepsy.
With an Aussie's boundless energy, channeling it into something constructive can do wonders for your dog. These dogs bond strongly with their families. Their loyalty with their intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train.
Australian Shepherds tend to whine for all sorts of reasons, such as to get your attention or if they're sick or injured. If you can rule out a medical condition, then the next step to quiet your Aussie is to train them not to whine. Failing to indulge in their bad behavior will clue them in to stop.
Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that even though Aussies have strong guarding and herding instincts, they are sweet and cuddly indoor dogs that can even be kept in apartments.
Australian Shepherds are known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, and are renown for their obedience, agility, and excellence in herding and other active sports.
Most Australian Shepherds should begin calming down at two years of age. At this point, they're considered mature dogs who can better regulate their energy. That said, not all Aussies will tone it down at this age.
1. Border collie. According to The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dog breeds in terms of their relative intelligence, the border collie is the smartest dog breed known to man.
While puppies may be playful, it is essential for all breeds, but especially for Australian Shepherds due to their strong herding instinct. Aussies may become frightened or aggressive when they encounter unexpected people or animals if they are not properly socialized. Australian Shepherds require training as well.
They require plenty of attention. Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
Australian Shepherds are considered moderate to heavy shedders, and they will shed quite a bit of fur each day. Your Aussie will likely leave fur behind on your clothes after cuddling, on the bedding it was resting on, and you will likely see a thin layer of fur on your floors.
They are not overly stubborn or spiteful, but can become that way if you don't give them enough attention or if they get bored. There is no such thing as too much activity or training with an Aussie; they can handle more than you are able to throw at them.
1. Border Collie: A workaholic, this breed is the world's premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct, and working ability. 2.
The list of the world's smartest dog breeds, according to a survey of 122 veterinary professionals conducted by Vetstreet, probably comes as no surprise. Border collies, German shepherds, poodles, Australian shepherds and golden retrievers all have a reputation for being intelligent dogs.
Splooting is a great stretch for the animals' hips. Splooting also allows the animal to cool themselves by pressing their belly into the ground or against tile floors. Owners may notice that their pets sploot more often when they are younger.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
If you count “natural swimmer” only as dogs that naturally love the water, these dogs do not fall into that category. However, if you're counting any dog that can learn to swim with some ease, then the Australian Shepherd will likely be included.
Aussie Shepherds are typically quite vocal dogs. They can bark for numerous reasons, even if it's just for attention or because they're excited. As they're high energy, they get excited quite quickly.
Female Australian Shepherds
It is suggested that females are also more sensitive and laid back. Because of this, they are said to have an easier personality to deal with. They've often got their agendas and will let you know what they want.
There are many reasons why your dog may be whining at night. Most commonly, it's because they're feeling anxious or stressed about something in their environment. It could also be that they're feeling lonely or bored and want some attention.