Your Australian Shepherd will become a loyal and protective member of your family. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that, although these canines have a strong instinct for protection and herding, they are also sweet and affectionate indoor dogs that can even live in apartments. Australians can be wary of strangers, so it's unlikely that they'll cuddle with someone they don't have a close bond with and whom they don't trust. Every pup is an individual, even within the same breed. However, most Australian Shepherds love to be cuddled and hugged by their owners and family members.
Hugging dogs is an instinctive behavior that has numerous benefits for them. The breed as a whole is affectionate and loving, but there will always be variations from pup to pup in the Australian Shepherd breed. The way they are raised, the type of love and affection they receive, and the environment in which they grow up all help to shape what they are like as dogs, which may mean that one hundred Australian Shepherds are friendly, cuddly, and affectionate with their loved ones, while three or four are not. Although dogs don't technically smile, most people can recognize the relaxed posture and happy face of their Australian Shepherd. Instead of allowing your pup to be overwhelmed by this, ask your friends to refrain from pressuring him and let your dog decide who he wants to hang out with.
While every pup is unique and has their own likes and dislikes, all dogs love at least a little bit of cuddling time. At first, when these moments occur, whether spontaneous or planned, the Australian Shepherd may need some time to adjust depending on who he is as a dog. Australian Shepherds make great family dogs in homes with children and other dogs because of their friendly nature, which can often translate into cuddly and affectionate behavior. Heeler Info is dedicated to providing useful information and advice for owners of Australian livestock dogs and other herding breeds. As you can see, the Australian Shepherd is a family-oriented pup that wants nothing more than to spend time with you and make you happy.