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When it comes to choosing a furry friend for your household, Australian Shepherd puppies are often top on the list among other deserving breeds.
Aussie puppies, as they are affectionately called, bring a lot of character into your home with the additional good looks and outgoing spirit.
If you’re considering choosing this breed, here are 15 things to know about Aussie puppies before committing to parent one.
15 Things to Know About Aussie Puppies
1. They are not Australian
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd dog breed did not originate from Australia! This breed was developed in the United States in the 19th century by Basque shepherds immigrating from Australia.
2. Appearance of Aussie Puppies
One of the standout features of the Australian Shepherd breed is their external appearance, which is both distinct and beautiful.
Your Aussie puppy can typically have medium-length double-coated fur that comes in a variety of colors including blue merle, red merle, red, or black.
Some of these little blue dogs can also have a natural bobbed tail, which is a genetic occurrence and not a result of docking.
3. Heterochromia in Aussie Puppies
Aussie’s beautiful almond-shaped eyes can be of brown, blue, or amber colors including different variations of the three colors.
Many Aussies have two eyes of different colors, a condition known as heterochromia, common in dogs with the merle genes.
4. Size and Weight of Aussie Puppies
Enjoy playing with your little Aussie canine during their first few months, because they will be all grown up within the first year.
At birth, Aussie puppies typically weigh 10 to 14 ounces. By the time they are six months, the boys tend to weigh around 40 to 55 pounds, and the girls tip the scales between 35 and 50 pounds.
We strongly suggest you monitor the diet pattern of your Aussie puppy during the growth and development stage. You wouldn’t want your puppy to come out overweight or obese.
5. Aussies are Energetic and Active
Australian Shepherds were originally bred for herding livestock on large ranches, a task which required strong canines.
This DNA is still active in modern-day Aussies, so you can expect your upcoming puppy to have built-in energy for days.
It’s for this reason that your Aussie puppy can become a good candidate for dog sports events like frisbee challenges and agility courses.
6. They are Brilliant and Trainable
With all that energy for sports activities, the good news is that Aussies are highly intelligent and trainable.
These herding dogs are ranked in the top 50 smartest dog breeds in the world according to canine psychologist Dr. Stanly Coren.
Australian Shepherd dogs are always eager to please their owners and they do very well when given a specific task.
You can expect your new Aussie puppy to show natural curiosity even during their early days, and grasp training sessions without lots of repetition.
7. Exercise Needs
As an active dog originally bred to work in ranches, modern-day Aussie puppies need enough exercise for their health and well-being.
A good place to start is by walking your puppy within your compound as you wait for them to receive all their core vaccines.
Many experts agree with the 5-minute rule for each month old of the puppy when it comes to walking. So, if your puppy is 8 weeks old, walk around for about 10 minutes a day.
Aussie puppies should not be subjected to long-distance walking until they are about 12 – 15 months of age. This is to ensure their joints and muscles are fully developed before taking on intensive exercises.
8. Aussie Puppies are Friendly with Kids
Aussie puppies are great family pets because they form strong friendships with both older children and toddlers.
Just like any other dog breed, you need to supervise your little blue pup as they interact with your kids to avoid any scuffles.
Aussies are protective by nature, which can be great if you’re looking for a guard dog, but they might try to herd kids because it’s in their DNA.
So, it’s really important to train your kids how to interact with dogs from an early age, especially when it comes to respecting the puppy’s space.
9. They are not Suitable for Apartments
Apartment dwellers can still own Aussies, but they need to put in extra work to ensure the dog’s exercise and activity needs are met.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a yard. You can still keep your Aussie pup happy by taking them for daily strolls around the neighborhood and the occasional trip to the dog park for outdoor enrichment.
If you’re looking for an Aussie puppy that can adapt well to smaller spaces, we recommend checking out the miniature version of the breed.
10. Grooming Needs
Aussie puppies require significant attention in the grooming department to keep their feathery coats looking soft and shiny.
Aussie puppies shed fur throughout the year, but you will notice excessive hair fall during the seasonal changes in fall and spring.
In addition to regular grooming, your Aussie puppy will need extra brushing during the shedding season to remove dead fur from the coat.
This breed doesn’t need frequent baths, but when needed, we recommend using canine shampoo and warm water for the best results.
It’s important to introduce your Aussie puppy to nail-trimming during an early stage to make the experience comfortable as they age.
You can make the nail trimming process easier by clipping one or two nails at a time, and then giving their paws a little massage.
11. They Respond to Socialization
Like many other breeds, Aussie puppies are good students of early socialization. Teaching your new puppy how to get along with other pets and humans should be on your to-do list.
You can socialize your Aussie by introducing them to various people, animals, and settings to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults.
Enrolling them in puppy classes and having friends and family over are great ways of ensuring your new Aussie is socially developed.
The good news is that these puppies respond well to social training, which helps reduce behavioral problems in the future.
12. They are Prone to Separation Anxiety
Being loyal, friendly, and social, Aussie puppies can sink into separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
To prevent your puppy from suffering separation anxiety, it’s recommended to provide enough physical and mental stimulating activities to drain their energies before heading out.
Crate training can also help your puppy feel relaxed even in your absence, so long as they have some fun toys and yummy treats to help them chill out.
13. Diet and Nutrition
The foundation of your dog’s well-being is set on the types of food you provide them daily. Aim to feed your Aussie puppy on dog-specific foods designed for medium-sized/large breed puppies.
When shopping for your puppy’s food, look for brands that list natural ingredients and avoid those with fillers and artificial additives.
As your Aussie comes of age, their food should change too as you transition to adult dog food made for active breeds.
Your dog’s diet will depend on various factors including their age, weight, metabolism, and specific dietary concerns raised by the vet.
Ask your vet for recommendations about your Aussie’s diet and supplement needs through their life stages.
14. Australian Shepherd Dogs’ Health Concerns
Aussie puppies are usually healthy, but just like many other breeds, they can be predisposed to certain medical conditions and genetic defects.
Some common health concerns for Australian Shepherd dogs include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, progressive renal atrophy, and epilepsy.
If you’re still planning to get this breed, make sure to start things off on the right footing by finding a good breeder who prioritizes the dog’s health over quick money.
Plan regular visits to your vet so potential health issues can be detected early for proper treatment.
15. Average Lifespan
With proper care, optimal nutrition, and regular exercise, you can expect to live with your Aussie puppy for an average of 12 – 15 years.
Your dog may live longer or fall short of this average depending on various factors including genetics, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions, among others.
Conclusion
To sum up, understanding the above 15 things to know about Aussie puppies is necessary for anyone considering adding one of these working dogs to their family.
Aussie puppies are friendly, intelligent, and loyal. They make great canine companions for individuals and large families.
However, it’s important to do your homework and be prepared for their high energy levels and exercise needs before bringing one into your home.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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