Are you looking for a loyal and active companion to keep you company? The Australian Shepherd could be the perfect fit for you. These puppies are always on the go and love to stay busy, whether it's working on the farm, herding livestock, or running around with their owner. Despite their active lifestyle, Australians have minimal grooming needs. If you're looking for a small or medium-sized pup that is more laid-back, a Westie is an excellent choice.
Most of these dogs are moderately energetic, easy to train, and relatively healthy. This breed requires some grooming, but it doesn't need to be trimmed regularly. Some people prefer to remove dead hair from their coat by hand, while others brush it periodically to keep it in good condition. Contrary to its name, the Australian Shepherd was actually bred as a herding and working dog in the United States. Additionally, some of the most intelligent and energetic dog breeds such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers can become bored if they don't get enough exercise and stimulation.
There are dogs of all sizes, from the smallest Chihuahua to the large Great Dane. The amount of space a dog takes up is an important factor when deciding if they are compatible with your lifestyle and living space. If you want a companion dog but don't have much time to spare, you should look for a breed that is easy to care for or requires less maintenance. For an active and intelligent breed like the Australian Shepherd, it's just as important to take care of their mental needs as their physical ones. A merle coat has a pattern of dark spots on a lighter background; for example, a blue merle dog has black spots on gray fur and a red merle dog has red spots on beige fur. Australian Shepherds were bred as herding dogs and many consider children to be part of their flock; therefore, you must teach your Australian that it's not allowed to chase and bite children in order to herd them.
Dogs that were bred for jobs that require decision-making, intelligence, and concentration such as herding cattle need to exercise their brains just as much as dogs that were bred to run around need to exercise their bodies. Australian Shepherds are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections like all other dogs; these include parvovirus, rabies, and distemper. Certain breeds are better suited for a more sedentary lifestyle such as middle-aged or older dogs; however, older dogs may require more medical attention. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on hot or humid days and you will need to be extra careful when exercising them in warm weather. If you want a pup that looks like a puppy forever, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is gentle, affectionate, and adaptable.
