They have been famous for their intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism since they first began appearing in the United States in the 1800s. Australian shepherds are known to be one of the smartest dog breeds, and they are also incredibly loyal.
With proper training, good socialization and adequate regular exercise, Australian Shepherds can be very well-behaved dogs. They are also very loyal and attentive to their owners, so it's not uncommon for them to become a shadow and follow their pet parents around as much as possible.
They're a very devoted breed and highly intelligent. Australian shepherds bond with their owners and family and take their role as guardians seriously. This can cause them to be protective, but also aggressive toward things they perceive as a threat if they're not properly socialized and trained.
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.
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.
The Aussie's desire to cuddle
Some breeds are, by nature, more affectionate than others. While the Aussie will typically reserve cuddling for one person or a group of trusted people, sometimes he won't want to cuddle at all.
The dog breed with the highest IQ is the Border Collie, followed by other smart pups like the Belgian Malinois, Poodle, and German Shepherd. Dogs showcase several types of intelligence including instinctual intelligence, obedience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to problem-solve.
Behavioral Differences in Males vs Females
In addition to being more affectionate, male Aussies are also more reliable than females. They are less likely to wander off or get distracted by other animals or people. This makes them ideal companions for activities such as agility training or herding livestock.
Aussies are very sociable dogs. They can feel lonely when they're left alone often and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety. This is when dogs feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety over being apart from their owners.
According to Svartberg's data (PDF), a pinscher, a Bernese mountain dog, or an English springer spaniel might be the most disloyal since each ranks very low on playfulness, with moderate sociability.
German Shepherds
These loyal and protective dogs love to work, defend their families, and please their owners. They are intelligent and affectionate around adults and children, alike, but will stand up to threats from strangers.
In addition to being herding dogs, Australian Shepherds serve as Seeing Eye dogs, hearing dogs, drug-sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Because of their high intelligence, Aussies are well-suited to do a wide variety of jobs.
Aussies are people-oriented dogs who tend to follow their family from room to room just to be near them. 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.
The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners. True to their herding instincts, Aussies are very protective of their families and territory and will let you know if strangers approach, but they are not considered aggressive.
Like most dogs, Aussies (and Mini Aussies) are active and outdoorsy, but still best suited to indoor living. Medium-large-sized homes with gardens are best, but they can do well in smaller homes, too. Just so long as they get everything they need to be happy and healthy!
Aussies are best suited for families with an active lifestyle and a large fenced yard. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and have an average life span of 12-13 years.
Sleep. Australian Shepherds need around 12 to 14 hours of sleep daily, depending on the energy burned during the day. Although puppies are little bundles of energy, they need 18 to 20 hours to support their growth and development.
The list of the world's smartest dog breeds, according to a survey of 122 veterinary professionals conducted by Vetstreet, probably comes as no surprise. Border collies, German shepherds, poodles, Australian shepherds and golden retrievers all have a reputation for being intelligent dogs.
4. Golden Retriever: Intelligent and eager to please. Bred as a hunting companion; ideal as a guide and as assistance with search-and-rescue operations.
Australian Shepherds tend to whine for all sorts of reasons, such as to get your attention or if they're sick or injured. If you can rule out a medical condition, then the next step to quiet your Aussie is to train them not to whine. Failing to indulge in their bad behavior will clue them in to stop.
Australian shepherds are known for their loyalty and affection, and one of the ways they express these feelings is by bringing their toys to you. This behavior is often seen as annoying, but it's actually a sign of love and appreciation.
Australian Shepherd
Despite their high energy, Aussies are usually quiet. They may bark to alert their owners of a stranger or an unfamiliar situation but other than that, you won't hear much from them. This fits the self-controlled personality that Aussies possess.