The Australian Shepherd has always been a popular breed on the rodeo circuit, but it turns out, they aren’t just for cowboys anymore. They’ve come a long way since their days of herding cattle. The tough ranch dogs are now quickly becoming one of the most beloved breeds in the world and for good reason.
According to the American Kennel Club, they are not just smart, work-oriented pups, but also highly exuberant. They have the most pleasant personalities! Don’t just take our word for it though. Here are 40 other amazing reasons why you should consider adopting an Australian Shepherd as your next pup.
1. Their beautiful fur allows them to handle any weather.
Australian Shepherds are just as at home on the ranch as they are on the top of a mountain. They can adapt to all sorts of different environments. From summer sun to winter blizzards, this is one very tough breed of dog!
2. They miss their humans so much when they’re away.
Even if you’ve been gone for a while, an Australian Shepherd never forgets. Their incredible intelligence is also complemented by an amazing memory. They always remember the people that they care about.
3. They’re always looking to receive some love.
Just look at the smile on that doggie’s face! It’s so full of warmth. It’s a dog that truly cares about people.
4. They are down to go shopping with you.
As long as the store allows it, they’ll be right there by your side as you peruse up and down the grocery aisles. Shopping carts are so much fun to ride in. It’s a hobby that both little kids and little puppies enjoy!
5. They have a really goofy side.
From time to time, their goofiness will clearly show. For example, the day that this guy got his head stuck in a donut. He didn’t know what to do about it!
6. They’ll take a nap right on your shoulders.
Australian Shepherds are little balls of energy, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll never get a break. Just take your cutie-pie to the park for a while to play some fetch. Afterward, she’ll be totally pooped out.
7. They make friends really easily.
They love playing around and meeting others. Just make sure to socialize them frequently with other pups when they are young. Since they bond so strongly with their family, they can get a little bit territorial at times. As long as you raise them right though, they’ll do just fine!
8. Their high energy and agility make them great athletes.
If you want to play a game of frisbee, they are always up for it. Australian Shepherds will amaze you with how high they can jump. After all, one of their main jobs used to be performing tricks alongside cowboys at rodeos.
9. They enjoy cuddling more than most.
Australian Shepherds are always seeking companionship. The incredible bond that they form with their families means that they want to be close at all times. There is nothing they love more than curling up on the couch next to you under a blanket.
10. They make excellent hiking buddies.
Exploring nature is always on their minds. If you want to go for a walk in the woods or along the seashore, the Australian Shepherd will jump with joy. That’s one of their favorite activities.
11. They grow up to be gorgeous.
Some dogs are only really cute as puppies. Then they get older and lose a lot of their charm. Australian Shepherds, on the other hand, age like a fine wine.
12. They don’t complain when they have to wear booties.
Some dogs hate their little boots. However, when it’s wet and muddy outside, boots are a must. We wouldn’t want to end up with muddy paw prints all over the living room carpet, now would we?
13. Even as puppies, their adventurous spirit will amaze you.
New territories await to be discovered around every corner. It’s a big world out there. The number of things to see (and smell) are basically endless.
14. Their yawns can cause an entire room to smile.
Seriously, they are so adorable. Just have a look at this sleepy fellow and try to tell us that we’re wrong.
15. When you smile at them, they smile back too.
When you express joy, an Australian Shepherd will always respond back in kind. That’s just how they’re wired. They can’t help but put on a happy face.
16. They have no problem posing for a picture.
Sure, getting them to stand still isn’t always easy. However, with a little luck, you’ll get the shot that you desire. Even if you don’t, there is no such thing as a bad picture of an Australian Shepherd.
17. Even at six weeks old, they already know exactly how to cheer us up.
In fact, they don’t even have to do anything special. They just look at us with their cute little face. That’s all that it takes!
18. They are a breed that doesn’t mind the water.
Most Australian Shepherds are always up for a swim. If you’re taking a shower, they will want to join in too. Just try telling them no and watch what happens.
19. They are really good at playing hide and seek.
Tucked under a bed of flowers, we can barely see this goofball. He blends right in with the environment. Australian Shepherds always know how to find the best hiding spots.
20. They have plenty of love to share with their siblings.
Some siblings get really competitive with each other. However, not these two brothers. They are basically attached at the hip.
21. They don’t mind roughing it on the floor.
Australian Shepherds are tough ranch dogs. They don’t need any fancy pet bed to take a nap. As long as there’s room to plop down and spread out, that’s all that they care about.
22. Other species don’t scare them one bit.
In fact, this beautiful Australian Shepherd and cat are best friends. They get along great. They can sit and stare out the window together for hours at a time.
23. Some of them have eyes that are different colors.
One of them is blue and the other is black. It’s a stunningly beautiful combination. Every time we look at this picture, our jaws drop.
24. If you want to take a break from playing fetch, they’re cool with it.
They’ll just relax in the backyard until you’re ready to throw the ball again. A little downtime is okay, as long as it’s balanced out by a lot of uptime. That’s the crucial thing.
25. If you want to sprint around the yard, they are cool with that too.
There is nothing an Australian Shepherd loves more than exercise. They were bred as working dogs. They have a lot of energetic enthusiasm for life that they need to release on a daily basis.
26. They like to show off their style just like humans do.
Just look at that awesome bandana. It’s the epitome of fashion. This little pup could easily win a dog modeling contest.
27. When you’re in need of a kiss, they’ll gladly give you one.
Even if you don’t really want a kiss, they’ll often try to give you one anyway. It will be a big and sloppy one, with a lot of tongue. You might even get slobbered on in the process.
28. They are not afraid to take on a challenge.
Even if you give them a bone that is way too big for them, they’ll try to finish it anyway. They are very hard workers. That’s just how they’re made.
29. They love an impromptu road trip.
All you have to do is whisper the words “let’s go for a ride”. They’ll be out the door before you know it. The front passenger seat in the car is their preferred seat of choice.
30. They make great parents.
This dad clearly shows that he has no problem sticking around. He knows how important fatherly guidance is for a growing pup. He will always be there for his adorable daughter.
31. Even when they’re on time out, they’re adorable.
This is why it’s so hard to stay mad at an Australian Shepherd. If you tell them to sit down and behave, they will put on this sad pouty face. It instantly makes everyone forget about the bad behavior.
32. Getting them to take a bath is easy.
They will gladly let you massage them under the warm water. As far as an Australian Shepherd is concerned, it’s just as good as getting pampered at the spa.
33. The face they make when they are surprised is hilariously cute.
If there is something interesting going on outside, you’ll instantly see them dart to the window. They can’t resist checking out what’s going on. It’s all part of their curious nature.
34. They’ll make you melt when they look back at you.
There is so much love in those eyes. The incredible feelings that Australian Shepherds have for their owners are undeniable. They’ll look at you like you are their favorite person on Earth, and you probably are, too.
35. Their squishiness will amaze you.
They are so soft and fluffy. Every time we see a pup like this, we can’t help but want to give it a hug. Who wouldn’t want to hug this beauty?
36. If you say jump, they’ll gladly obey.
Australian Shepherds will do whatever you say, within reason. They’ve been trained for generations to respond well to commands. They are especially fond of jumping over obstacles and herding sheep.
37. They are so smart.
They love hearing you say it too. They will take that praise and lap it all up. It makes them feel so good to be loved and appreciated by others for their talents.
38. They’ll bond with anyone who shows them love.
It doesn’t matter whether you are young or old. They’ll gladly be your best friend. If you are there for them, they will be there for you.
39. They don’t mind if the bed is crowded.
They”ll snuggle up next to their dog buddies, and they’ll snuggle up next to you. As far as they’re concerned, the more the merrier. There is room for everybody in the bed.
40. Lastly, they’ll allow you to have some silly fun.
If you want to do something goofy like place pants over top of them, they’ll gladly let it happen. They are just as down for silly fun as they are for serious work. Work hard, play hard, so the motto goes.
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