Agile, loyal and very, very active, the Australian Shepherd dog is in the spotlight this week following its recent win as Best in Show at the Crufts Dog show.
A favourite amongst Hollywood A listers such as Stephen Spielberg, Amanda Seyfried and Mel Gibson, and ranked at number 22 of Brits most popular dog breeds*, its likely its popularity will continue to rise, following three-year-old Viking from Solihull’s impressive win, beating 24,000 other dogs to the top spot.
Following the win, Peter Mangion, CEO of Burns Pet Nutrition has compiled a handy guide to this lively breed, identifying the perks and the pitfalls to potential owners considering taking the plunge.
What is an Australian Shepherd dog?
Australian Shepherds are a very intelligent herding breed with high energy levels. Originating from the Basque region of Spain, they made their way to America, where careful, selective breeding resulted in the dogs we see today and where they remain one of the most popular working dogs and family pets.
These dogs need just as much mental stimulation as physical, making them best suited to dog owners with experience, who are available to take them on vigorous minimum two one-hour daily walks. They would make a great family dog, but require outdoor space, so a large garden is a must for this medium sized dog that is really best suited to countryside living.
What you need to know
This is a chatty, vocal dog who cannot be left alone, or unstimulated. A generally healthy breed, with strong working instincts, in particular, the instinct to herd and drive groups of animals, it would make for a devoted companion and valued member of a family, as long as they are prepared for its active lifestyle. The Australian Shepherd could be your perfect companion, with a caveat that without sufficient stimulation and exercise, they could equally make your life a misery.
Peter Mangion, CEO of Burns Pet Nutrition said: “This is the second time an Australian Shepherd has won Crufts in its history. A beautiful dog, with a lovely temperament, the ideal owner should have a strong sense of fun, be energetic, enjoy training and taking part in dog related activities or sports.
We would encourage those looking at any dog to do their research into the suitability of the breed, the background of the breeder and into the dog’s parentage. Thorough research and careful consideration will mean you end up with a breed that will suit you and your lifestyle for life, providing you with immeasurable pleasure along the way.”
*YouGov Survey Q4 2023
