Is the Australian Cattle Dog a good breed for inexperienced dog owners to own?

Answer 1

Most likely no. If it is your first time owning a dog, try to avoid ones whose breed has a past in herding. especially if you don't have a lot of land, or the time to get your dog involved in a sport, such as agility or frisbee competitions. Australian cattle dogs like to keep busy. They are wonderful dogs, and my australian cattle dog is the smartest dog i've ever had the priviledge of training. But it takes very strict consistent owners to make an australian cattle dog a good inside pet. If they don't have anything to do during the day, you will most likely come home to holes in your shoes, furniture, and anything they think will get them out of boredom. And once they've discovered something that gets them out of boredom they tend to go back to it and its hard to break that habit. Ours is notorious for knocking over the garbage can, jumping on the table when there is food out, and barking at anything and anyone. She can also learn any trick i could ever wish to teach her, but she can be very devious and I feel sad for her sometimes that she missed out on a life of living on a ranch and herding cattle, which is what she would really love to do. But she was our first dog, and mostly an inside dog, and we had the worst time with her for a few years. I recommend if you are looking for your first pet, not to get an australian cattle dog.

Answer 2

The Australian Shepherd is very high energy dog and as they get older they will settle down some. But they are really smart dog that will listen to you if you work with them. They are a very dedicated dog to mostly one person. If you want a dog to ignore you and go lay down forget it. They stay close and ready to go as soon as you move. If you want a dedicated companion and enjoy outdoor activities they are perfect.

Answer 3

Probably not. They're very high energy, used to running in a large field herding sheep, and if cooped up and unhappy, may get aggressive.