5 reasons why you should get an Aussie Shepherd and 5 reasons why you shouldn't
Updated: Aug 1, 2023
Welcome to our article dedicated to the remarkable Australian Shepherds—a breed renowned for their exceptional intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and affectionate nature. Whether you're considering adding a new four-legged member to your family or simply intrigued by these remarkable canines, we invite you to explore the reasons why Australian Shepherds make fantastic additions to homes around the world.
Here are five reasons why you should get an Australian shepherd:
1. Aussie Shepherds come in all different sizes.
Australian Shepherds come in mini, standard (full), and toy (tiny) sizes. This means that it is entirely possible to get an Australian Shepherd that would meet the size requirements for your family.
2. Aussie Shepherds are very trainable.
Australian Shepherds are up there as on the most intelligent breeds. That means they are very easy to train and teach new behavior to. They do well in agility and herding competitions just like their distant relative the border collie.
3. Aussie Shepherds are personable and loyal.
This type of dog is very good at making lasting impressions on their owners and people that meet them. They are know for their sweet dispositions and ability to attach themselves to everyone in the family.
4. Aussie Shepherds have high energy.
Just like the border collie, the Australian shepherd needs a lot of exercise. If you have an active lifestyle and want a companion to run, bike, hike, or even camp with, this breed is perfect for that.
5. Aussie Shepherds are very climate adaptive dogs.
Regardless of where you live, the Australian shepherd can adapt to the weather circumstances. If you live in a colder climate, the Australian Shepherds unique double coat can protect them from chilly weather. On the other hand, if you live in a warmer climate they can shed that coat continuously to make themselves cooler.
Here are five reasons why the Australian Shepherd might not be the best match for your lifestyle:
1. Aussies need to be physically drained.
This breed type is an extremely active one. If you do not have a minimum of an hour to exercise your shepherd then you might want to reconsider getting one. Australian Shepherds require a lot of exercise otherwise they can become very destructive.
2. Aussies have to be mentally drained.
Australian shepherds need to be both mentally and physically stimulated. Making sure that they are properly trained is crucial to making sure they do not develop behavioral issues or a destructive nature. They require training, mind games, and other forms of stimulation daily. When getting this breed keep that into careful consideration.
3. Aussies have A LOT of hair.
Having a double coat has advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages to having so much hair is definitely the shedding. Aussies can shed year around and especially during certain months. Another disadvantage is that grooming and fining a groomer that knows how to deal with a double coat can be quite challenging. If a groomer cuts the coat wrong, it may not grow back the same.
4. Aussies can have health issues.
These types of dogs can be prone to having both hip and eye issues. It is vital that if you are considering getting and Australian Shepherd, that you do you homework on the breeder. A good breeder will check for hip and eye issues when the pups are born.
5. Aussies can have attachment issues.
The term "Velcro Aussie" is a phrase that was coined to describe the Australian shepherds unique ability to stick to ones side. With that being said you have to be mindful that separation anxiety can become an issue if you constantly let them be with you and rarely leave them alone.
Over all the Australian Shepherd is a dog that can be very loyal and a great family pet. They are highly intelligent and trainable. If you have the right time to exercise them, train them, and have the composite to deal with the hair, the Australian Shepherd might make a great addition to your home!
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Devon MacDonald is the founder of Next Gen Aussies Collies and Shepherds which serves the Bay Area. Her business specializes in obedience, advance obedience, trick training, agility, leash reactivity, anxiety around people, and dog aggression. Next Gen ACS most popular program is it's board and train program which is available for both well-behaved dogs and ones with behavioral issues. Devon currently lives in Morgan Hill, California with her Mini-Australian Shepherd Cypress. Besides dogs, she has a passion for swimming, traveling and great wine.
