The above traits are expressed very differently at different stages of the dog’s life.
Puppies: When young, these traits are often forceful or not present at all. This is Mother Nature’s way of allowing the dog to explore her environment and learn to accept things.
Herding Behavior
As we’ve mentioned before, Aussies are true herding dogs and often engage in herding behaviors as a result. These behaviors include pushing, chasing, and biting.
As many Australian Shepherd owners can attest, there is virtually nothing an Australian Shepherd won’t herd. Other dogs, children and adults are fair game for an Australian Shepherd to herd in addition to livestock if any are around.
Attention seekers
Australians can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love to be included in almost everything you do, including participating in all family activities. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in with everything that is going on around them.
That being said, and while they love the outdoors, Australians need to live indoors and be connected to people at all times, or as often as possible.
Obviously, the demands of work/life sometimes mean you are away for long periods of time, but you should be around your Aussie as much as possible or he will develop separation anxiety.
History of the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd we know today was developed primarily in the US In fact, this breed has no real connection to Australia. Originating in the Basque region between Spain and France as a working and herding dog, the breed was given the name «Australian Shepherd» because many of the Basque Shepherds came from Australia. Australian Shepherds became more popular in the mid-20th century, a favorite of ranchers and cowboys for their unique herding talents, but they didn’t enter the AKC’s Stud Book until 1991.
Thumbnail: Photo ©chris -mueller | Fake images.
The Australian Shepherd’s hard-working and fun-loving personality
The Australian Shepherd is a bit like your friend who manages to run marathons, get promotions at work, remember important dates, and make time for friends and family . They want to be involved in everything at all times and somehow have the energy to do it all.
Although bred for work, Australians are sociable and prefer the company of their loved ones, whether they are people of all ages (including children), other dogs, or even smaller animals like cats. . if properly socialized from the start. Countless Australian owners tell stories of how their dogs “herd” all kinds of people and animals, even though there is not a farm in sight.