By
Kathleen Cole
Those
of us who love Aussies can't imagine a more perfect breed of
dog. Unfortunately, the very characteristics we value in
these dogs make them unsuitable for some homes and owners.
Consider carefully if your lifestyle can accommodate the
exuberance of a typical Aussie.
The
Australian Shepherd was developed to be a moderate sized,
intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and
endurance. Many Aussies today still do the work they were
bred for, and even those that have never seen sheep or
cattle usually have a strong herding instinct. This means
that Aussies need fenced yards and leashes, as the
temptation to herd dogs, children, and traffic can simply
overwhelm them.
Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are
not content to be couch potatoes, although Aussies have
individual characters and some are more sedate and
quiet-natured than others. For the most part, however, these
are high energy dogs who need a purpose in their lives-a job
as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the
time and attention they require through play and training,
for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards
destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Running,
jumping, and rough-housing are all a part of being a normal
Aussie.
The
great intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and
control livestock, can be
detrimental when left untrained
and unused. Aussies are
quite capable of out-thinking their
owners. Obedience training is highly recommended as a means
of teaching owners how to channel the typical Aussie's
innate desire to please into appropriate behaviors. Aussies
learn very quickly, so be certain you are willing to keep
your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to
benefit both mind and body.
Although many Aussies are friendly with everyone, the
Australian Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved
and cautious around strangers. With Aussies of this nature,
owners should encourage the dog to meet people but not force
encounters. Aussies are often quite protective of their
family and property, a desirable trait in some situations
but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept
strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussies may
become aggressive without proper training.
Aussies are generally healthy dogs and can be expected to
live up to 12 years or more, so ownership can be a lengthy
commitment. Although minimal, there is some grooming
required to keep the coat clean and conditioned, such as
regular brushing and nail trimming. To maintain their high
energy levels, typical active Aussies may eat more than
other more sedate dogs of similar size, so be prepared to
feed plenty of high quality food.
However, Aussies are perfect for people wishing to own a
highly trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that can
work/play "till the cows come home". If you have the time
and commitment for an Aussie, you won't be disappointed.
These special dogs deserve special owners. Their loyalty,
drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in
a class by themselves.
