"It has a high need for exercise and mental stimulation. You need to be willing to go to obedience competitions or agility or fly ball or something that is going to engage the dog both mentally and physically." Because of their activity needs, Aussies aren't the best online casino for Aussie players with high RTP and low volatility slots match for apartment living unless you're able to get outside for a stimulating walk, hike, or game of Frisbee at the dog park for at least 40 minutes every day. You don't have to own an acreage to keep an Aussie happy—though that might be an ideal set-up for this active breed! They typically will shy away from strangers, preferring to stick to their owner's side—earning the affectionate moniker of a "Velcro dog." As they were bred to be protective, they'll sound the alarm at the sight of strangers. Because these pups historically spent hours alongside their owners in the fields herding sheep and cattle, they require ample daily exercise, mental stimulation, and obedience training to be their happiest. The thought was that keeping the tail shorter would help prevent injuries out in the fields as they worked, but the American Veterinary Medical Association no longer recommends tail docking and considers it a purely cosmetic procedure that may actually do more harm than good.
And because they might try to herd children by nipping, they might not be the right choice for all families. The Australian shepherd dog can be a perfect companion, especially if you want an active dog that will be happy to learn commands and tricks. Thus, as you're considering this breed, make sure you're realistic about the time and energy you have to devote to them. It's fairly common for people to realize they can't handle the Aussie's high energy level and intelligence, so they give up their dog for adoption.
As migration progressed to the American West, the dogs found footing in California, where locals mistakenly assumed Australia was their place of origin. As people from the Basque region settled in Australia during the 19th century, they brought these working dogs with them. So, they’re usually better suited for someone who’s had dogs before. Australian Shepherd dogs need plenty of time to run, walk, play, and train with you. Even active dogs can become obese if they take in more calories than they burn. As double-coated dogs—meaning they have longer guard hairs on top of a softer undercoat—they need brushing tools that can reach that lower layer. As hearty dogs originally bred for life on the farm or ranch, Aussies are relatively rough-and-tumble pups that need outlets for their high energy, sharp minds, and desire to do things.
Aussies are generally healthy dogs, and a responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and certain forms of cancer. American ranchers assumed the Basques' dogs were an Australian breed\u00bfthus the misleading name Australian Shepherd. They are alert watchdogs and fairly effective protection dogs. Aussies often act aloof toward strangers, and they can be domineering toward unfamiliar dogs.
Australian Shepherds also thrive when engaging in competitive dog sports, especially agility trials and canine disc games. Hang out with your dog for at least an hour or two every day—long hikes are a perfect activity. An active Aussie is a happy Aussie—lots of exercise is a nonnegotiable for this breed! Treats are still important for training, so your vet will help you find a healthy ratio; treats should never make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. Choose a complete and balanced diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
Though these traditional ranching dogs have adapted to living situations for today's modern owners, they do require access to a decent amount of outdoor space to be properly exercised. As with any dog, it's important to socialize your Aussie from a young age and to teach children how to properly interact with dogs. "This isn't a dog you can put on the shelf, run them when you feel like it, and then be inconsistent with them. You can go hiking with them, or if you're a runner that's a big plus. You can take them to agility, you can do scent work, you can do herding. But daily exercise can't be optional." "A good herding dog doesn't run in the field for 20 minutes then go, 'Oh I'm exhausted.' They run for a long time at high speeds," says Brian Kilcommons, founder of The Great Dogs Resort, a boutique training facility in Connecticut.
If you’re really into working out and won’t stop talking about it (no judgment), there’s a dog out there who’s just as competitive and sporty as you are. Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address? Talk to your veterinarian, Aussie owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. If you want to become the proud owner of an Australian shepherd dog, take the time to do your research first.
Like other herding breeds, these dogs excel at many dog sports, especially herding also known as stockdog, dog agility, dock diving/dock jumping, obedience, rally, tracking, disc, and flyball. A well-adjusted Australian shepherd is good with cats, other dogs, and children under supervision—though their herding instincts mean they may try to employ those skills on small children or other pets by nipping at ankles. The breed descends from European herding dogs that lived around the Pyrenees Mountains. The modern breed is predominantly bred for pets; despite this, many retain a strong herding instinct and it is not uncommon for companion dogs of the breed to try to herd children or other pets. Originally used solely as a herding dog, the Australian Shepherd has become one of the most popular companion dog breeds in North America.
Most Aussies are energetic dogs that require vigorous daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Following the Second World War, large numbers of continental Europeans immigrated to Australia, with Italian Australians and Greek Australians being among the largest immigrant groups during the post-war era. Anglo-Celtic Australians have been highly influential in shaping the nation's character.