Are Australian Shepherds Good With Small Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Australian Shepherds are affectionate and generally good-natured dogs. They are protective of their own and

can get along great with other dogs if they are socialized with them from a young age

.

Are Australian Shepherds good companion dogs?


If you’re seeking a hard-working, loyal, and intelligent companion, then the Australian Shepherd may be the ideal family pet for you

. Extremely smart and focused, an Aussie can be the perfect family dog, as long as you are prepared to keep him mentally and physically stimulated.

Can an Australian shepherd be a house dog?


Yes!

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!

Is a Mini Aussie considered a small breed?

The Miniature Australian Shepherd has a trademark naturally or docked bobtail. It is a well-balanced,

medium-sized

agile dog. Ideally, males should be 14 to 18 inches tall at the withers; females, 14 through 17 inches.

Do Australian Shepherds like other dogs?


They tend to get along well with other pets

. The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners.

Are Aussies cuddly?

While Australian Shepherds are known for being strong working dogs,

they can be cuddly and affectionate, too

. Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them.

Are mini Australian Shepherds good apartment dogs?


Mini Aussies have a lot going for them, starting with their portable, apartment-friendly size

and striking good looks. The breeders and owners I interviewed for this article said that they constantly get stopped on the street when they’re walking their dogs.

Are Australian Shepherds a good first dog?

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.

Why you shouldn’t get a mini Australian Shepherd?

What is the smartest 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 mini Aussies shed?

Miniature Australian Shepherds

don’t shed very much

, and they only need occasional brushing.

How much is an Australian Shepherd puppy?

Depending on the breeder and availability in your area, an Australian Shepherd puppy can cost

between $800-$1,800

and even be higher in some cases. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,000.

What dog can be left alone for 8 hours?

Dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods include

Labrador and Golden Retriever, Beagle, Peekapoo, or Shiba Inu

. Naturally, by long-term periods, it’s implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more.

How big is an 8 week old Mini Aussie?

Weight Range Height Range 8 weeks

5-7 lbs.

3”-5”
9 weeks 7-12 lbs. 5”-8” 10 weeks 15-19 lbs. 7”-11” 11 weeks 18-23 lbs. 9”-12”

Are Australian shepherds biters?


Biting habits of Australian shepherds should be interrupted as soon as you notice them develop

, which is generally during late puppyhood, but even an adult Aussie can learn to put energy into more appropriate habits.

What two dogs make a Australian shepherd?

The Australian Shepherd is believed to have developed from a variety of herding dogs imported to California with sheep imports, including

collies from Australia and New Zealand

, it was from these ancestors the breed took its name.

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.

Are mini Aussies easy to potty train?

Mini Aussies are

not particularly more difficult to potty train than any other dog their size

. They are a bit more difficult to train than a larger Australian Shepherd, simply because of their smaller bladders. They will need to be taken outside more often and typically have more accidents indoors.

Do Australian Shepherds bark a lot?

Keep in mind

the average Australian Shepherd tends to bark a lot

, making it a little more challenging to get him to stop barking unless you give him the ‘speak’ command or there is a situation in which he needs to bark to alert you.

Are Aussies loyal?


Australian Shepherds are loyal

, dependable, easygoing companions. When it comes to their love of play, they never really outgrow the puppy stage. For this reason they are excellent with children — and the more active, the better. But they have a gentle nature that prevents their play from ever getting rough.

Which is better border collie or Australian Shepherd?

Both the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are intelligent dogs. However,

the Border Collie is undoubtedly more intelligent

. Aussies are tied for the 42nd smartest dog breeds, while the Border is the king of dog intelligence – sitting at the number 1 spot.

Where should Australian Shepherds live?

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.

What is the best dog for an apartment?

  • Bichon Frise. One of the most affable, adorable breeds on the planet, the bichon frise is a happy-go-lucky people pleaser who is easily one of the best apartment dogs. …
  • Greyhound. …
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. …
  • Bulldog. …
  • Boston Terrier. …
  • Italian Greyhound. …
  • Basset Hound. …
  • Chihuahua.

Why shouldn’t you get an Australian Shepherd?

How do you tire out an Aussie puppy?

How big will my Aussie get?

Australian Shepherds grow for about 16 months until they reach about

50-65 pounds (males) or 40-45 pounds (females) on average

. A mature Australian Shepherd stands approximately 18-23 inches tall, classifying the breed between medium- to large-size dogs.

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.