There is no doubt that Australian Shepherds are smart dogs. They are often used as working dogs and have been known to herd sheep, cattle, and other animals. But are they the smartest dog breed?
That is a question that has been debated for many years. In this article, we will explore the intelligence of Australian Shepherds and find out why they are considered to be smart dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds Smart?
Yes, Australian Shepherds are very smart. They are ranked as the 42nd smartest dog breed according to Coren’s Intelligence of Dogs. This is a list that was created by Dr. Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. He has written several books on canine intelligence and has been studying dogs for over 30 years.
There are so many reasons why Aussies are considered to be smart. Some of which are as follows:
Herding instincts of the Australian Shepherds:
Australian Shepherds were bred to herd sheep. Unlike their name suggest they are not from Australia but were bread in the United States. They are also known as an Aussie and Aussie shepherd.
The herding instincts of these dogs make them naturals when it comes to learning and working. The Australian shepherd’s learnability is aided by his or her high intellect.
One of the things that make them such good herders is their ability to think independently. They need to be able to make decisions on their own in order to do their job properly.
But there is a downside to their intelligence. Like all smart dogs, they can get bored easily if they are not given enough to do. This can lead to them developing some bad habits like chewing on things they’re not supposed to or becoming barkers.
Australian Shepherds Are Natural Guardians
Another thing that makes Australian shepherds such good dogs is their natural instinct to protect their families. They are very loyal and will do whatever it takes to keep their loved ones safe. This makes them great guard dogs.
Australian Shepherds Are Opinionated
Australian shepherds are also very opinionated. They have a strong sense of what they believe is right and wrong. And they’re not afraid to let you know when they think you’re doing something wrong. If the Australian shepherd does not want to do something, he will let you know in no uncertain terms.
This can be frustrating for owners who are trying to train their dogs. But it also means that Australian shepherds are very independent thinkers. They’re not the kind of dogs that will just blindly follow orders.
You can also see this trait in their herding behavior. Australian shepherds are known for being very headstrong and stubborn when it comes to herding sheep. They’re not the kind of dogs that will just stop and turn around when you tell them to. All of this independence and stubbornness can make Australian shepherds opinionated dogs.
Australian Shepherds Have An Adaptive Intelligence
An Adaptive Intelligence is learning and problem-solving that is based on experience, and Australian shepherds have plenty of experience. They’re the kind of dogs that are always looking for new things to do and new ways to keep themselves entertained.
Australian Shepherds have these qualities in spades. They’re always looking for new challenges and new ways to learn. The best example of adaptive intelligence in dogs can be given as the Australian Shepherd.
Some people misinterpret their intelligence for stubbornness. While it’s true that Australian shepherds can be stubborn, it’s not because they’re not intelligent. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. They’re so intelligent that they often get bored with traditional methods of training.
This is why you’ll often see Australian shepherds engaged in activities like agility or herding. They need a challenge in order to stay interested and engaged.
Are Aussies Easy to Train?
Yes. Like all intelligent dogs, they can be a challenge to train. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you’ll find that they’re very rewarding dogs to work with.
They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods such as clicker training. Clicker training is a method of operant conditioning that uses a small device (the “clicker”) to mark desired behaviors.
Australian shepherds are also one of the few dog breeds that seem to understand human pointing gestures.
You can teach your Australian Shepherd basic tricks, obedience commands, and even complex agility courses. They excel at dog sports such as flyball, frisbee, and herding.
Conclusion
We would like to conclude by saying that yes, Australian Shepherds are smart dogs. They are loyal companions and working dogs that are easy to train. If you want a smart dog that can learn complex tricks and behaviors, then the Australian Shepherd is a great breed for you. They can also go along with you on hikes and other outdoor activities, making them the perfect all-around dog.