Australian shepard rasied from a a puppy/young dog - any experience?

[Anonymous]

We are currently looking for our "first" dog. We've done a ton of research and one of the breeds (or mutt/breed) that we're seriously considering is the Australian Shepard. Others we're considering are Husky, German Shepard, or Border Collie.

DH & I have never personally owned a dog. We've had cats (still have one), and thing a dog would be a good addition. We have a few criteria that we'd like to meet, and I'd like some input on the "Aussie".


Some background:

1.) DH grew up with Huskies. I never owned a dog, but my next door neighbor trained and fostered K-9 German Shepherds. From grade school until I left for college I was their "go to" for help with training, dog sitting, etc. We definitely understand the concept of a high energy dog that will do best with real training, real exercise, and who will need constant interaction and "things to do"

2.) We still have a cat - he's really laid back, but also has never interacted with a dog

3.) We have a 4 y/o and a 2 y/o. They understand "gentle" with the cat, but can get handsy. We'd need a young dog to be able to train both the dog and the kids on how to interact properly with everyone.

4.) We have a decent sized fenced in back yard with a built in doggie door, so once the dog is trained he/she can go in and out as they like (within reason). I WAH so I can do the walks, potty training, etc. We'd likely crate train, but mostly so that the dog knows that it's got a place that's his/hers alone.

5.) My one friend has a Border Collie who the kids LOVE. He's patient and kind. He also seems to require a LOT more grooming than even a Husky blowing it's coat would. While I think it would be a good breed, at this point he's last on the list. If this dog is just a one-off as far as shedding/matting, please let me know - they're such wonderful animals!!


We're considering the Australian Shepard because it seems to have (in general) all the things we like about working dogs, but they're a bit smaller and maybe a bit mellower, with "regular" shedding & grooming (as opposed to a Husky or Collie). We're about to start actively looking, so I thought I'd check to see if anyone with real life experience of these dogs can offer any definite pros or cons for an Aussie Shepard, with or without comparison to the other breeds I mentioned.

Any/All advice is more than welcome!

[Anonymous]

My brother has three Aussies. The Australian Shepherd is a wonderful dog, but it's not for beginners. It's very high energy and intelligent & it requires training and commitment. I wouldn't recommend it for a first dog, though I love the breed.

[Anonymous]

Exercise and a job. It needs both or else it will go crazy, so be prepared for this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exercise and a job. It needs both or else it will go crazy, so be prepared for this.

+1

A fenced backyard and a few walks a day will not do - this dog needs WORK and lots and lots of exercise.

Not "mellow" in any sense, not even on a comparative basis.

[Anonymous]

The Aussie is not a good dog around children because they keep trying to "herd" them. A friend had two and he had to lock them up before every party because the Aussie's kept trying to herd the party guests and especially bump over the children.

[Anonymous]

Australian Shepherds are great dogs, but insanely high energy. They need a job. And they need tons of exercise. We fostered one for several months. He was wicked smart, but bounced off the walls unless we literally wore him out playing.

German Shepherds are much more laid back. They need a daily walk. They benefit from an outdoor space to run around and play in. Inside, they mostly just lay around. We've been raising and training German Shepherds for many years and have two right now. They are great with kids they know. They are often initially wary around people they don't know. However, if they are well socialized and trained, they should never show aggression (except of course when you need them to). They only shed once a year - for 365 days. Seriously. They are VERY heavy shedders. Most people don't know that about German Shepherds. It will drive you crazy if you don't keep them brushed. We brush ours about every other day and they go to the groomer every six weeks.

If you get a GSD, make sure you are willng to invest the time and energy into training and socializing. They are fantastic dogs- I wouldn't own any other breed. But I've seen too many really sad stories of shepherds who were not properly socialized. They usually end up in high kill shelters.

[Anonymous]

I have Aussies and border collies and grandchildren. It can work, if you want it to, but be aware that an Aussie is not a dog you can ignore: they WILL be amused, somehow, and if they make their own fun you will probably regret it. The first year is the hardest, and given proper training, they'll chill out at about 2---I manage with 2 2-3 mile walks while I'm working, but play time will help as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have Aussies and border collies and grandchildren. It can work, if you want it to, but be aware that an Aussie is not a dog you can ignore: they WILL be amused, somehow, and if they make their own fun you will probably regret it. The first year is the hardest, and given proper training, they'll chill out at about 2---I manage with 2 2-3 mile walks while I'm working, but play time will help as well.

My herding breed recently passed away. We loved that dog who had a low /no prey drive but instinctively herded up and drove out the nuisance wildlife like deer and geese. Breeder suggestions?

[Anonymous]

OP here! Thanks everyone! Sounds like we will have to rethink the breed. So glad we figured it out early in the process!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have Aussies and border collies and grandchildren. It can work, if you want it to, but be aware that an Aussie is not a dog you can ignore: they WILL be amused, somehow, and if they make their own fun you will probably regret it. The first year is the hardest, and given proper training, they'll chill out at about 2---I manage with 2 2-3 mile walks while I'm working, but play time will help as well.

My herding breed recently passed away. We loved that dog who had a low /no prey drive but instinctively herded up and drove out the nuisance wildlife like deer and geese. Breeder suggestions?

Email me fuzzy700 @ gmail.com----

[Anonymous]

Check out blue ridge border collie rescue, Eastern herding dog rescue, or glen hill farms, another bc rescue. ARPH is breed specific Aussies, but tbh a lot of them come from wva and are poorly bred. If you want breeders, email me at the above address and I'll try to help

[Anonymous]

honestly I don't know why people always recommend shelter dogs -- especially to someone who has never had a dog--you're just asking for trouble.

[Anonymous]

No, I'm not recommending a shelter dog. I am recommending 3 specific rescues organisations that I know and have worked with. There's a world of difference---and I apologise, it is glen highlands farm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:honestly I don't know why people always recommend shelter dogs -- especially to someone who has never had a dog--you're just asking for trouble.

Our dog is a rescue (not shelter) dog, who was fostered for a month or so prior to joining our family. She is our first dog and we were complete beginners when we adopted her. She has been easy from day one and is the perfect pet.

Rescue dogs whose temperaments have been observed over time and are known make excellent family pets.

[Anonymous]

Our Aussie Doodle is HIGH-Energy, but as sweet as they come! My DD sits on her rolls her over takes her bone and not a complaint from the dog! BUT...the dog needs to RUN everyday and will counter surf dinner, take the toilet paper, tissues, paper towels adn eats everything in sight - whether it's edible or not!