Australian Shepherd: Very Smart Dogs

Australian Shepherds, like most herding dogs, are very smart dogs. They have ties to Australia but did not originate there. It may be that they are not true Australians. The Australian Shepherd, sometimes called the “Aussie,” descended from European herding dogs. Aussies immigrated to Australia years ago and then found their way to California. Since the California ranchers thought the dog was originally from Australia, they called it the Australian Shepherd. Whatever its beginnings, the Aussie is a familiar sight at rodeos..

A cowboy named Jay Sisler made the Aussie a famous rodeo dog when, in the 1950s and 60s, he trained his dogs, Stub, Shortie, and Queenie, to do tricks. His dogs starred in the Disney movie “Run, Appaloosa, Run.” As a herding dog, cowboys used the Aussie to help round up the “dogies” (pun intended).   “Dogies” is probably best known as part of the lyrics from an old cowboy song, which goes like this: Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies. It’s your misfortune and none of my own. Whoopee ti yi yo, git along little dogies, you know that Wyoming will be your new home

The Australian Shepherd is longer than it is tall, but is a well-balanced, sturdy, and excellent herding dog. They come in different colors but are commonly merle, a mottled pattern with shades of blue or red. They can outsmart a novice owner, so if you decide to get an Aussie, be ready for a tireless, intelligent, and highly trainable partner.

Are Australian Shepherds Good With Kids?

The Australian Shepherd stays young at heart throughout its lifetime. It is even-tempered, likes to romp and play, and does well with children. Aussies have a strong work ethic and may put it to work by being bossy or trying to herd young children. Aussies are affectionate and like to cuddle with their favorite person or other family members. They may not show the same desire to cuddle with strangers.

However, Aussies love the outdoors and generally will not destroy your backyard by digging holes unless it is very dull. Australian Shepherds have an instinct to be alert to threats to their family. They are excellent watchdogs. They are not usually aggressive towards strangers, however, so being a guard dog is not something they are good at. Aussies do well with other family pets but may also try to herd them. They are loyal dogs and tend to bond closely with one family member. They do not have a reputation as quiet dogs and bark at strangers whenever they feel the situation requires them to voice an opinion. They are not constant barkers, but if they suffer from separation anxiety, incessant barking might be one of their reactions to being left alone.

Is The Australian Shepherd Healthy?

Generally, the Australian Shepherd is healthy, but some genetic issues can cause deafness or blindness. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. If both parents of an Aussie puppy are merle, the puppy has a high risk of being blind or deaf.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor for any potential health issues. Providing a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential for maintaining their overall well-being. Socialization from a young age can also help mitigate behavioral problems and enhance their adaptability. Owners should be aware of their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Engaging in activities such as agility training or obedience classes can benefit both the dog and the owner.

Are Aussies Easy to Train?

Since Australian Shepherds are very smart dogs, you can quickly train them. They make good watchdogs and are very courageous. However, because they are so bright, the Aussie needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. They do not like being left alone and can get nervous and destructive. The trainability and skills of the Aussie make it very successful in dog sporting events such as flyball, dog agility, and as a disc dog. And, of course, they do very well in a sheepdog trial. Aussies are frequently used as search-and-rescue dogs, detection dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.

Their high energy levels require regular exercise, ideally through daily walks, playtime, or engaging activities like frisbee. Socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted and friendly with other animals and people. Owners should utilize positive reinforcement techniques during training to build a strong bond and encourage good behavior. Given their herding instincts, it’s important to provide structured activities to channel their drive effectively. With the right environment and guidance, Australian Shepherds can thrive and become loyal companions.

Are Aussie Expensive Dogs?

Aussies are relatively famous in the United States, ranking 17th on AKC’s list of most popular breeds, so they are not a rare breed. You can probably expect to pay about $1,000 for an Aussie. Ironically, the Australian Shepherd is a rare breed in Australia, and buyers there can expect to pay twice as much as it costs in the United States. You may be able to adopt an Aussie from a rescue organization. A good place to start is the Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline website.

Aussies require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their intelligence and energy levels make them ideal companions for active families or individuals. Grooming is also essential, as their thick double coat can mat if not properly maintained. Training should begin early to harness their natural abilities and ensure good behavior. Overall, owning an Aussie can be a rewarding experience for those ready to invest time and effort into caring for their pet.

For more information

American Kennel Club, United States, Australian Shepherd Association.

Similar Breeds