THE UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE

Australian Shepherds

The characteristics and temperament of Aussies are unique in many ways. Aussies and Mini Aussie puppies though normally silent working dogs can be very vocal when playing with other dogs and companions. When they are happy to see you or when you are praising them they will make a singing noise. Talking to you in various degrees of sound; from a deep howl, to almost a shrill whine. Their bark usually has a howl like sound.

Many Aussies have a tendency to grin. The grin can be from a slight curling at the corners of their lips to a full fledged curling showing their teeth like a snarl. The grin is usually accompanied with a wagging of their bobbed tail or wiggling of the body and squinting of their eyes. Some Aussies snap their teeth together making a clicking noise when they are happy or excited.

To get your attention they will use various methods such as pushing their nose up under your arm or hand or bumping you on the back of your leg with their nose as you walk. They will even strike you with their paw. Sometimes giving 'you a playful nip. Aussies are very handy in using their front feet; not only will they put their paw on your knee for attention; they will use them while playing with their companions or their toys. They also use their front legs and feet to wash their faces like a cat and to hold their bones while chewing. Many will cross their front legs while lying down.

Aussies like to put their head on objects such as chair rungs, rocks, their toys, and your feet. If allowed up on a couch they wm take full advantage of a pillow using it just like we would. Aussies really are couch potatoes in the house if you let them be. Outside, especially in warm weather, they will dig a bed in the ground and leave a nice rim to put their bead on.

 Even though they will dig, play in water and get dirt on themselves, they are in fact a very clean dog, spending a good amount of time grooming themselves and others. They enjoy grooming their companions by itching and licking. The mother will clean her puppies and herself at great length.

Because Aussies are so clean they are easily housebroken. They make excellent house companions provided they receive enough exercise each day. Aussies are very playful and-love to race and jump with other dogs they know. They will stalk the other dog often using their innate eye and then suddenly they will charge the other dog and try to roll them or just wrestle. They will play with you as well and will enjoy it immensely.

Aussies are very athletic dogs and can leap to great heights either over fences or straight up and down as high as six feet or higher, like a yo-yo. Usually they like jumping up on their dog house to sit or lay. They will even climb trees, fences or ladders. Aussies are easily trained to climb ladders and walk along a high plank or wall. .They love to retrieve balls, toys, sticks, rags or anything available. Often when left alone, they will toss the ball or toy into the air to catch for themselves, running with the toy in their mouth in circles afterwards.

 

Australian Shepherd puppies have a natural love for water. An Aussie will swim in a pond or up and down a creek for the sheer delight of swimming. Some will splash the water on purpose and try to catch the splashes. They love to retrieve sticks and balls thrown into the water and will actually dive to find the objects. The beach is a special delight for Aussies with waves, birds and sand. They will plunge into a ditch or water trough after working or playing hard to cool off and sometimes will try to climb into their water buckets or even the water dish; in other words, any water will do!