Are Australian Shepherd Dogs Good With Kids?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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An active yet easy-going dog, the Australian shepherd

loves to romp with children

and tends to get along well with other pets. Australian shepherds are great family pets, herding animals, police dogs and competitors in obedience trials.

Is it better to get a girl or boy Australian shepherd?

As you can tell,

there are no major personality differences between female Australian Shepherds and their male counterparts

. Both genders have wonderful personalities that make them fit companions and family members. Choosing a male vs female Australian Shepherd is a matter of personal preference.

Is Australian shepherd aggressive breed?


Australian Shepherds aren’t usually aggressive

. The breed is very loving and playful. However, these dogs have a herding instinct, so they may seem bossy, especially around other pets. This instinct may also make them seem stubborn.

Are Australian Shepherds good for first time owners?

This makes them

a poor choice for first-time or timid owners

. Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are by nature loyal to their family but standoffish with strangers. They need early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they’re young.

Are Australian Shepherds high maintenance?

The Australian shepherd has both boundless energy and a high intelligence level.

It takes a lot of energy (and creativity) to keep this dog happy and occupied — which makes for a high-maintenance pup

.

Are Australian Shepherds easy to train?

Australian Shepherds are typically smart, trainable, and ready to work. The Australian Shepherd is also a herding dog; these types of dogs are bred to work and are

easily trained

, according to the American Kennel Club.

How do you pick a good Australian Shepherd puppy?

Visit the breeder to examine the facility.

Check to be sure the parents of the litter are healthy and active

— they should also possess the qualities you are looking for in your Australian shepherd puppy. The kennels themselves should be clean, and the dogs should be contained in well-kept pens with plenty of space.

Are Australian Shepherds easy to potty train?


Australian Shepherds can typically be potty trained very easily

. The key to potty training your puppy is consistency. One of the easiest ways to housebreak an Australian Shepherd is by crate training.

Are Australian Shepherds friendly to strangers?

Many Aussies are friendly with everyone, but

the Australian Shepherd generally tends to be reserved and cautious with strangers

. Reserved dogs can be encouraged to accept people with some success, but some never accept strangers. Aussies tend to form a stronger bond with their family and owners than some other breeds.

What is the healthiest breed of dog?

  • Beagle. Beagles are friendly and great with kids, making them excellent family dogs. …
  • Shiba Inu. Shibas are mid-size dogs that can be aggressive if not trained while young. …
  • Siberian Husky. …
  • Alaskan Malamute. …
  • Bergamasco. …
  • German Shepherd. …
  • Australian Shepherd. …
  • Australian Cattle Dog.

Which dog breed is the least aggressive?

  • Basset Hound.
  • Beagle.
  • Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Border Collie.
  • Boxer.
  • Brittany.
  • Bulldog.

Why shouldn’t you get an Australian Shepherd?

Why you should not get an Australian Shepherd?

Australian Shepherds were bred to be working dogs – not simply pets to hang around the house or backyard. Too many people acquire this breed because of its athletic prowess and intelligence, but

don’t provide enough opportunities for the dog to vent his energy and do interesting things

.

Do Australian Shepherds like to cuddle?

Are Aussies Affectionate? Also called Aussies,

Australian shepherds are renowned for their desire to cuddle

. Loyal and highly active, these dogs love their owners as much as they love to play.

What’s the hardest breed of dog to train?

  1. Beagles. A Beagle has a nose for everything – literally. …
  2. Rottweiler. This one is a bit controversial, but here’s the breakdown on this breed. …
  3. Siberian Husky. Most people would agree that a Siberian Husky is a gorgeous dog. …
  4. Basset Hound. …
  5. Chinese Shar-Pei. …
  6. Afghan Hound.

What is the smartest breed of dog?

  • Border collie. According to The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dog breeds in terms of their relative intelligence, the border collie is the smartest dog breed known to man. …
  • Poodle. …
  • German shepherd. …
  • Golden retriever. …
  • Doberman pinscher. …
  • Shetland sheepdog. …
  • Labrador retriever. …
  • Papillon.

Do Australian Shepherds ever calm down?

As mentioned above, Aussies remain active well into old age. However,

they will naturally slow down and gradually require less exercise as they age

. Your vet will let you know when it is time for this at annual check-ups.

What is the easiest dog to train?

  • Border Collie. Prized for its instincts and working ability, the Border Collie is thought to be the most intelligent and easy to train dog. …
  • Poodle. …
  • Miniature Schnauzer. …
  • Labrador Retriever. …
  • German Shepherd. …
  • Bearded Collie.

How much do Australian Shepherds cost?

The average price of the Australian Shepherd ranges from

$650 to $850

. However, an Aussie can cost anywhere between $300 to $1,800+ USD depending on breeder reputation, coat colors, pedigree and location. Australian Shepherds are not the cheapest dog breed available, but they’re not terribly expensive either.

Why does my Aussie puppy bite so much?


Almost all puppies bite when they are young

. It’s called mouthing, and when your pup plays with another pup, if he bites too hard, the other puppy will let out a yelp and stop playing with your puppy. This teaches your puppy to be gentle and to control the pressure of his bite.

Do Australian Shepherds nip?

The desire to herd is as natural to your Australian Shepherd as their need for a pack.

Herding dogs learn to nip and snap at the heels of livestock to keep them in a group.

Do Aussie puppies shed?

And, how much?

Yes, Australian Shepherds shed a lot

. In fact, Aussies have a coat that shed moderately all year round. However, shedding heavily increases during spring time, as they need to get rid their heavy winter coat.

Are Australian Shepherds good house dogs?


Yes, they can be great family dogs

, but they need lots of exercise, ‘work’ and proper, consistent training. Australian Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds of dog in the world. Not only smart, they’re incredibly gorgeous. They’re loyal, very trainable, and they love human companionship.

What age should I start training my Australian shepherd?

If you have an Australian shepherd puppy, it’s best to start socialization when they are

7 weeks old

. Between the ages of 7 weeks and 4 months old a dog goes through a prime socialization period.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.