They can also understand more than 150 words and intentionally deceive other dogs and people to get treats, according to psychologist and leading canine researcher Stanley Coren, PhD, of the University of British Columbia.
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.
The Border Collie was named number one in intelligence, followed by the Standard Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher. As such, these dog breeds are likely to have the easiest time learning words.
The average dog can learn around 165 words.
This means that they are capable of deception in order to receive treats from people or other dogs. Dogs are also able to communicate with other dogs. For example, when two dogs meet for the first time, they will often sniff each other.
Their high intelligence level is what makes them paw-sitively amazing at their job; herding livestock! Now of course, the Aussie is talented at many other things as well besides herding, such as obedience, agility courses, and being a down right fantastic companion dog.
Most Australian Shepherds should begin calming down at two years of age. At this point, they're considered mature dogs who can better regulate their energy. That said, not all Aussies will tone it down at this age. It may take them reaching seniority for their energy to drop off.
In the 1800s, the Basques began migrating to Australia to keep sheep. Their Pyrenean Shepherds crossbred with other working dogs, including Collies and Border Collies, creating the modern version of the Australian Shepherd.
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 extremely active dogs that require more than 2 hours of exercise a day. They require committed owners who are willing to give them lots of exercise if they are not going to be used as a working dog.
They, like some other animals, have their one chosen person, which is probably you if your dog sits on you all the time. When the Australian Shepherd chooses their person, they begin to exhibit loyalty towards you, even to an extreme degree.
1. Border Collie: A workaholic, this breed is the world's premier sheep herder, prized for its intelligence, extraordinary instinct, and working ability. 2.
A border collie named Chaser has attained the vocabulary of a 3-year-old child, according to a study in the journal Behavioural Processes. Two Wofford College researchers taught the dog the names of more than 1,000 objects.
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don't know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
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.
Although we often think of purebred dogs for having the propensity for anxiety, any mixed breed can run the same risk. Always look at the parent breeds in your pup to determine if he will have a greater risk of anxiety. Some breeds that have a predisposition for anxiety are: Australian Shepherd.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Aussies also are highly sensitive to sound and can become fearful of loud noises, such as thunderstorms. This means they are excellent watchdogs and will always alert you to anything or anyone that is out of the ordinary, but will also react to any random loud noise. Because of this, they are often barkers.
Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and similar dogs were bred to love water, while the Australian Shepherd wasn't. For the most part, they were bred to keep their feet firmly on the ground. If you count “natural swimmer” only as dogs that naturally love the water, these dogs do not fall into that category.
Herding, agility, flyball and disk catching can provide both mental and physical exercise. Australian Shepherds enjoy cold weather, but cannot live outside in it.
Dogs evolved from wolves. German shepherds, Australian shepherds, French poodles, even Mexican chihuahuas all trace their lineage to Canis lupus.