Introducing Children To Pet Care

Shepherds and collies can be such beautiful dogs. They can also be a lot of work, and you may find that they need a lot more room than your present abode. Out of all of the shepherd and collie breeds, it may be easiest to own and play with an Australian shepherd. These dogs are smaller than their American shepherd and collie cousins, making them more ideal for smaller homes and apartment living. However, you should set your expectations about Australian shepherd puppies prior to even looking at the breed and buying a puppy for ownership. 

High-Energy Dogs

Shepherds and collies have consistently been bred to chase cattle and other livestock into a pen. When they are not fulfilling their original purpose, they can get bored and destructive. They are high-energy dogs that need high-energy companions, so if you are a couch potato, do not go outdoors much, or do not have children that can run around and play in a fenced-in yard with the dog, an Australian shepherd is not the dog for you. On the flipside, if you have children, spend a lot of time outdoors, and enjoy jogging, running, hiking, camping, and similar activities, then an Australian shepherd will fit right in with your family. They are also good hunting dogs, and they love to flush prey out of hiding (e.g. ducks, pheasants, turkeys, etc.).

Very Easy to Train

Australian shepherds only aim to please their masters. They would walk on water if you expected it of them! More seriously, they learn everything you want to teach them very quickly, including potty training and the typical dog tricks like shaking paws and playing dead. Only a handful of other breeds are this easy to train. 

You Rarely Have to Bathe or Brush Them

Unlike their long-furred cousins, American shepherds and the various collie breeds, Australian shepherds require little grooming. They are not as shaggy or have as thick a fur coat as most similar dogs. They do not need to bathe quite as often, and you only have to worry about brushing them during shedding season (late winter/early spring). If you take them camping and on long hikes, you may have to check them frequently for ticks. However, if you do not sleep curled up next to your dog and you feed your dog an anti-tick medication monthly, ticks and fleas will not be a problem either.