When Harley was a puppy and had chewed her squeaky ball to a frazzle, I put it in the bathroom sink to temporarily get it out of sight before I could throw it away. I didn't want any of the loosened rubber to get lodged down her throat. I heard a scrambling noise behind me and lo and behold, Harley had managed to scramble up the side of the bathroom cabinets and was joyfully standing in the sink, retrieving her ball!
Right then and there I knew, this is no ordinary breed of dog! We have no herd of sheep for them to corral, and we only have an oversized, fenced backyard for them to play and romp in, but lots of play at dog parks and long walks in the woods have been a necessity to keep these Aussies happy. Australian shepherds are fantastic dogs for agility training also. The fast-paced runs are perfect for their athleticism.
All in all, I've found them to be energetic, super smart, playful, good with children and one aspect that I really appreciate is that they are a breed that doesn't roam. As far as training, they are so smart, that it doesn't take long for them to catch on to what I am trying to help them understand. The slant I use for training is a gentle, positive approach. With repetition, they are quick to catch on.
For an example, if Jesse rolls in something nasty during our walks, or gets totally muddy playing in the small child's boat we keep full of water in the summer, all I have to do is ask him to jump in the tub, and show him what I mean, and he knows to go straight into the house and jump into the bathtub for a quick wash. My previous dogs were a yellow lab and a German shepherd, and I'd never experienced a dog who could just jump in the tub so effortlessly as Jesse can.
In closing, what I'd like to stress to anyone considering this breed is that they need lots of exercise (not necessarily strenuous), interesting things to do, and to stay close to their family. They are happiest in continual contact with their 'flock' which includes their human family. They want to make sure everyone in the family gets along, too. Harley especially will emit a low growl if she thinks play is too rough (between other dogs or people). She is an expert at breaking up dogs who are too rambunctious with each other if she feels one of them is being bullied or picked on.
All in all, I would highly recommend this breed to the right family. They would not be suitable for a small apartment, but rather need space and an active family to let their personalities and their boundless energy shine through.
Breed group: Herding
Weight: male: 50-65; female: 40-55 lbs
Height: male: 20-23; female: 18-21 inches
Overview
The Australian Shepherd has its origin in North America were it was developed during the nineteenth century. It is not entirely sure where the "Australian" came from. The English Shepherd, Dorset Blue Shag, Cumberland Sheepdog, Scottish Collie, Glenwherry Collie, Bouvier des Flandres, and the Welsh Sheepdog were all breeds that were used to develop the Australian Shepherd. Most of the dogs that used to develop this breed came from Great Britain and Scotland. After the Second World Ward these dogs were often used in Western movies, in rodeos and on television shows. They also became very popular companions on farms and ranches.
Temperament
Anatolian Shepherds are extremely loyal dogs that are also used as guard dogs. This breed is extremely intelligent, and also very easy to train. They will also pick up new skills very quickly, and are not ideal for people with no previous dog ownership experience. Owners of these dogs should be natural leaders that will dominate so that the dog can learn appropriate behaviours. The Anatolian Shepherd is also a very courageous, calm and watchful dog - self-assured, but not aggressive. They can however be a bit wary of strangers. You will find these dogs to be very loving toward their families, but people they don't know should be gradually introduced to them. In general these dogs will get along well with everyone, unless there is a reason for them to be suspicious of someone. This breed can however be tough on itself, and somewhat stubborn.
Care
Australian Shepherds are average to heavy shedding dogs, and will not be well suited to those suffering from allergies. This breed should be brushed on a weekly basis with a firm hair brush, and a thorough brushing is suggested every 6-8 weeks. It is also advised that these dogs are brushed just before they are bathed to prevent further matting. After these dogs are bathed, they should be blow dried until they are completely dry. If their coats are left damp, skin problems might be created.
Training
It is advised that training for these dogs begin at a very early age. Motivational training methods should be used on a consistent basis. These dogs will also do best in a loving, safe and fair training environment. This breed is very patient toward their owners, and very loyal toward their families. Australian Shepherd is natural protectors and will not need extra protection training. These dogs should get obedience training at a very young age as they will follow what they have learned early on in their lives. The Australian Shepherd should also be socialised as they tend to mature fairly slowly.
Health problems
Some of the major health concerns this breed has trouble with includes Cataracts, Collie Eye Anomaly, autoimmune disorders and hip dysplasia. These dogs are also at risk for some genetic eye defects such as ocular coloboma, iris coloboma, juvenile and senior cataracts and a detached retina. The Australian Shepherd is also very sensitive to ivermectin which is used in used in heartworm medicines.