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The Australian Shepherd has something to offer for just about every need. They are capable of vast accomplishments, from stock work, search and rescue, hunting, sledding, to just being a great family pet. Discover for yourself why we think they are so great.
The Australian Shepherd was developed to be a moderate sized, intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and endurance. Many Aussies today still do the work they were bred for, and even those that have never seen sheep or cattle usually have a strong herding instinct. This means that Aussies need fenced yards and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children, and traffic can simply overwhelm them.
Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not content to be couch potatoes, although Aussies have individual characters and some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the most part, however, these are high energy dogs who need a purpose in their lives-a job as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time and attention they require through play and training, for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Running, jumping, and rough-housing are all a part of being a normal Aussie.
The great intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and control livestock, can be detrimental when left untrained and unused. Aussies are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Obedience training is highly recommended as a means of teaching owners how to channel the typical Aussie's innate desire to please into appropriate behaviors. Aussies learn very quickly, so be certain you are willing to keep your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to benefit both mind and body.
Although many Aussies are friendly with everyone, the Australian Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved and cautious around strangers. With Aussies of this nature, owners should encourage the dog to meet people but not force encounters. Aussies are often quite protective of their family and property, a desirable trait in some situations but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussies may become aggressive without proper training.
Aussies are generally healthy dogs and can be expected to live up to 12 years or more, so ownership can be a lengthy commitment. Although minimal, there is some grooming required to keep the coat clean and conditioned, such as regular brushing and nail trimming. To maintain their high energy levels, typical active Aussies may eat more than other more sedate dogs of similar size, so be prepared to feed plenty of high quality food.
However, Aussies are perfect for people wishing to own a highly trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that can work/play "till the cows come home". If you have the time and commitment for an Aussie, you won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve special owners. Their loyalty, drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in a class by themselves.
The English Mastiff (referred to by the AKC as simply the Mastiff) has its origins in some of the oldest breeds of dog known to man.
Mastiffs are often referred to as "gentle giants" loving, slobbery gentle giants. They are the largest of the dog breeds, and can weigh anywhere from 140 lbs to 220+ lbs. They resemble a Great Dane in height, and a Saint Bernard in bulk, and typically weigh more than either. Despite their great size, they are extremely gentle, docile, and sensitive.
Mastiffs are loving and loyal companions. They are "inside the house" dogs, not backyard dogs. They crave human companionship, and want to be treated as members of the family. Without this social interaction with their family, they can be prone to behavioral problems. A large house works out best, but they can exist just fine in a smaller home as long as they can get out for adequate exercise. They tend to be very well behaved in the house, but you need to watch out for the wagging tail that tends to be at just the right height to knock over the can of soda sitting on the coffee room table. In general, adult Mastiffs are not prone to stealing food off the table or other such indiscretions; although you may need to pay attention while they are still puppies.
Mastiffs do slobber, some more than others. They all will drool after eating or drinking, or if they are waiting for a tasty treat. You will tend to keep plenty of slobber rags placed at strategic locations around the house, and always wipe them off after they eat or drink. It is surprising how quickly you will get used to this Mastiff phenomenon. Mastiffs snore, sometimes quite loudly. Mastiffs also shed. Although they have short hair, it tends to fall out fairly regularly and accumulate in the corners of your house. It can be easily kept under control by combing it out once or twice a week. Cutting nails is also important and should be done regularly.
In general, Mastiffs do not bark a lot. They often seem totally oblivious to what is going on around them, however they are in fact paying close attention to what is normal and what is not. When they perceive something not quite right, they will sit up at attention to check things out. They may bark if they hear a strange sound from outside, or if a stranger comes to the door. Once you accept the stranger or guest however, your Mastiff will as well. If your Mastiff is apprehensive about somebody, there may be a good reason for it that your dog has a sixth sense for. Mastiffs are not guard dogs in a pure sense, but they do pay attention to their surroundings. When let outside, they will often go on a perimeter journey around the yard to make sure everything is OK. They become somewhat territorial, and protective of their family and home.
Mastiffs are excellent dogs around children, and seem to have a special sense of the fragile nature of small children. They are very tolerant of the abuse that small children can inflict upon them, including pulling their ears, sitting on them, tugging at the tails, etc.; and they love to lick the faces of children. They will become protective of children in the house; often wanting to place themselves between children and strangers that may come to the house. They will never intentionally hurt a child, but because of their size you do need to be careful with small children that may get bumped by a Mastiff walking by, or swatted by a Mastiffs wagging tail.