Care must be taken that they don't naturally 'herd' children. They are loyal and devoted to their families and content with snuggling on the couch, but they do have high-energy needs. Long daily walks as well as off-leash running and games are required for a healthy and happy Australian Shepherd.
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a high-maintenance dog. Though they make great companions, their constant health problems and tend to shed make them a difficult breed to own. They also require a lot of exercise and can be high-maintenance when it comes to their health.
Australian Shepherds are delightfully low maintenance in terms of grooming, as you can see, but their exercise and training cannot fall to the wayside! If exercise and mental stimulation needs are not met, problematic behaviors such as uncontrolled barking, digging, and more will almost invariably develop.
Australian Shepherds can be relatively easy to raise, but like all breeds, they require time, effort, and training to become well-behaved and well-adjusted pets. Australian Shepherds are intelligent and respond well to training, but they can also be independent and stubborn at times.
They require plenty of attention. Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
At 2-3 years of age, Mini Aussies are considered mentally developed and will be better at regulating their energy levels. In other words, they will start to calm down! That said, Aussies are naturally active dogs and will remain so into old age.
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in everything and anything that is going on around them.
While Australian Shepherds are known for being strong working dogs, they can be cuddly and affectionate, too. Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them.
There are no major personality differences between male and female. They both have great personalities to make grand companions and family members. This is an awesome breed. Male or female is often a personal preference.
Standing around 18 inches high and weighing up to 40 pounds as adults, these smaller versions of Australian Shepherds are also similar to them in many ways. You may be familiar with the breed's passion for the outdoors. Aussies and Mini Aussies love outside exercise and activities.
Aussies are active yet easy-going dogs that love to romp with children. They tend to get along well with other pets. The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners.
Although Aussies are super outdoorsy, they are best suited to indoor living, like most companion pets. Many working Aussies even live indoors, these days. That said, as long as the conditions are safe, Australian Shepherds can sleep outside.
Australian Shepherds are considered moderate to heavy shedders, and they will shed quite a bit of fur each day. Your Aussie will likely leave fur behind on your clothes after cuddling, on the bedding it was resting on, and you will likely see a thin layer of fur on your floors.
Keep in mind the average Australian Shepherd tends to bark a lot, making it a little more challenging to get him to stop barking unless you give him the 'speak' command or there is a situation in which he needs to bark to alert you.
The bottom line. Australian Shepherds are bundles of fun, but they are also highly sensitive dogs. You should never leave an Aussie alone for more than four hours at a time, and try to make the most out of every day to prevent boredom and loneliness when they're left to their own devices.
Australian Shepherds are very active dogs. Most likely, they won't want to cuddle because they're so active. If you wanted a lap dog, an Australian Shepherd probably wasn't the best choice.
When your dog licks you, he may be showing his affection, or simply because your lotion or skin tastes good. A compulsive licker may have unintentionally been taught this behavior by his owner: He learns that licking gets him attention, even if it's negative.
Australian Shepherds are known for their fierce loyalty with one person, that doesn't mean every Shepherd will act like that. Some Shepherds might not build a particularly strong bond with any one family member. Others might like one of you more than another, but they don't sit on you to show it.
Whether or not they love to swim will depend on their personality. You may never end up with a Mini Aussie that loves the water as much as a Poodle, but most will swim at least a little when convinced.
Laying on their back while getting some shut-eye helps dogs cool off. Unlike people who sweat to control their body temperature, dogs perspire through the pads of their feet.
Australian Shepherds will act very protectively around their owners and immediate family. Outsiders may make the Aussie cautious and guarded and sometimes even aggressive depending on whether you've socialized your dog.
Dogs that have double or water-repellant coats, like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, may only need baths every few months. Bathing them more often than necessary can cause dry skin.
Hyperactivity & mental stimulation
Because of their high intelligence, Aussies have an extremely low tolerance for boredom. Exercising their mind will tire them out just as easily as going for a walk or run. It also enriches their quality of life and prevents them from getting bored.