Australian Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them an ideal choice for a family pet. With their high energy levels and love of play, they make great playmates for older children. With the right training, they can also be good with younger children and babies. The American Kennel Club (AKC) rates Australian Shepherds 5 out of 5 in terms of fitness for children, the highest possible ranking. Australian Shepherds have an innate herding instinct which can lead to them nipping at the ankles of younger children or bumping into them.
However, this behavior can be managed through early training. They are also great with other pets and make excellent family pets, herding animals, police dogs, and competitors in obedience trials. The breed is called Australian Shepherd only because they were associated with the Basque shepherds who arrived from Australia to the United States in the 19th century. Australian Shepherds are good-natured dogs who like nothing more than to please their family, including children. To keep them healthy and happy, they need to be kept busy and active. Australian Shepherds are a great choice for families looking for a loyal and loving companion.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to training, making them easy to manage. They are also very affectionate and will bond closely with their family members. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. If you're looking for a loyal companion that will bring joy to your family, an Australian Shepherd is a great choice. With proper training and plenty of exercise, they make wonderful family pets that will bring years of joy to your home.
