Is the Australian Shepherd for you?

You've decided. The Australian Shepherd is what you need in your life. They're a loving, loyal, active breed that love nothing more than being with their people and you think they're the most beautiful breed in the world.

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All those things are true (especially that they're the most beautiful breed in the world and I'm not at all biased ;) ). There are a few things that I would recommend thinking about before getting your heart set on an Australian Shepherd.

• Do I have time to continually train & keep up with an Aussie?
  Australian Shepherds are smart and like to keep you on your toes. They need consistent training, rules have to be the same every single day. This isn't being "naughty" or "rebellious" but as a breed they have been developed to think for themselves so if they think the human isn't up to the job they take matters into their own hands. They are fast learners, good or bad! So you have to be ready to make sure they are only set up to learn the right things.
• Do I have time to socialise my puppy with strange humans and strange dogs from a young age?
  As a dog bred with strong herding and guarding instincts, the Australian Shepherd can be suspicious and aloof of strangers. If they don't have a lot of socialisation from a young age they can become nervous, timid or even aggressive. Some lines more so than others. Socialisation for an Aussie (or really any dog) isn't throwing them in a dog park & letting them tough it out - they have to have positive/neutral experiences with other polite dogs who are very savvy in reading body language. As a herding breed they do like their own space so a dog getting in their face is not going to be seen as friendly. They're not meant to be a Golden Retriever in an Australian Shepherd body!
  Socialisation with people is even more important. They need to have plenty of early, controlled, positive interactions with new people of all shapes and sizes. When visitors come to the house they need to learn that it's a positive thing for them and the polite way to greet visitors (i.e. four feet on the floor - no jumping).
  Many Australian Shepherds seem to just love everyone and that's great, but for some Aussies they can take a while to come out of their shell and that's okay, things need to be taken at their pace to ensure they make positive associations with meeting people & dogs.
• Are you prepared to commit to brushing your Australian Shepherd at least once a week, more when they're blowing a coat (usually over a few weeks, twice a year)?
  While the coat is easy to care for, it does need regular maintenance. Behind the ears, elbows, pants and underside are the fastest places to get tangles or impacted undercoat, especially if the dog is exercised around grass seeds or burrs. If you regularly brush your dog from a young age it won't be an unpleasant experience and most dogs do enjoy the one-on-one bonding time.
• Does a dog that is bouncy, goofy, obnoxious at times & often quite talkative sound like the perfect dog to you?
  Australian Shepherds can be quite boisterous, it's just part of their charm. Some have this in varying degrees but they're not a "serious" dog and love nothing more than to tell you about their day in "Arooroo"s & express their joy to see you in a series of bounces, leaps, barks & toy shaking. When very excited they can forget themselves & get too rough (one of mine loves to give "love punches" on your leg then delightedly bound away).  There's also the "Aussie grin" (some other breeds do it too) where they pull their lips back as though they're snarling but it's usually accompanied by a wriggly excited body. 
  

If all of this sounds like a dog you can enjoy living with, definitely do your research into breeders before choosing your puppy. There are a lot of blogs out there that give great guidelines for finding a reputable, ANKC Registered breeder and which questions to ask. Don't just fall for a cute picture of a puppy - ask lots of questions & don't be in a rush for a dog. It's best to wait for the perfect match for you than get the first dog available because this is a dog that you're going to have for the next 10-15 years!