Australian Shepards?

[Kemosabe]

I have five aussies at the moment…ranging in age from 10 years to 8 months. They are all from the same breeder. None of my dogs are high drive, they are all moderate. I grew up with border collies, so I told the breeder at the outset I didn’t want a high drive Aussie or highly reactive Aussie. A good breeder will know her lines and be able to advise you on what would be the best choice in temperament for you.

I do confirmation and rally, but really my dogs are farm dogs, working with us on the farm. As soon as the dogs come into the house they know it is chill out time and they head to their respective spots including the couch They go on a walkabout with my SO every morning and on the weekends we hike to the pond and then into the preserve which borders the farm.

As with any breed the key is finding the right breeder. And by that I mean someone who isn’t just selling a puppy. A good breeder in my opinion wants to match the puppy with the person…not based on color or whether the dog has blue eyes

[Saskatoonian]

I’ve known several Aussies, including 2 that worked out how to live with people who work full time away from home. One was very successful at it throughout her life (the poorly bred one, frankly) and one who developed anxiety that worsened over time (that would be the carefully bred one). I also know one who spends her days with someone who works at the barn. They’re all lovely but you couldn’t pay me to have one (I don’t do herding or super intense dogs). However, not sure they’re really quiet - especially when playing (or when other dogs are playing) - they’re all really vocal.

If you’re branching out, what about a bearded collie? I’ve only known a couple but what fun, fun dogs, on top of being flat out adorable. Neither was a barker; both definitely had herding instincts but not as sharp as the Aussies.

Happy searching - just did it myself and it was so much fun.

[iberianfan]

I am on my 3rd Aussie and he turns 11 in April. Smartest dogs ever. My first Aussie was supposed to grow up with my daughter, but, even as a pup, did not like children. So she became my dog and the love of my life. Never had problems with too much energy and went everywhere with me when I was home. 2nd Aussie was of questionable heritage and could be aggressive. Didn’t like men at all. My current boy has been pretty laid back from the get go. Never chewed up anything. Sticks like glue, and, yes, you have to like sharing the bathroom. Excellent off leash, good recall, a little aloof with strangers, but I live alone, so he doesn’t meet lots of folks.
I love these dogs. The shedding gets to be a little much. But, I agree that not all are hyper.

[CHT]

We have an Aussie. He rescued himself from being locked in a garage close to 24/7, and was probably about 5 when he moved in. He is a very kind dog. Loves to patrol the property and guard to barn, but also happy to hang with us in the house. Zero herding instinct. I was told the more white they have, the less “working”: our dog has a lot of white. I don’t find shedding an issue, but he does need a “sanitary” clip from time to time, and I brush him seasonally to remove the undercoat.

[She_s_Pure_Gold]

Thanks for more feedback. Does anyone have any experience with Shelties? That’s another breed I’m looking into. I have a feeling I will be reaching out to multiple breeders and breeds to talk with them about their dogs/breed and meet their dogs as the time gets closer and then make a decision.

Another Q- would getting 2 dogss (not necessarily at the same time) be ‘double the pleasure’ or ‘double trouble’? I could see it going either way. 2 would mean they would have company, and will run/around and play together to help get energy out, but then that’s 2 smart brains to keep busy and exercised, plus double the costs…

[vxf111]

Shelties, also super smart and loud. Very much collies in a smaller package but often drivey-er. That being said, the ability to pick up a loud drivey thing does make its loud drivey-ness a little different than if you can’t. I love them. I prefer a larger package overall, but everything I love about collies is true and then some about shelties.

[vxf111]

If you want a smidge smaller than an aussi, mini american shepherd? I’ve known 2 who did agility. They were a lot “less dog” than the shelties.

[Bluey]

Shelties bark and bark and bark and bark and …

We had two and trained them not to, but you have to be on top of the barking.
Plenty just will never learn not to bark.
All but one other I know of are over the top shrill barkers.

Years ago, going by the conformation benches with shelties, practically all were debarked and even then they were trying to bark and bark and bark and bark and …

We have some awesome shelties in obedience and agility, but ask their owners about their bark and bark and bark and bark and …

I have seen several nice miniature aussies.
Their puppies are for sale all over horse shows and rodeo/playday and on Craiglist.

Just be careful to get a real mini, not a first cross with some toy dog, that will be of unknown size and looks when grown.
Some here cross standard sized aussies with pomeranians and sell odd looking, round headed “mini aussies”.
Or someone selling standard sized ones as minis, because they sell so well.

[vxf111]

If you want an AKC dog, they call it a Miniature American Shepard. I’m not sure why but they do. There’s no miniature version of an Australian Shepard recognized.

[She_s_Pure_Gold]

I actually prefer a bigger dog, so I’m not interested in a mini Aussie. I was thinking the Sheltie as a second dog (DH would prefer a smaller sized 2nd dog). But yes, I have been reading about the barking… A friend of mine has a couple Shelties (and, mentioned the barking lol) and does agility with them and invited me to go with her to a show to see hers and the other dogs there, so that might be a good opportunity to see some of these breeds in person and maybe talk to a few owners and get a better idea about fit.

[Bluey]

@She's Pure Gold

I actually prefer a bigger dog, so I’m not interested in a mini Aussie. I was thinking the Sheltie as a second dog (DH would prefer a smaller sized 2nd dog). But yes, I have been reading about the barking… A friend of mine has a couple Shelties (and, mentioned the barking lol) and does agility with them and invited me to go with her to a show to see hers and the other dogs there, so that might be a good opportunity to see some of these breeds in person and maybe talk to a few owners and get a better idea about fit.

Aussies really come in bigger and smaller.
You may find a smaller one that is almost the size of the miniature ones from a long time breeder that knows their stock.

Going to see all kinds of dogs at some shows would be the best way to get to see what is out there and what you really like, once you see them in person.