You and your new friend.
The Highlights of a Australian Shepherd
- Australian Shepherds need roughly 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, preferably with high-energy activities like playing Frisbee. They need a job to do as well, such as daily obedience training or competing in herding and agility trials.
- Australian Shepherds can be very destructive and bark for long periods if they're not getting the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
- Aussies will alert bark to warn you if they see or hear something suspicious, and will protect their family and home with a surprising fierceness.
- Although Australian Shepherds have the reputation for needing wide open space, they do just fine in cities if they get enough stimulation and exercise. They're not good apartment dogs, though. You'll want at least a small yard to help them get out some of their high energy.
- This herding dog's pushiness with livestock can carry over into the home and, with a timid or inexperienced owner, he may assume the dominant role in the family. The breed needs a firm and confident owner, Aussies probably aren't a good choice if you've never had a dog before.
- Australian Shepherds are average shedders, and their coat needs regular maintenance, including weekly brushing to keep it clean and prevent matting, and possibly trimming to keep it looking tidy.
- Aussies enjoy the company of their family and prefer to stick close to their human pack. They don't do well stuck in the backyard by themselves for long periods.
- Aussies are by nature standoffish with people they don't know, and unless they have regular exposure to lots of different people, ideally beginning in puppy hood, they can become fearful of strangers. This may lead to biting out of fear and aggression. Give your Aussie lots of contact with friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers to help him polish his social skills.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
Standard Size of a Aussie
Slightly longer than he is tall, the Australian Shepherd stands 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder for males, 18 to 21 inches for females. On average, males weigh between 50 and 65 pounds, females 40 to 55 pounds.
AKC only recognize's the standard size, though there are so called miniature Aussies or Tea Cup Aussies are out there they are NOT recognized as part of the breed. The breed is meant to be a functional working dog capable of herding tough stock for miles in rough country or snowdrifts, and it has no smaller size varieties.
Personality of your Aussie
The simple fact Aussie where bred to be pushy with livestock, Australian Shepherds can and will take the dominant role in the home if you don't give them firm and confident leadership. This makes them a poor choice for first time or timid owners.
Like many in the herding dog class, Australian Shepherds are by nature loyal to their family but standoffish with strangers. They need early socialization and exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they are at young age.
Socialization helps ensure that your Aussie puppy grows up to be a well maintained dog and loyal friend. Enrolling him in a puppy class is a great start. Having visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.
The Australian Shepherds is a very versatile working dogs and extremely capable of learning a great deal. Some are very eager to please, while others are definitely not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and some are stubborn and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute persistence and consistency, that you mean what you say.
Do Aussies Shed?
This one I can answer very quickly, YES. They are double coated and shed in the Spring and Fall the most but do shed year round. I highly suggest you purchase a good vacuum cleaner and or a very good broom, you will need it owning a Aussie.
Top 15 things about a Aussie you should know.
- All toys are mine. If you have the toy, it is mine. If I leave the toy and you take it, it is still mine.
- Your house is accessorized with fur. Australian Shepherds shed twice a year, for six months at a time.
- You cannot run without being herded in the correct direction when you own an Aussie.
- Every new stuffed animal you bring home must be properly checked (unstuffed) for security purposes.
- Aussies are very intelligent and learn by observing (remember that the next time you are digging a hole in the backyard).
- Aussies can tell time and can stare a hole in you when it is time for dinner.
- Their cute little bobtail butts wag their whole body when they greet you.
- Educating people that their blue eyes are part of their character: No they are not blind in that eye.
- Aussies are very active and agile, and they need something to do to keep them busy or they will think of something to do on their own that you might not like as much!
- Aussies are like potato chips, you cannot have just one!
- If you have to go to the bathroom or any place I (the Aussie) must be there to help you.
- Aussies love to jump and can and will knock you over with their love for you.
- Aussies love to play in the water but hate baths, go figure.
- If I want out of this fenced yard I WILL find a way.
- Aussies will be your best friend and loyal companion for life without a doubt.
In Closing
Without question an Australian Shepherd is a wonderful animal, we love ours with all our hearts. They are the dog of choice for us but may not be yours. Please as with any animal do some research, check their habits out and see if it fits you prior to bringing your friend home. Do not put yourself or the animal threw denial of them and their needs and by all means if it does not work out for you please if it is one of our puppies call us we will be more than happy to take them back. If not ours then again think of the animals needs never dump them, never harm them always do your best by them.
It is a truism to say that the dog is largely what his master makes of him: he can be savage and dangerous, untrustworthy, cringing and fearful; or he can be faithful and loyal, courageous and the best of companions and allies.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
What I Asked for and What I needed!
- When I got my new dog
- I asked for strength that I might raise her perfectly;
- I was given weakness that I might feed her more treats.
- I asked for good health that I might rest easy;
- I was given a "special needs" dog that I might know nurturing.
- I asked for an obedient dog that I might feel proud;
- I was given stubbornness that I might feel humble.
- I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;
- I was given a clown that I might laugh
- I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;
- I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.
- I got nothing I asked for,
- But everything that I needed.
- I got a dog, my new best friend.....
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