It can be hard to figure out what dog breed to get when adopting a dog. Aside from people’s personal preferences, choosing the right breed for your home is crucial in ensuring that both you and the dog live in harmony.
And since Australian Shepherds are gaining popularity, tons of people wonder what to expect with these kinds of dogs.
After all, adopting a dog before doing any research on its breed and personality can be a recipe for disaster. You need to be prepared to give you and the dog the most seamless transition possible when adjusting to your new home.
That’s why we’ve prepared this guide on what Australian Shepherds are known for that you can use as a way to get to know the dogs before bringing them into your home.
Getting to Know Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds, also known as Aussies, are really fun dogs to have. They are known for their intelligence and herding instincts, which can be a joy as much as a hassle. But when you take the time to learn about the breed before meeting one, it will be much easier to get along and build a strong bond.
So, here are some of the most important things you need to know about Aussies.
Size & Coat
Australian Shepherds are mostly considered medium dogs. However, you should take note that they are on the larger side of the spectrum. Males typically grow to around 20-23 inches and weigh between 50 and 60 pounds, while females grow to around 18-21 inches and weigh between 40 and 50 pounds.
Additionally, Aussies are known for their colorful and thick double coats. There are tons of different Aussie patterns and coats throughout the world, which is one of the reasons people love this dog so much.
Since they are fairly large and have a thick coat, they require a balanced and healthy diet. This is to ensure that they can keep their body healthy while also ensuring their coat is as beautiful as ever.
You can look up Spot & Tango advice on choosing the best dog food for Australian Shepherds here.
Personality
It’s important to remember that Aussies are natural herding dogs when adopting one. This means that they generally need a fair amount of space and exercise. These dogs are naturally hyper, so you need to have a lot of patience with them when introducing one to the family.
With that said, these dogs are also full of love. If you have other pets at home, the Aussie might end up herding them naturally. In fact, it may even try to herd humans in the house, which is why they're a favorite family dog all over the world!
Origins
As the name suggests, Australian Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs. However, contrary to their name, these dogs don’t originate from Australia. It’s thought that these dogs originally came from the Basque region of Spain before being brought to Australia and then to the United States.
Training
If you have the patience and the time, it isn’t hard to train an Aussie. However, keep in mind that these are very active and hyper dogs. So, you need to train them very early to breed good and healthy habits later on. But since they are smart dogs originally bred for work, they aren’t too hard to train.
Lifespan
Generally, Australian Shepherds live quite long. The average lifespan of these dogs is between 12-15 years. However, if you want to give the dog a better chance of living a long life, it’s best to give them the best care possible.
Are Australian Shepherds Good Family Dogs?
Yes, Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. Since they are very smart, you can easily train them to act around children and how to play with them safely. Additionally, these pets are also used in the police force and competitors on obedience trails.
With that said, you need to make sure the family is prepared for a hyper Aussie before bringing it home. Ideally, you need to have the space and energy to keep up with your dog, especially if you want them to live the best life possible.
Is an Australian Shepherd a Good Match for My Home?
Well, this depends. To start, you need to ask yourself how much time and energy you can dedicate to your dog. Aussies are very hyper, and if you don’t give them the time and training they need when they’re young, it can lead to a lot of problems in your home.
Additionally, you don’t want your dog to run around and break things all the time. So, you either need to have a space for them at home or consistently take them out to exercise and use up their energy.
And while they are hyper and require some work, these are lovely dogs. They are natural sweethearts that will instantly form a bond with you that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re willing to put in the work, Australian Shepherds could be the right dog breed for you.