Before deciding if an Aussie is the right breed for you, it is important to make sure that you are ready for the lifetime commitment of any breed of dog. Dogs bring so much joy, but also require so much work. Are you ready to put in the work it takes to raise a well adjusted dog? Are you prepared to spend adequate time socializing and training your new puppy? If you plan to just keep your puppy in a crate most of the time, then you probably aren’t ready for a puppy. Do you have a backyard that will properly contain a dog? Are you willing to make adequate adjustments when needs arise? Problems will always come up when you have a dog. For instance, they may start digging out of your yard, or even climbing over it, which would mean you have to make adjustments to your fence. Or, they may need extra training to work through a problem. If you aren’t willing to put in the work to navigate through the problem, then you probably aren’t ready to commit to a dog of any breed.
If you are ready to take on the challenging, yet rewarding task of dog ownership, then keep reading to learn more about the one of a kind Aussie.
Australian Shepherds are quickly becoming one of America’s most popular and beloved dog breeds, and for good reason. Aussies are extremely intelligent, affectionate, athletic and beautiful. We have been in love with this amazing breed for almost 30 years.
However, before deciding on whether or not to purchase one of our amazing Aussies, be sure that you educate yourself on what owning an Australian Shepherd is like. While in our opinion, Aussies are the absolute best breed of dog in the world, they are not a good fit for everyone.
Australian Shepherds love their “people” so much. They are extremely loyal and affectionate. So, be prepared to have a constant shadow and lots of affection. Generally, they are not extremely friendly with outsiders (but should not be overly shy or aggressive). Proper socialization early in your Aussie’s life is essential to have the most well rounded companion.
Aussies are an athletic, energetic working breed originally bred to herd, so they need adequate exercise. Because of their natural herding instict, some Aussies have a tendecy to chase and nip during playtime. Australian Shepherds are also among the smartest dog breeds; therefore, they also need mental stimulation. Left alone, and with nothing to entertain them, they can easily become bored, which may lead to destructive habits without proper training. Because they are a working breed, they love having a “job” to do. They enjoy learning commands and tricks and are generally very bidabble and aim to please their people. Because of all of these qualities, they excel in agility and other challenging competitions, such as frisbee, Fastcat and Trebble Ball. While such activities aren’t absolutely necessary for Aussies, it is necessary that owners are prepared to give them adequate exercise, preferably through plenty of space to run and play.
Aussies are a double coated breed. While they are moderate shedders, their coats are easily manageable with brushing. However, owners need to be prepared for heavy shedding when they “blow” their coat twice a year.
It is our opinion that Australian Shepherds make the best companions for those who live an active life and/or are prepared to give their Aussie plenty of mental and physical exercise. However, if you are looking for a couch potato, the Aussie will likely not be the right fit for you. Before adopting any dog into your family, take time to research the breed and make sure that you are prepared to give them what they need to live a happy, balanced life. It is important that owners are prepared to commit to loving and caring for the dog they choose for life, from the challenging puppy and adolescent phases to the senior phase. This will require patience and perseverance in training, no matter the breed that is chosen.
There is no better companion than a well trained Aussie, and for some families, they are truly a match made in heaven. The effort that is required to properly socialize and train your Aussie will reap manifold blessings and give you a loving companion to enjoy your life with.