Know about Australian shepherds?
I really want one as a pet, and was wondering if they make good loving companions, have no major health concerns, and what the difference between a girl and boy puppy is. Thanks. I've researched them a bit on the internet, but would love to hear from someone who knows firsthand about these dogs. Any advice?
Australian Shepherds are great dogs ! They are great companions & very intelligent. I have housebroken one Aussie female within 2 weeks. They fit in nicely if you have a active lifestyle. Australian Shepherds must have a job to do, or they can become destructive. They require lots of excercise. They are wonderful with children, my Aussie plays frisbee daily with them. Some of the major health concerns are deafness, blindness, hip & elbow displysia. So make sure you buy from a breeder that does gentic testing , ex. CERF/OFA. As far as male or female, it doesn't matter they both are wonderful pets as long as they are spayed /neutered.
I like Australian Shepards I think they are beautiful… My friend's family owns one and he is very, VERY territorial, he won't let people out of their cars when they pull up. I think they are loyal but you must train them properly!!! (They like many working dogs have alot of energy) Good luck!
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My brother has an Australian Sheppard that is about 3 yrs old now. I heard that when it was a puppy it got into a bunch of stuff. My brother trained it really well and now it does everything you wanted it too. I was looking at that same dog when i got one cuz I heard so many good things about it. Besides normal puppy actions, it sounds like it is a great dog to have
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I have two Australian Shepherds. One is a miniature. They are extremely loving loyal. They love to play and swim but are not rambunctious. They are smart and pretty too. My miniature is laying here looking at me with one eye open, wondering when we are going to bed. I only have females, but my niece has a male minature and he is just as good natured as the girls. I absolutely love mine!
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Australian shepherds are great, GREAT dogs… One of my best friends has had one for years.. and she has 3 young boys [they do well w. kids, too!]
They are EXTREMELY SMART animals, too and learn quickly.. : )
There are plenty of adult Australian Shepherds who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential — what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
Two good sites:
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/australianshepherds.html
http://faqs.org/faqs/dogs-faq/breeds/austshepherds/
: )
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My roomate has two and they are awesome dogs. One loves to heard she is 12 and healthy and the other 2 yrs old loves to play ball and Frisbee. Very loyal and loving and obey. They are both girls. The only thing about boy dogs is they lift there leg to piss on everything and you have a lipstick popping out when rubbing the belly. Girls you don't have to worry about anything as long as you get them fixed.
A great dog if you are looking to get one.
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I have been a groomer, vet. tech and pet sitter for 10 years. I pet sit for this guy who has 3 Aussies. They are wonderful and I LOVE grooming them. I almost got one, myself before ending up with a Boxer. But it was a tough choice. They are SMART, beautiful and LOVING. You really can't go wrong with an Aussie. You should totally get one. Try not to go to a breeder because they cost so much and they don't live as long. Try to find an Aussie rescue group in your area and see what they say. Even an Aussie mix is good too. Good luck. Who knows. I may get an Aussie someday. I have had ALL good experiences with Aussies. I'm telling you. They are wonderful in every way. I hope you get one!!! Oh… as far as companionship, they are VERY loving and calm. Not so hyper like other breeds. They are loyal and they love being with their owner.
HOWEVER, please try and keep up with their grooming. They are not high maintenance, but they will need to see a groomer at least once every two months so their hair does not become matted and to prevent shedding. I usually end up shaving SOME of them because the owner has let it go for so long or they think it's just too hot for the dog. Aussies definitely need to be groomed maybe 4 times a year, depending on what state you live in.
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Groomer, Veterinary Tech. and Pet Nanny- 10 years…Atlanta, GA.
Australian Shepherds are great dogs ! They are great companions & very intelligent. I have housebroken one Aussie female within 2 weeks. They fit in nicely if you have a active lifestyle. Australian Shepherds must have a job to do, or they can become destructive. They require lots of excercise. They are wonderful with children, my Aussie plays frisbee daily with them. Some of the major health concerns are deafness, blindness, hip & elbow displysia. So make sure you buy from a breeder that does gentic testing , ex. CERF/OFA. As far as male or female, it doesn't matter they both are wonderful pets as long as they are spayed /neutered.
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breeder, I have owned Australian Shepherds for 20+ years
I recently got an Aussie Shep for the family, she is a great Pup named Raider Girl.. When this particicular breed establishes who her master is, then she protects that one person till no end.. I was given one for free so the price great, but the main reason I decided on a big dog was there amount of energy. She goes on my 5 mile walks with me 3xs a week & also short ones in between. They also still have that herding instinct, example: When my 3 yr old decided to walk off (It was a test), Raider girl stopped in her tracks, ran straight toward the baby and got right in front of her & even nudged her to return to me.. It was fantastic. They need a lot of room because they are large dogs, I have a very small yard, but our walks is whats keeping her busy.. A lot of family interaction is a must because when they get lonely or bored, they tend to chew things up, just as with any growing puppy. The breed has to be assigned a job.. Because they are working dogs..Our Raider girl's job is to ly across the back door to protect it – And I will tell you this she takes her job really serious (she even keeps the kids from going into the backyard without an adult) – They teeth pretty good, so I would get a lot of toys that will help with that – By the way these dogs love water.. Our Raider girl surprised us this summer by jumping into the (DoughBoy 5 1/2 high) pool.. We were shocked and once in she swam her little heart out (it's pretty hot here in the summer 110 degrees) So if you love to swim, so will your dog.. I think you will love this breed because I never had a dog this loyal to me.. It sometimes irks my hubby because the dog is always following just me & when he attempts to walk her she sits her bottom down & will not walk with him unless I am in front so she can follow – I explained to him that since I am the only one taking her on her 5 mile walks, she has already established that I'm in charge.. It's actually quite funny – I hope you have a lot of patience & a good amount of quality time to give this dog, because it is worth it – The more time spent with this particular breed (and I've had many) pays off huge. I wish you good luck with your decision…
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