The Miniature Australian Shepherd Puppies For Sale Texas Dog Breeders Are Raising Make Great Pets

By Marie Hughes


A lot of people don't feel like their families are complete without at least one dog in it. Most of them will argue endlessly with other dog owners about the merits of one breed over another. If you have decided to add a puppy to your family unit, and are looking for a smart animal with a good disposition, you need to check out the miniature Australian Shepherd puppies for sale Texas breeders advertise.

Oddly enough, Aussies are not Australian. The dogs are native to the American west where they were bred as livestock herders. This is a job you will still see them doing on modern ranches. Most believe Aussies are a mixture of collie and another kind of shepherd that came over from the Australian outback with shipments of sheep. If you are a rodeo enthusiast, the dogs will be familiar to you as those seen working closely with the cowhands.

Aussies are used to bossing livestock around. Most don't have any problem extending that attitude to the households they are introduced into. If you have never owned a dog before, this is probably not the one you want to start with. Aussies require firm hands and owners who recognize manipulation when they see it.

Aussies are natural protectors of their human families and aren't necessarily trusting of strangers. It's important to get them accustomed to people early. Most Aussies respond well to training if it is done early.

Aussies are generally healthy animals, but as with all breeds, they are prone to certain conditions. When you're looking at puppies, you need to see a copy of the parent's health clearances, which will clear them for certain diseases and conditions. Aussies can be vulnerable to hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease, and hyperthyroidism. You should check the clearances for these conditions especially.

If you notice your puppy nipping and nudging your small child, its herding instinct has kicked in. To the dog, that child is part of the its flock. You have to teach the puppy that nipping and chasing are not appropriate behaviors. Otherwise Aussies tend to make great pets for kids. It's important that you never leave a little kid alone with the dog however. You have to teach your child appropriate behavior around the puppy.

Aussies do shed, especially during the spring when they ridding themselves of their heavy winter coats. You should brush your pet at least once a week and more often when it is shedding. Experts suggest spraying diluted conditioner on the coat to help detangle it. You only need to bath your puppy when it gets dirty, more often will dry its skin.

Aussies do not mind small spaces, especially the miniatures. They live well in apartments as long as they can get enough exercise every day. Aussies enjoy human companionship. They don't do well alone for long periods of time. As with any purebred animal, you must deal only with reputable breeders and avoid puppy mills.




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