The 11 Best Things About Owning Australian Shepherd

Last Updated on May 4, 2024

The Australian Shepherd is a prevalent breed ideal for people who want to find a loyal friend, great companion, and excellent guardian.

If you are interested in owning Australian Shepherd puppies and dogs but not sure if this breed is a good fit, keep reading the article to find out the best facts about the dog.

1. The Australian Shepherd Has a Strong Personality

The Australian Shepherd is a great pet that perfectly suits active people. This dog constantly needs your attention, even more so when they are young. If you can commit to spending lots of time with your puppy, they will be an outstanding new family member. Aussies have excellent personal characteristics that make them so popular. The dogs are:

• Smart
• Loyal
• Excitable

2. The Aussies Constantly Learn New Things

Australian Shepherds are brilliant dogs, and they learn new things very quickly. So, the training process can be pretty straightforward. You will enjoy exercising with your dog.

3. The Australian Shepherd Needs a Job

Exercise is crucial for your dog’s growth and proper development. However, a job is even more critical because the Aussie is a working dog. Aussies were bred initially for herding:

• Sheep
• Goats
• Cattle
• Poultry

Aussies love having a job and don’t have to herd. However, they do love having a job to keep them busy.

4. The Australian Shepherds Are Cautious With Strangers

Australian Shepherds can get nervous around strangers initially. Plan to introduce new people carefully to help your dog accept new people. Remember that not all dogs will accept new people, even if you take the proper steps during the introduction.

5. Australian Shepherd Puppies Love Kids

Aussies love to please their owners. This dog is a fantastic family pet. The Aussies love kids very much and would readily play with them.

6. The Aussie Is a Versatile Dog

The Australian Shepherd is an incredibly versatile dog, in part due to its friendliness with people, intelligence, and adaptability. In addition to herding, Australian Shepherds can be used as:

• Service dog
• Therapy dog
• Guard dog

7. The Australian Shepherd Is Always Ready for a New Adventure

When you own an Australian Shepherd puppy, remember that this dog is not a couch potato. Your Aussie will always be ready to go somewhere and explore a new environment. Mental and physical activity is what can make your Aussie happy.

8. The Aussies Build Strong Bonds With Their Owners

Australian Shepherds will never be happy without constant and close communication with their owners. Even owning Australian Shepherd puppies will accompany you whatever you do and wherever you go. Try not to leave your Aussie for a long time. Otherwise, the dog may even suffer from separation anxiety.

9. The Australian Shepherd Is Likely To Be One Step Ahead of You

Owning Australian Shepherds is a good choice because they are knowledgeable. Unlike some breeds, they will often anticipate your commands before you say them. This intelligence and anticipation result from the herding mentality bred into the dogs for hundreds of years.

10. Your Aussie Can Make You a Better Person

Australian Shepherds are very active dogs. It seems that they all are born with an endless supply of energy. Your Aussie will never let you get bored. They are great motivators if you are not a naturally active person. They need lots of exercise and want you to participate in their activities.

11. The Australian Shepherd Will Make You Happy

Owning Australian Shepherd is a fabulous dog that loves and protects its owner. This dog will fill your life with positive emotions and make you feel pleased when you bring it home.

What Are Australian Shepherds Good for?

Australian shepherds, having been bred as herdings dogs, are the best at doing work while being fun-loving whenever they are free and just enjoying themselves. These dogs are highly intelligent and can listen to commands, find solutions to various problems on their own and socialize well with other animals or strangers when trained to do so.

Besides that, these dogs have an instinct as a protector due to being bred as a herding dogs; hence, any predators that may set their sights on cattle or livestock must fight off the Australian shepherd first.

Aussies can also be trained to be either a service dogs or a rescue dogs in various cases, such as drowning, or even as a dog in therapeutic cases.

What Are Tips for Australian Shepherd Owners?

Generally, owners who are getting an Australian shepherd for the first time need to be wary of a few things, such as:

• The Aussies need an appropriately nutritious diet
• The fulfilment of their energy needs as they are a highly active dog breed
• their health concerns which may warrant a visit to the animal vet, such as Hip Dysplasia or Cataracts in the eyes
• Whether you are living in a house or a small environment such as an apartment that is cramped in space.
• Whether you have children in the house or not.
• If you are living in a noisy place.

Some of these points can be important before getting an Australian shepherd, as a slight change in the environment might be a deciding factor in your Aussie’s mental health.

On the other hand, you must also engage with your Australian shepherd regularly, as leaving them neglected will result in a depressive mood change and overall destructive behaviour in the long run.

Making your Aussie do exercises for at least 60-90 minutes can be essential in getting them the appropriate mental stimulation, along with having them play with puzzle toys to ensure they are using their minds as much as possible to sharpen their senses.

Conclusion

Australian Shepherds have gained massive popularity among dog owners. They are thoughtful, caring, and loyal. No doubt, the Aussie will be a great addition to your family. Owning Australian Shepherd is undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make among other dog breeds.