Australian Shepherds 101

Name: Australian Shepherd

Personality: The Australian shepherd is a breed of superlatives. It is considered one of the smartest dogs around, with the most energy. It can be intensely loyal and devoted to its owners and very wary of strangers.A well-trained Australian shepherd can be an incredibly loving addition to many families. In fact, the Australian shepherd is nicknamed a "velcro" dog in canine-centric circles because of its intense attachment to its owners.

Grooming: While the coat of an Australian shepherd can vary in density, all should receive a weekly brushing with a slicker brush, followed by a rake brush. Be especially considerate of spots on the dog that are prime for matting problems: the legs, front and back, and behind the ears. Aussies tend to shed heavily once a year, usually in late spring or early summer, due to increased sunlight. (This is one reason why Aussies should not be kept as indoor dogs; the unnatural, indoor light will screw up their natural shedding schedules.)

Common Health Issues: Until the Australian shepherd reaches old age, it is not commonly known for health problems and is considered a very hardy breed. As Aussies age, epilepsy, thyroid conditions, joint problems, declining vision, pancreatic problems, skin and respiratory conditions and bladder infections may occur more frequently than in other breeds. The average lifespan is between nine and 13 years. Cancer and old age are noted as the most common causes of death.

Training Tips: Thanks to its high intelligence and its instincts towards work-like responsibilities, the Australian shepherd is considered an easy dog to train and housebreak. In fact, training (whether tricks or obedience commands) should really be considered a lifelong part of the Australian shepherd's daily routine, as this will stimulate its intelligence and satisfy its need to learn and work.

Best For: Australian shepherds thrive in suburban or rural homes with lots of room to run around outside and lots of time devoted to doing so. An Australian shepherd needs more than an hour of vigorous activity per day or its restlessness will result in dug-up carpets and chewed-up furniture legs. (Property without neighbors nearby may also be helpful if the dog's barking tendencies are highly active.) Recent research has indicated that an Australian shepherd that receives the proper, specialized training can be a boon to families with babies and/or special-needs children. This is in part because an Australian shepherd is happiest when it has a job to do.

What Australian Shepherd Owners Say: Many of our Facebook friends tell us that what they love most about their Australian shepherds is also what makes them difficult: their energy and intelligence. "I have two Aussies and I love them to death. They are both such characters. The most difficult thing I've found with them is that they... need to run at least two miles a day or more... and they are destructive with their toys so they need nice, durable toys."

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