There are many reasons why people choose to own Australian Shepherds. They are loyal and make great companions. However, there are also some disadvantages to owning this breed of dog.
In this article, we will discuss the most common disadvantages of having an Australian Shepherd. If you are considering adding one of these dogs to your family, be sure to read this post first!
What Are The Cons Of Having An Australian Shepherd?
There are many disadvantages of having an Australian Shepherd. The most common ones are listed below:
- They Require A Lot Of Exercise
- They Try To Herd People
- They Require Mental Stimulation
- They Can Be Destructive
- They Have Eye Issues
- They Could Suffer From Hip Dysplasia
- They Are Prone To Excessive Shedding
- They Can Be Stubborn
- They Can Be Territorial
Aussies Are Very Energetic And Need Lots Of Walks
The most common disadvantage of having an Australian Shepherd is their high energy level. If you are not prepared to deal with a dog that needs a lot of exercise, this is not the breed for you.
They require at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity per day and prefer to have a job to do. This can be in the form of agility training, herding, or even just playing fetch. Without an outlet for their energy, they can become destructive and difficult to live with.
Australian Shepherds Have A Herding Instinct
While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it can be problematic if you have other pets or small children in the home. Their herding instinct can cause them to nip at the heels of people or animals they see as prey. This behavior can be curbed with training, but it is something to be aware of before adopting an Australian Shepherd.
Australian Shepherds Need A Lot Of Mental Stimulation
These dogs are extremely intelligent and need to be kept busy. A tired dog is a good dog, so make sure you give your Australian Shepherd plenty of exercise. The mental stimulus is as important to them as the physical. You can give them a job to do around the house or yard, enroll them in agility classes, or make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them occupied.
Aussies Can Become Destructive If Bored
If an Australian Shepherd is bored, it will likely become destructive. This breed needs a lot of attention and if they don’t get it, they will find ways to entertain themselves often at your expense.
Be sure to give them plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied and out of trouble. A destructive Australian Shepherd is not a happy dog. This behavior is often seen in dogs that are left alone for long periods of time or not given enough exercise.
Aussies Can Have Eye Issues
Some Australian Shepherds are born with eye problems such as cataracts, which can eventually lead to blindness. Other eye problems that can affect this breed include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and collie eye anomaly.
Be sure to have your Aussie’s eyes checked regularly by a veterinarian to catch any problems early. these eye problems can be costly to fix but at the end of the day, an Australian Shepherd is a great breed of dog that will bring you years of happiness.
Hip Dysplasia in Australian Shepherds
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can affect large breed dogs, and unfortunately, Australian Shepherds are no exception. This condition is caused by a malformation of the hip joint, which can lead to pain and lameness. It’s important to have your Aussie’s hips checked by a veterinarian before breeding to avoid passing this condition on to future generations.
The good news is that there are many ways to manage hip dysplasia, including weight control, exercise modification, and pain medication. Surgery is also an option for some dogs.
Excessive Shedding In Australian Shepherds
Another potential disadvantage of owning an Aussie is that they are heavy shedders. Their thick double coats can be beautiful, but they require a lot of maintenance. Brushing your dog several times a week (if not daily) is essential to keeping their coat healthy and minimizing shedding around your home.
You also may want to consider investing in a good vacuum cleaner with strong suction power to help manage the hair!
Australian Shepherds Can Be Stubborn
Aussies are intelligent dogs, but their independent nature can sometimes make them stubborn. They need firm, consistent training from a young age to ensure they understand who is in charge. Without this type of training, your Aussie may start to test boundaries and become willful.
While some people may see this as a negative trait, others view it as endearing or even amusing. It really just depends on your perspective and what you’re looking for in a dog!
Australian Shepherds Can Be Territorial
As loyal guardians, Australian Shepherds can be territorial and protective of their families. This trait is often exaggerated in male dogs, who may become overly possessive or aggressive if not properly socialized.
While this behavior is mostly seen in males, females may also exhibit signs of protectiveness. The best way to prevent any undesirable behaviors is to start socialization early and expose your Aussie to as many different people, places, and animals as possible.
Conclusion:
We would like to conclude by saying that, as with any dog breed, there are certain disadvantages that come along with owning an Australian Shepherd. However, these dogs are still amazing companions and make wonderful additions to any family!
If you think an Aussie is the right breed for you, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. And always remember, no matter what dog you choose, love and care are the most important ingredients for a happy home.