I am interested in an Aussie or BC for our family of 5. I have 3 teens, all very active, and am looking at young adults, or "teenage" dogs. Does anyone have any great advice about these dogs? I have read a lot, that they require a lot of exercise but are loveable and very very trainable. What have you experienced????:confused: :confused:
Lizzy&Sparky
05-12-2007, 08:38 PM
I'm sorry to say I've never had and Aussie or a Border Collie, but they are both fantastic dogs! They have lots of energy, and are very good at sports such as agility and flyball. Either one of the dogs would love to do active things with your Teens.
OhioCheryl
05-13-2007, 05:56 AM
I have found a 9month old female Aussie and she is absolutely fantastic. She is very smart and the foster (the dog is in rescue) states that she is smaller than the typical Aussie and she is much calmer than a BC. I spent an hour and a half with her the other day and she responded very well to me, followed my commands and was quite affectionate. Maybe she is the perfect fit. Thanks!
Lizzy&Sparky
05-13-2007, 01:25 PM
Really? That's fantastic! I hope she'll be the perfect dog for you!
Kazbear
05-17-2007, 05:01 AM
Excuse me for being ignorant .. but ... what is an 'Aussie'. I am one!! ;) I can only imagine you might be referring to a Kelpie?? Or some other breed of dog more commonly found here in Australia? Puzzled.
Kazbear
05-17-2007, 05:05 AM
Apologies for my ignorance ... I haven't ever hear an Australian Shepherd being referred to as an 'Aussie'. Ooops ... not sure where I have been for the past few decades not to have heard that.:o
atheliah
05-18-2007, 11:54 PM
I have owned a BC... his name was Rambo LOL... He was quite a large dog for a BC... but he had such a beautiful nature, was fantastic with other dogs, cats and especially kids! He was very energetic, and was always rounding up our cats LOL... he was very loyal and a wonderful companion. He was also very smart and easy to train. He used to sleep on my mums bed... he was such a sweet dog. Unfortunately he died from a snake bite. I miss him heaps.
Here's a pic of him (black and white BC) with my other dog, Benson.
OhioCheryl
05-20-2007, 06:38 PM
I am told that an Australian Shepherd is also called an "Aussie" although they originated in California LOL - go figure! We got one of the shepherds, they are much like a BCollie although calmer and she is so sweet. Hopefully all will go well.
Thanks!
CollieLabbie
03-19-2008, 10:57 PM
I have a 10 year old rescued AussiBorderCollie mix named Cedar because she was left in a cedar grove. She is extremely intelligent, loving and protective of me. I walk or jog with her everyday. She has learned "over" to mean stay on the side of the road or in the ditch, "Wait" at every cross walk, "ignore" to ignore other people or dogs, and "with me" to walk real close to my leg. All I did to teach her these things was repeat and praise. She is so wanting to please that sometimes I feel bad that she doesn't have some independence of her own. She loves to be in the house and sit on my feet. The worshipping look can get a little disconcerting sometimes. She has hair that won't quit on her back legs though. Somebody told me they call it a skirt. And brush though I may it never seems to all come out. It doesn't really shed bad in the house just stays stuck there on her back thighs looking like the dead hair it is. Otherwise her coat is soft and shiny and she doesn't smell bad even though I don't bath her. She is tolerant of my old lab Chewy 14 years old, but not tolerant of my daughters exhuberant shephard puppy. She is not playful - more dutiful and faithful. Don't know if this is the common characteristic of the cross but it is definitely her.
OhioCheryl
03-20-2008, 04:29 PM
I have a 10 year old rescued AussiBorderCollie mix named Cedar because she was left in a cedar grove. She is extremely intelligent, loving and protective of me. I walk or jog with her everyday. She has learned "over" to mean stay on the side of the road or in the ditch, "Wait" at every cross walk, "ignore" to ignore other people or dogs, and "with me" to walk real close to my leg. All I did to teach her these things was repeat and praise. She is so wanting to please that sometimes I feel bad that she doesn't have some independence of her own. She loves to be in the house and sit on my feet. The worshipping look can get a little disconcerting sometimes. She has hair that won't quit on her back legs though. Somebody told me they call it a skirt. And brush though I may it never seems to all come out. It doesn't really shed bad in the house just stays stuck there on her back thighs looking like the dead hair it is. Otherwise her coat is soft and shiny and she doesn't smell bad even though I don't bath her. She is tolerant of my old lab Chewy 14 years old, but not tolerant of my daughters exhuberant shephard puppy. She is not playful - more dutiful and faithful. Don't know if this is the common characteristic of the cross but it is definitely her.
Our Aussie is very similar - the hair on her legs is very long and we have been told it is called "pants" and she needs brushed often to prevent the hair from becoming matted. Sophie, our dog, is also very very well behaved and lives to please. Her looks can become disconcerting too - and she sits on our feet too! Isn't it funny how much alike a breed can be. Sophie is rather playful, but she is young - only 1 1/2 years old. I have been told she needs bathing maybe once per year or if she gets really dirty/muddy. She LOVES to run - we take her to the dog park and she prefers to chase the other dogs rather than chase a ball. She outruns every dog there!