Are Australian Shepherds Good Family Dogs? Facts & Considerations
In this article
View 2 More +Australian Shepherds are beautiful dogs, and they’re pretty popular, sitting in the 12th spot on the American Kennel Club’s most popular breed list of 2023. So, you might be wondering which type of family this breed fits in best with. Australian Shepherds are great with children. They’re friendly, playful, and love being around people.
However, if you’re considering getting one, you will need to consider a few things about the Australian Shepherd beforehand. Below, we’ll look into everything you should know about this breed, so you can decide whether the Aussie is the right dog for you.
Australian Shepherds and Their Families
Australian Shepherds are dedicated to their families, which makes them loyal companions to have at your side. Their boundless energy and playful natures are an endless source of fun that kids especially will appreciate. Aussies love to work as well. Whether you’re teaching them new tricks or taking them on hikes, they’ll be happy.
Because Australian Shepherds were originally bred for herding livestock, they can be pushy by nature. You might find them trying to herd your children or other pets, which sounds amusing, but it’s not a behavior you want to encourage.
As long as you take the time to implement basic obedience skills early, the bossy side to their nature should subside. If you socialize your Aussie early, they will get on with other pets.
Are Australian Shepherds Aggressive Around Children?
Australian Shepherds are not naturally aggressive. Generally, they’re kind, and while protective of their families and territories, they will let you know if a stranger approaches. Aussies require daily physical and mental stimulation.
If these requirements aren't met, their pent-up energy can present in undesirable behavior patterns, like their herding tendencies. They’ve been known to nip at their owners’ ankles when attempting to herd them, but if you have the time to meet their daily exercise needs, this shouldn't happen. They need around 2 hours of exercise a day, but the more, the better for this breed.
Talk to a vet as soon as you will run into any behavioral issues you feel you would have a hard time handling. A vet will be able to guide you towards the best approach.
Reasons an Australian Shepherd Wouldn't Be a Good Fit
Just because a particular breed makes a good family dog doesn't mean it will be right for your family. We’ve already mentioned their boundless energy, but you might be wondering if there’s anything else. So, what are the potential deal-breakers for an Australian Shepherd?
Intelligence
The Aussie is a particularly intelligent breed, which is a positive, but it can pose problems. They can be stubborn and resistant, and if they aren't in the mood, they can be challenging to work with. So, if you’re someone who lacks patience or doesn't have the time, this might not be the breed for you.
Size
These dogs might not be ideal if you have a small home and a small yard. Aussies require the space and time to run and explore, and if you don't have a safe environment for them to do that, they can become unhappy.
Instinct
Thanks to their herding background, Aussies naturally chase after smaller animals like cats and squirrels, and they’re known to follow the occasional car. While they’re not an aggressive breed, they could harm another animal or themselves through this behavior. As a result, if you live in the country, you should keep them on a leash if you’re out for a walk.
Final Thoughts
Australian Shepherds make excellent family pets, but it depends on your family. If you are an active family, your Aussie will happily participate in anything you’re doing. As long as you socialize your Australian Shepherd early, it will be okay with other pets.
If you’re thinking of bringing one of these beautiful dogs into your life, make sure you can meet all their needs first. Plenty of space, exercise, mental stimulation, and time with you will keep them happy and healthy.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Julia Suhareva, Shutterstock
GetIn Your Inbox
Want content like this delivered to you?
News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog
Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and wishes her garden was bigger so she could have her very own Highland cow but thinks her dogs probably wouldn’t like that idea very much. She has a La Chon called Harry who was poorly with a liver shunt when he was a puppy. It wasn't likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult to comprehend, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. She also has a Pug called Maddie who is a big foodie. She’s small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to wind her brother up.
When she isn’t writing you can find Kerry-Ann going for long walks when it isn't raining, reading, or watching cartoons when she should be tidying her house. She would one day like to be a tourist in her own country and travel through the Highlands with her family.
