i was thinking a about getting a minature australian shepherd, but i hear that just like the bigger ones they are extremely stong and bark alot ( if it is not true, please let me know), so i want thinking about an australian cattle dog, but are they basicly the same?
2007-03-11 13:03:04 · 4 answers · asked by cookies'n'cream 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have a mini aussie and have had several mini aussies over the past years. I love this breed and can tell you that what you have heard is only half right and is not completely true. My aussies are generally quiet though they do bark a lot at people outside of the family. They only bark at strangers and they never growl or bite. Just be sure to - as with any puppy- socialize them well. They are wonderful watchdogs and only bark when they sense a stranger or a threat. Some may keep barking even after you invite the person into the house but this behavior can easily be taken care and has only occured with one of my aussies. I never bothered to train him out it just when I got sick of the habit he outgrew it - it turned out to be one of his annoying little puppy habits. But if yours does this and does not outgrow then you just have to train him not to do it. They are really intelligent and their personalities as puppies are very tractable so training should be easy. As for strength. They are not a weak dog but they are not a super-strong dog. My current mini aussie is 30 pounds and 15 inches tall. My 12 year old niece can walk him on a leash and scoop him up without a problem. My 3 year old nephew has even picked up! With a little help and strict supervision of an adult of course. They are as strong as any other dog breed of their size. I would definitely not say they are extremely strong. If it still a concern though you can always get the toy version - which is considerably smaller, just a little bit harder to find. I've never had a toy just because I'm afraid it would be small enough to get hurt with all the kids visiting my house. Good luck and I would highly reccomend a mini aussie! I hope you are happy with your new addition to your family!
2007-03-11 13:19:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As with any working breed dog, they need a job. Herding dogs especially need daily stimulation. If you're prepared to give your new dog (Aussie, mini Aussie, or Heeler) adequate structured exercise daily, he or she should be just fine. Mini Aussies aren't as strong as their full size counterparts, but they are still Aussies and need a lot of structured exercise and training, or they will make their own job, which just might be barking at everything that moves, or chewing anything and everything into oblivion. They are a high energy, very intelligent job. Really, the mini is just a lap sized creation because people liked the look of the Aussie, but not the size and drive. Sadly, only the size was changed in the downsizing of this breed.
I hope that this helps, and good luck with finding your new dog!
P.S. Research your breeds... They both may be herding dogs, but HOW they were selectively bred to do their job differs greatly! Australian Cattle Dogs aren't called "Heelers" for nothing! They are very aggressive stock working dogs, willing to move in on any size cattle and actually bite their noses or their rear legs anywhere from the hock down. Aussies may do the same, but aren't known for being as fierce a stock dog as an Australian Cattle Dog (or Heeler, as they're known here in Montana and on most working ranches anywhere in the States). Research your breeds some more, ask more questions... Don't just get the first puppy that comes along! Good Luck!
2007-03-11 20:17:45 · answer #2 · answered by ropintozinmt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are not stronger than any other large dog breed, but they are barkers. They also are natural herders. They need to be given something to do, or they will start herding up kids, toys, etc because they do not have enough stimulation.
Please do not get a minature. Usually those are either outcrossed with a smaller dog breed, or they breed runt genetics together- basically keeping the inferior genes in the pool. Aussie dogs have enough problems as it is (hip dysplasia, etc) and do not need add more inferior genetics to the gene pool.
2007-03-11 21:22:39 · answer #3 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2007-03-11 20:07:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋