If you are considering getting an Australian Shepherd, it’s quite likely because you know someone who has one or you have heard or read about how incredible this breed truly is. Or both. But before you start scouring the internet or newspaper for local breeders, there are a few things you really ought to know about Aussies.
Energy Level
Now, if you know anything about Australian Shepherds, you know they have a very high energy level. You may have heard this before, but if you do not have an active lifestyle, then an Aussie probably isn’t what you want. They need daily exercise. I grew up with Australian Shepherds and currently have a female named Charlie, and I can say from experience that the exercise is not a suggestion; it is a very real need. If you can’t exercise a dog daily (likely twice a day), then you might want to look into a different, calmer breed.
For my dog Charlie, exercise often involves half-hour walks (we jog and run during those a bit too). Other times, I will take her along when I am riding my bike. She also loves sprinting around the backyard with our other dog. If the weather is not favorable for a lot of outdoor activity, I have her walk or run on the treadmill; that way, she gets an excellent workout, even if she can’t be outside for very long. She usually requires a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise daily.
If an Australian Shepherd does not get enough exercise, it will become particularly clingy. I know when Charlie needs exercise because she will follow me everywhere I go in the house, even if I am just scooting down the couch.
Clinginess
On the other hand, Aussies can be extremely clingy regardless the amount of exercise they get. If you want an Australian Shepherd, make sure you are prepared for a dog that constantly follows you around. Exercise will decrease this, but they will still want to be near you most of the time.
Aussies will also hang on your every word if they think you are talking to them. But try not to overdo it with that, because they will think you’re telling them to do something without understanding exactly what you want. Since they are such people-pleasers, talking to them a lot without giving a command is frustrating for the dog.
Appearance
An Australian Shepherd’s coat can be one of several patterns. The most common include black tri-color (black, tan, and white), red tri-color (reddish-brown, copper, and white), blue merle (marbled black tri-color), and red merle (marbled red tri-color). Merle (especially blue merle) Aussies are often preferred because of their unique colorings. Charlie is a red tri-color Aussie.
Australian Shepherds often have docked tails, although it is possible to find them with their tails intact. Some are born with naturally short tails, some with full-length tails. But most of the time (in the United States, at least) their tails will be docked.
Intelligence
Aussies are well-known for their intelligence. This can be both good and bad. The good is that they learn very, very quickly. They love to learn new commands. The bad is that they are expertly clever and resourceful when no one is paying attention. They will discover how to get into things in ways other breeds couldn’t begin to understand.
As an owner, you will need to constantly challenge them. Teach them new tricks often, and review old ones. It may be helpful to keep a list of commands and hand signals (Aussies are very good with hand signals).
Discipline
There are two primary things you must know about disciplining an Australian Shepherd. Everything else is just filler.
1. If you are going to discipline your dog for doing something wrong, you have to catch it in the act and discipline it immediately. If you discover something after the fact, the dog will not be able to connect the punishment with the crime. For instance, if your dog pees on the floor, you need to catch it and stop it when it starts to pee (not yell at it when you notice a puddle later); then you can take it outside and let it finish. With the very high intelligence an Aussie possess, often a stern voice is all it takes for them to get the message.
2. Be consistent. If you do not want your dog eating off the table, never let it eat off the table–even if it’s a cute puppy you just got today and you’re holding it in your lap during dinner for some reason.
Health Issues
The most common health issues for Australian Shepherds are eye-related. Some Aussies are also affected by skin disorders, as well as respiratory issues. There is also the possibility of a genetic mutation common in herding dogs that makes certain types of heartworm medication (especially in high doses) toxic for an Australian Shepherd.
Final Notes
If you are looking for a high-energy dog that needs a lot of exercise, has loads of unique personality, and will follow you all over your house, then an Australian Shepherd might be right for you. But be sure to look into animal shelters before looking for a breeder. There are many dogs out there (including Aussies) in desperate need of a home.
