What kind of Personality do Aussies have?
Australian Shepherds were bred to be an aid to Shepherds in the fields. This required a dog that was loyal, obedient, smart, energetic, and well tempered. These attributes have still proven themselves golden in the breed today.
Australian Shepherds are ranked among the most popular dog breeds, because of the fantastic qualities they have as a companion dog.
Australian Shepherds are ranked among the most popular dog breeds, because of the fantastic qualities they have as a companion dog.
Why are Aussies Tails docked?
There is actually a reason behind the 'no tail' dog. Aside from the Aussies genetic possibility of having a natural bob, or partial tail, Aussies tails are docked to keep them from coming to physical harm while working the livestock. Docking avoids the tail getting stepped on, bitten (yes, bitten), caught in a closing gate, etc. This is why AKC and ASCA have kept the standard as a docked tail for Aussies.
There is the question that other herding type dogs keep their tails and they are fine, so why Aussies? Well, from what I've come to find, different breeds have different herding styles, which puts them in less positions for tail injury. For instance, Border Collies will tuck their tails while herding which helps avoid being stepped on. Aussies on the other hand hold their tails high, or low when herding, which causes more room for injury.
Bottom line is, it's a safety thing.
There is the question that other herding type dogs keep their tails and they are fine, so why Aussies? Well, from what I've come to find, different breeds have different herding styles, which puts them in less positions for tail injury. For instance, Border Collies will tuck their tails while herding which helps avoid being stepped on. Aussies on the other hand hold their tails high, or low when herding, which causes more room for injury.
Bottom line is, it's a safety thing.
Why are Aussies called "Velcro Dogs"?
Because they stick by your side!
That sounds like a laffy taffy joke, but it's true. Aussies are people-person dogs and they love being around their owners and family. This also means, they love being involved in what you're involved in.
My dog Sedona, for instance, will rest his head on my laptop keyboard when I'm trying to work, or squeeze in anywhere so he can lovingly stare at me (see picture above).
Because of the way they were bred, they are constantly looking to you for cues and direction, so they are good at sticking by your side when traveling or walking.
They live for your love and companionship, and this is one of the endearing traits that makes them such a popular breed.
That sounds like a laffy taffy joke, but it's true. Aussies are people-person dogs and they love being around their owners and family. This also means, they love being involved in what you're involved in.
My dog Sedona, for instance, will rest his head on my laptop keyboard when I'm trying to work, or squeeze in anywhere so he can lovingly stare at me (see picture above).
Because of the way they were bred, they are constantly looking to you for cues and direction, so they are good at sticking by your side when traveling or walking.
They live for your love and companionship, and this is one of the endearing traits that makes them such a popular breed.
Are Aussies good with Kids?
Yes! Aussies can be fantastic kid-friendly dogs. They have the disposition to be people-person dogs and they seem to be naturals when it comes to treating kids with gentle respect. A well bred, well trained Aussie can be the dream dog of a friend to your child.
Will NK Ranch puppies be around Children?
Yes! All of our Aussie pups at NK Ranch will be properly introduced to, and play with children for the period of time they are raised in our home. We also work on desensitizing the puppy to being picked up, and getting used to touch (playing with ears, paws, muzzle, etc.)
Are Aussies protective?
Aussies are natural protectors of their flock and, though more alert dogs than attack dogs, they protect their territory through a very assertive bark.
How Energetic are Aussies?
They are not your typical lap dog, and they do require time and attention. However, they are still fantastic indoor dogs and they have a good sense of self-control when it comes to being calm and relaxed in lower energy settings. Each Aussie has different energy levels, some more than others, but the breeder can help you find a puppy with the energy level that's right for your family.
As an owner, you set the terms for your Aussie. They are only as good as the training you give them. I'm a busy working mom, and I can tell you they train easy, they've been great indoors, and have been very gentle with my kids from puppyhood. We've just been consistent with boundaries starting from the time they come home, and they've been fantastic.
"The more work you put in, the greater the reward."
As an owner, you set the terms for your Aussie. They are only as good as the training you give them. I'm a busy working mom, and I can tell you they train easy, they've been great indoors, and have been very gentle with my kids from puppyhood. We've just been consistent with boundaries starting from the time they come home, and they've been fantastic.
"The more work you put in, the greater the reward."
What are NK Ranch's dogs like when it comes to energy levels?
We've selected our dogs from genetic lines of medium-high level energy Aussies. Our dogs come from show line dogs, rather than herding line dogs, giving them a "family lifestyle" background. They are the perfect balance of a fun outdoor dog, and relaxed indoor family dog. Because personalities and energy levels follow genetics, our puppies will have similar traits and energy levels as their parents.
From Personal Experience:
Australian Shepherds have exceeded my expectations in what I would call "my kind of dog". When we started looking for dogs, I wanted a breed that was,
1-Smart: because we love training and working with dogs, it's a passion that gives us a deeper relationship with our animals, and we wanted a dog that is willing to work as hard for us as we are for them.
2-Loyal: We needed a dog we could trust to come when called off leash, because we are constantly outdoors. We also have kids and we want to know they are safe with our dogs.
3- Energetic: We live an active lifestyle, and we wanted a dog that really wants to enjoy that lifestyle as well.
4-Loving: We loooove puppy snuggles (but who doesn't!) We really wanted a dog that could also relax with us at home and have a sweet disposition when it came to being around our children. and
5-Driven: We wanted a dog with soul, a dog with an instinctive drive to be good, and a breed that wanted to be part of the family.
That list seems like the perfect "unicorn" dog that everyone wants, but doesn't actually exist. But, I'm here to tell you that dog does exist! And I've got two of them!
Really, everything we wanted in a dog has been on point with our Aussies and we couldn't have asked for a better mix of personality traits. Australian Shepherds had everything we were looking for and more, and I can't say enough about how much we truly love this breed.
1-Smart: because we love training and working with dogs, it's a passion that gives us a deeper relationship with our animals, and we wanted a dog that is willing to work as hard for us as we are for them.
2-Loyal: We needed a dog we could trust to come when called off leash, because we are constantly outdoors. We also have kids and we want to know they are safe with our dogs.
3- Energetic: We live an active lifestyle, and we wanted a dog that really wants to enjoy that lifestyle as well.
4-Loving: We loooove puppy snuggles (but who doesn't!) We really wanted a dog that could also relax with us at home and have a sweet disposition when it came to being around our children. and
5-Driven: We wanted a dog with soul, a dog with an instinctive drive to be good, and a breed that wanted to be part of the family.
That list seems like the perfect "unicorn" dog that everyone wants, but doesn't actually exist. But, I'm here to tell you that dog does exist! And I've got two of them!
Really, everything we wanted in a dog has been on point with our Aussies and we couldn't have asked for a better mix of personality traits. Australian Shepherds had everything we were looking for and more, and I can't say enough about how much we truly love this breed.