Australian shepherds have a reputation for needing open spaces, but they can do well in cities if they get enough stimulation and exercise. However, they are not suitable for apartment living and need at least a small patio to help them release some of their high energy. What is recommended is a medium-sized house with a patio, as they are incredibly fond of outdoor activities and will struggle to live long periods of time inside an enclosed space. There is no specific size to determine what is good or not, as it is up to the pet owner to judge what is good enough for their friend.
Dogs need enough space to be able to roam freely and be comfortable, and each breed has different space demands that should not be compromised. As expert in the field of pet care, I can confidently say that medium-sized dogs with big personalities, such as Australian shepherds, are best suited to living in medium to large homes with some type of outdoor space. Hard-line Australian shepherds are fantastic herding dogs and will work diligently to care for livestock. Although the Australian Shepherd and the Australian Cattle Dog, also called Blue Heeler, are admirable herding dogs, they are two different breeds developed in different parts of the world. The AKC doesn't recognize a teacup or an Australian shepherd toy, although they were developed by crossing Australian shepherds with smaller dogs, and they share many of the same characteristics.
The general recommendation for the amount of high-quality dry dog food (depending on average weight and activity level) to feed an Australian Shepherd is 2 ½ to 4 cups of food per day in two meals. So, as a potential pet owner, you'll be wondering if Australian shepherds can live in apartments. Are they good indoor dogs? While the breed is called “Australian Shepherd”, the development of the Australian probably began with dogs in the mountains of the Pyrenees and then continued in North America. American shepherds who worked on sheep flocks probably started calling Australian sheepdogs because of their previous residence in Australia. However, every dog is a commitment, and Australian shepherds are the best, brightest and most fun companions. The Australian Shepherd has infinite energy that he uses well to accompany his owner as a hunting dog.
The Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent and loyal companion, but it is also a very active dog that needs to be kept busy. While Australian breeds may display some of the physical traits and temperament of the Australian Shepherd, the characteristics of the other breeds in the dog's family tree are likely to be present as well. If properly exercised and given sufficient mental stimulation and attention, the Australian Shepherd can even live in a city apartment and relax comfortably in his dog bed at the end of the day.
