4 Reasons Why You Need an Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, but one little fact that many dog lovers may not know is that despite the name, this breed actually originated in the United States! Although the Aussie was initially bred for herding cattle, it is now best known as a wonderful companion. But this does not mean that the Aussie is perfect for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine whether an Australian Shepherd is the ideal dog for you.

4. You Are Ready To Exercise Your Aussie Physically…

It's no surprise that this medium-sized breed needs daily physical exercise. With this in mind, an Aussie is definitely best suited with a responsible and active owner. If you plan on getting an Aussie, you need to be ready to schedule daily trips to dog parks, dog meetups, or beaches. On the other hand, if you're more adventurous, have no fear; your Aussie will certainly keep up with you on your mountainous hikes and will probably wonder why you're going so slow! 

3. …And Mentally

Along with being a super active dog, the Australian Shepherd also needs daily mental stimulation. The Aussie is known to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, but without enough mental stimulation, your dog may become destructive. This strong intelligence level also makes the Aussie extremely trainable, and your new pup will most likely be eager to learn new tricks (as long as many treats are involved!). As with all dogs, it is best to start training them from the day you get them.

2. You Want A Dog That Can Win A Competition Or 2 (or 3 or 4 or…)

Aussies are certainly known for their abilities in competitive dog events. With their energetic personality combined with their intelligence, Aussies often take home prizes in agility and herding competitions, among many others. So if you're the type that wants to proudly display your pup's skills, an Aussie can definitely help you succeed with that goal. If you're looking for good parks with training and agility equipment, the DogPack app is an excellent resource for finding the perfect park to suit your needs.

1. You Want A Loving & Loyal Companion

At the end of the day, after draining your doggos energy levels (if that's even possible), the Australian Shepherd makes an incredible family dog. As long as you are loving and loyal to your Aussie and ensure that it gets all the care it needs, you will have a dog that is very protective of the entire family. Your Aussie will also be sure to give you many laughs. Whether it's through herding all your children and other pets in the house because old instincts kicked in, or because it solved that new doggy-treat puzzle that was supposed to keep it busy for an hour in under 5 minutes, these intelligent companions will undoubtedly keep you on your toes.

The Australian Shepherd is a breed that is extremely rewarding and fun to have around. Still, it has to be repeated that it is not for everyone. If you are planning on getting an Aussie, it's essential to understand the responsibilities that come with it so that you can provide the best environment for yourself and your pup!