Australian or German Shepherd?

Question

Hello,

Well, my husband and I are in the process of buying a house and will soon close. A few months down the line we are looking to get a dog. I had a wonderful German Shepherd as a child and teenager and he grew up with great Aussies. Both of us have expressed interest in both breeds, and both would be happy making the other happy. What I would like to know is which breed would be more suited with our home?

The house we are getting is smaller, but the dog would have free run both inside and out. Regretfully the back yard (fully fenced) is smaller as well, only at approx 1500 - 2000sqft.

I am a stay at home wife due to health issues and my husband is gone from morning until approx. 6:30pm. I would have no problem spending an hour or two a day playing fetch and working with the dog, but I do not see more than walks happening twice on the weekend. Is this too little for an Australian Shepherd? I have heard mixed things.

Which would fit our lifestyle better?

Answer 1

It sounds like either (or both eventually) would be fine since you are willing to spend the time exercising and training the dog. However, I recommend looking for a low drive dog if you have health issues that would make a high drive dog hard to handle. If you go through a breeder, look for one who will pick your puppy for you based on a temperment test and tell them exactly what you posted here and that you would like a less drivey pup. If you go through a rescue, let them know the lifestyle and that you do not want an extremely active dog. For rescue, I'd recommend a breed specific rescue as they tend to know the breed better and can easily select the right dog for you. All breed rescues are great when you don't know what you're looking for or are okay with anything but for very specific needs/desires, a specialty group is better. Good luck with your search.

Answer 2

Both German Sheperds and Aussies have needs for more interaction and physical action than either of you may be remembering.
Think outside the box a little and write down 3 or 4 characteristics that each of you like about the breed you think you want. (Be as honest as you can be and share each list so you wont both pick the same trait.) With the combined traits list, visit a trusted veternarian in your new neighborhood and ask them to assist you with your choice. Be totally honest with your information about the size of your yard and the issues of health. And really take into consideration what he/she says when you do choose.

If I were to pick a dog for you I would think about the traits of the two breeds you mentioned. Both types are bold, friendly, fearless, high energy, and playful. Both types are known for eye contact with their masters. I have owned one of each and I think both breeds have intuitive natures, basically capable of reading their human's minds.
My husband and I have gotten older, we have some similar limitations as you and your husband. And we also like the same type of "best friend". Seventeen years ago I choose a Minature Pincher. Today he is still as active as most puppies. He makes intense eye contact and most certainly reads our minds. He is as lively and fierce as any large breed could be. He is the most interactive animal I have ever known. He is very protective and yet obiedient and watches us to match our mood . He flies around the yard (and the house sometimes) as if he is chasing the energizer bunny. BUT, he is small enough for me to transport safely to the vet for regular visits and shots. Unless you are going to get younger and have more time for a large breed you may want to at least check out these little power houses. (the breeder who is known for "Dobermans" wanted to get a big dog with the heart, feel and look of the "pincher" and so he bred rottweilers and others dogs to get the large "Doberman Pinchers" ) Unlike most other small breeds the small Pinchers were the originals and the big conterparts where specially bred to look, act,even seem like the little ones.
Good luck finding your new family member, your lives will never be the same no matter which breed you choose.

Answer 3

Aussies require much more exercise than German Shepherds. Yes, both need a lot, but Aussies are much more high energy. If not given enough run time, or even a 'job', they can become aggressive.

I'd def. go with the German Shep. unless there is a park somewhere for the Aussie to run safely in.

Answer 4

I personally like the Aussies, but they take a lot of time with the long hair to groom and keep it looking nice. And they do shed like crazy. I have been around both breed and like them both. You may want to consider even going a bit smaller like a cocker spaniel sized dog. Might fit better in the smaller yard and also in the house. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I think either one would be fine. An Aussie is more high energy but if you play a vigerous game of frisbee or fetch for about an hour a day, it should be fine. Keep a watchful eye though, Australian Shepherds tend to get destructive if they have nothing to do ... so basically, if they arent given a job... they'll find one.

Answer 6

I once had a German Shepherd. She was the best. She was entergetic but, not too rough. I can't say from personal experience anything about an Australian Shepherd except that I heard they were fast learners. But so are German Shepherds. I loved mine!!

She was loveable to all of us. The babies the toddlers the teens the adults everybody loved her!

She never bit us or anything. She did snap once at the toddler but, only when she was feeding her pups and he tried to grab one.

So in all they are awesome dogs!!!

Answer 7

Maybe you could go on petfinder and search for German Shepard/Aussie mix. That would save a life and you guys would get both ways!

Answer 8

Aussies are very smart, very energetic doggies. They love to play frisbee, maybe you could do that. I think German Shepheds are very smart too and need mental stimulation. Both breeds are quite similar if you think about it. I would go with either one to be honest.

Answer 9

I would go for both. They could grow up being friends, keeping each other company and staying active.