Are Australian Shepherds Good Family Dogs? Pros and Cons

Are Australian Shepherds Good Family Dogs? The Australian Shepherd is a highly popular herding dog breed that has become more common in family homes over the past few decades. Their attractive merle coats, intelligence, loyalty, and energetic nature make them appealing companions. However, their working dog roots also mean Aussies have some unique traits and requirements that owners need to be prepared for. So are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? Let’s take a closer look at the key pros and potential cons of having an Australian Shepherd as part of your family.

The Origins of Australian Shepherds

To understand the Australian Shepherd’s suitability as a family pet, it helps to first look at where they come from. Australian Shepherds originated in the western parts of the United States in the 1800s, where they were bred and utilized as herding dogs on ranches and farms. Their ancestors likely included various collie breeds from Australia and Europe that were brought over by immigrants. The name “Australian Shepherd” is a bit misleading, as the breed was truly developed in America.

On ranches and farms, Australian Shepherds worked long hours herding sheep and cattle. Their intelligence, energy, agility and work ethic made them highly valued by shepherds and ranchers. While they initially lived outdoors and worked full-time, a growing number of Australian Shepherds gradually transitioned to being family companions while still maintaining their strong herding instincts.

Australian Shepherd Personality Traits

When assessing the Australian Shepherd’s suitability as a family pet, the first thing to look at is temperament. Australian Shepherds have some key personality traits deeply ingrained in them through their breeding as herding dogs:

High Intelligence – Australian Shepherds are exceptionally smart, ranking among the most intelligent breeds. They have superb instinctive thinking skills and can easily pick up on new commands and tricks. Their intelligence enables them to be versatile working, sport and family dogs.
Energetic Nature – With their background as active ranch dogs, Aussies have an innate high energy level and stamina. They are always ready for action and get bored easily without adequate daily exercise and stimulation. A sedentary lifestyle does not suit this breed well.
Loyalty – Australian Shepherds form extremely devoted bonds with their owners. They aim to constantly be by their person’s side. Their loyalty also makes them excellent watchdogs who will bark to alert their family of anything unusual.
Trainability – The Australian Shepherd’s intelligence and eagerness to please makes them highly responsive to training. They thrive when given a job to do. With positive reinforcement, Aussies pick up on commands, tricks, and behaviors quickly.
Protectiveness – Australian Shepherds tend to be cautious around strangers and wary of unknown situations or threats. Their protective nature makes them devoted guardians of their family members, home and property.
Herding Instinct – While not quite as intense as some herding breeds, Australian Shepherds do have a strong inborn herding instinct. They may try to “herd” family members, children or other pets by nipping heels or circling around them.

So in terms of core temperament, the Australian Shepherd’s intelligence, loyalty, trainability and protectiveness make them well-suited to be devoted family companions. However, potential owners do need to be prepared for and properly manage their energetic nature and herding tendencies.

Are Australian Shepherds Good With Children?

A major factor determining if an Australian Shepherd will thrive as a family dog is their behavior around children. Australian Shepherds can make wonderful pets for families with kids, but special consideration needs to be taken regarding their herding instincts, high energy, and need for structure.

On the positive side, Australian Shepherds bond very closely with children in their family and become quite protective of them. They are usually very gentle, patient and affectionate with kids. With proper socialization, supervision and training, Aussies and children generally do very well together.

However, their herding background means Australian Shepherds may have the tendency to “herd” children by circling, bumping or nipping. Children running and shouting can also trigger an Aussie’s chase instincts. While Australian Shepherds should never be aggressive towards children, accidents can happen if they mistake little ones for livestock.

To prevent herding behavior, experts recommend early and ongoing training, providing plenty of approved outlets for their energy, and always supervising play. Taking steps to manage their herding instincts allows Aussies and children to safely enjoy each other’s company. Socialization from puppy-hood is also important for Aussies to be comfortable around children.

The high-energy nature of Australian Shepherds is another consideration around children. Aussies require significant daily exercise and mental stimulation, which kids under 10 may not be able to fully provide. Bored Australian Shepherds can become destructive or hyperactive. Families need time to give their Australian Shepherd adequate activity and training.

Overall, Australian Shepherds and children can get along very well with proper management. Families should be prepared to provide thorough training, exercise outlets, supervision of play, and management of their herding tendencies. Starting with an Australian Shepherd puppy and early socialization gives the best chance for success.

Suitability for Busy Families

Many prospective owners wonder if the energetic Australian Shepherd will fit into a busy family lifestyle. Their high exercise needs, tendency to herd, and intelligence does mean they are better suited for families who have more time to devote to training, stimulating, and interacting with them each day.

Australian Shepherds generally need 60-90 minutes of activity per day. They thrive when given jobs or sports to participate in like agility, frisbee, hiking, or training classes. Without adequate exercise, Aussies become restless and may develop undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, digging and chewing. They do not do well if left alone for 8-10 hours while family members are at work or school.

Mental exercise is also crucial for this highly intelligent breed. They require training, interactive toys, and activities to keep their minds engaged. If not sufficiently challenged, Australian Shepherds become bored and destructive.

While incredibly devoted to their owners, Australian Shepherds are not the type of dog to simply lounge around the house. They crave interaction, training and spending as much time as possible with their people. Aussies are not a good match for families who want an independent dog requiring minimal attention.

Australian Shepherds do best in active families who have plenty of time to exercise, play with, and train them each day. They are better suited for suburban or rural environments rather than apartments. Aussies need owners fully committed to providing them with adequate outlets for their energy and intelligence.

Australian Shepherd Exercise Needs

Any family considering an Australian Shepherd needs to take their high exercise requirements quite seriously. Australian Shepherds were born to be active – it’s in their blood as herding dogs. Adequate exercise is critical for an Aussie’s health and behavior.

On average, Australian Shepherds need 60-90 minutes of exercise per day. Puppies and adolescent Aussies (up to 2 years old) should err on the lower end of that range to avoid overexerting their developing joints. Adult Australian Shepherds can handle the higher end of exercise duration.

Ideally, Australian Shepherds should get exercise that allows running in open spaces. Activities like playing frisbee, hiking, running alongside a bike, agility and herding workouts are best suited to their energy level. Regular leashed walks are also important for potty breaks and companionship, but usually don’t tire out an energetic Aussie on their own.

Backyard playtime can supplement an Australian Shepherd’s exercise needs, but does not replace the need for structured activity. Interactive play that gets their minds and bodies working is best. Aussies who are under-exercised may resort to running laps around a yard or barking out of boredom.

Mental exercise is also key for keeping an Australian Shepherd stimulated and content when indoors. Food puzzle toys, training sessions, learning new commands or tricks, and interactive play can all provide cognitive tiring.

Without sufficient activity, Australian Shepherds are prone to developing problem behaviors like excessive barking, digging, chewing, hyperactivity and aggression. An Aussie with pent-up energy can easily wreak havoc in a family home. Satisfying their high exercise needs is essential.

Size, Lifespan and Care Requirements

In addition to exercise needs, general size, lifespan and care requirements are important considerations for Australian Shepherds as family dogs.

The average Australian Shepherd stands 18-23 inches at the shoulder and weighs 35-65 pounds. Males tend to reach the higher ends of the height and weight ranges, while females are on the smaller side. Overall, Aussies are medium-sized dogs.

Australian Shepherds are quite hardy, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Maintaining a lean, athletic weight, providing adequate exercise, and prompt veterinary care can extend their lifespan.

Grooming needs are moderate for this breed. Australian Shepherds have a thick double coat that requires weekly brushing to remove dead hair and minimize shedding. Most Aussies do well with bathing every 2-3 months. Their fur does not require trimming, but nails should be clipped regularly.

Australian Shepherds are moderate to high shedders, especially during spring and fall shedding seasons. Their long fur means regular vacuuming is a must for families with an Aussie indoors. Some owners opt to keep their Australian Shepherd primarily outdoors to manage shedding inside the home.

Overall health is generally quite good in Australian Shepherds from reputable breeders. There are relatively few serious genetic issues. Common conditions to be aware of include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems like coloboma and cataracts, autoimmune diseases, deafness, and epilepsy.

In terms of general care requirements, the Australian Shepherd is quite manageable for most families. Their exercise needs are higher, but size, grooming and health risks are reasonable. Aussies live happily in both rural and suburban homes.

Training Tips for Australian Shepherds

Proper training is extremely important for an Australian Shepherd to thrive as a family dog. Their intelligence gives them outstanding potential – but they need guidance and structure from an early age.

Australian Shepherd puppies are exuberant, mouthy and love to nip heels and ankles as they try to herd. Training bite inhibition and impulse control should start right away. Rewarding polite behaviors and redirecting unwanted herding is key.

Early socialization is also essential. Safely exposing an Australian Shepherd puppy to new people, children, other animals, vehicles, noises and environments helps prevent over-reactivity and aggression as an adult. Attending puppy socialization classes is highly beneficial.

Obedience training and mastering basic cues gives an Australian Shepherd important mental stimulation. Trick training is another excellent activity for their smart minds. Positive reinforcement, patience and consistency are key to training this sensitive breed.

Australian Shepherds excel at canine sports like agility, frisbee and treibball. Activities like these are great for bonding with owners and burning physical and mental energy. Many Aussies enjoy having a structured “job” to do.

Providing an Australian Shepherd with adequate outlets for their energy goes hand-in-hand with training. Well-exercised Aussies are better able to focus and less likely to get restless. Training sessions can even incorporate play breaks to meet their exercise needs.

Investing plenty of time into training and socialization pays off tremendously with Australian Shepherds in family homes. Their intelligence allows Aussies to master impressive skills – they just need guidance tapping into their potential. A well-trained Australian Shepherd is a delight.

Australian Shepherd Health and Care

In terms of overall health, Australian Shepherds are typically a robust breed with relatively few major issues. Reputable breeders actively work to minimize inherited conditions through health screening. Still, there are a few health risks new owners should be aware of:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Malformed hip and elbow joints are common in larger breeds. Keeping an Australian Shepherd lean and avoiding excessive exercise while young helps lower risks. OFA hip/elbow screening of breeding dogs also reduces cases.
Eye Defects – Several eye conditions affect Australian Shepherds, including coloboma, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Canine eye exams every 1-2 years help detect issues early. Some eye issues may eventually cause blindness.
Autoimmune Diseases – Aussies are prone to autoimmune conditions like hypothyroidism and Lupus. Symptoms are usually manageable with medication if caught early through routine vet exams and bloodwork.
Deafness – Congenital deafness occurs in some Aussie puppies, often associated with the piebald gene. BAER testing of parents before breeding helps avoid deaf pups. Deaf dogs can still make wonderful pets.
Epilepsy – Seizures stemming from idiopathic epilepsy affect a small percentage of Australian Shepherds, usually starting between ages 1-5 years. Medication can help control symptoms. Most epileptic Aussies still live happily.

Overall, Australian Shepherds are not prone to many serious health issues. Buying from health-tested parents and providing good preventive vet care helps minimize risks. Their average lifespan is a hearty 12-15 years.

In terms of general care, Australian Shepherds do shed seasonally and require regular brushing. Most are not excessive barkers but they will vocalize to alert their families. Dental care is important to avoid periodontal disease. And of course, supplying adequate exercise is essential.

An Australian Shepherd that receives appropriate stimulation, training, and healthcare has excellent potential to remain healthy and happy well into their senior years. They thrive with good care.

Finding an Australian Shepherd Puppy

For families ready to add an Australian Shepherd puppy, finding a responsible breeder is key. Here are some important factors to look for:

Health testing on parent dogs for conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune diseases
A focus on health and temperament over appearance
Puppies raised around people and other animals for healthy socialization
Parents who exhibit good herding ability and intelligence
Breeders who ask new owners lots of questions to ensure suitability
Registration with a club like the Australian Shepherd Club of America

Avoid pet stores, backyard breeders with no involvement in showing/sports, or breeders who allow early puppy pickup before 8-10 weeks old. Be prepared to wait – quality breeders often have waiting lists.

Raising an Australian Shepherd puppy properly lays the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog. Signing up for training classes, socializing extensively, and providing structure will get an Aussie puppy off to a great start as a family companion.

Adopting an Australian Shepherd

There are many adult and senior Australian Shepherds waiting for homes in shelters and breed rescues across the country. This can be a very rewarding way to offer an Aussie in need a second chance.

Rescues allow potential adopters to meet the dog first to better gauge their temperament and needs. Shelters can provide less background, but make sure to ask plenty of questions. Adopted Australian Shepherds may need training and behavior management.

Going through rescues like Aussie Rescue or adopting from breed-specific shelters are good options to find available Australian Shepherds. Petfinder is also a great website listing adoptable Aussies nationwide.

Australian Shepherd Family Dogs Frequently Asked Questions

Are male or female Australian Shepherds better for families?

In most cases, gender does not affect suitability as a family dog. Both male and female Aussies make very devoted companions. Females can be slightly more independent, while males are often more affectionate and playful.

How much space do Australian Shepherds need?

A home with a securely fenced yard is ideal for Australian Shepherds to play and run. However, Aussies can adapt to apartments if given adequate daily walks, playtime, and activities. Easy access to parks is recommended.

Do Australian Shepherds get along with other pets?

With early socialization and when raised alongside other pets, Australian Shepherds generally co-exist very well with them. Their herding background means they may try to “herd” other animals at first, but training helps stop unwanted chasing or nipping.

Can I have an Australian Shepherd in a hot climate?

With access to shade, water and climate-controlled spaces, Australian Shepherds can manage in hot climates. Avoid prolonged exercise in extreme heat. Their thick coat does make Aussies more heat tolerant than some double-coated breeds.

Are Australian Shepherds aggressive?

Properly bred, socialized and trained Australian Shepherds show little to no aggression. They can be reserved with strangers but are affectionate with their own families, including children. Correcting any attempts to herd or nip as puppies is important.

The Verdict: Ideal Owners for this Energetic, Devoted Dog

Australian Shepherds make devoted, loving family dogs – but do have exercise and training needs best suited for active owners. They require a substantial time commitment to fulfill their physical and mental stimulation requirements. For families able to provide adequate exercise, training, and outlets for their energy, Australian Shepherds have become wonderful canine companions.

Their herding breed qualities mean Aussies are not ideal for families wanting a completely docile dog. But for an attentive family able to channel their intelligence and energetic nature with training, sports or jobs to do, the Australian Shepherd’s loyal, bright temperament shines through. They have so much heart and ability when placed in the right home environment. We hope you now have your answer to the question “Are Australian Shepherds Good Family Dogs?”