Check Out The Miniature Australian Shepherd Puppies For Sale Texas Families Love

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.

Aussies, as they are commonly called, did not originate in Australia. They are a product of the American west. Breeders apparently combined the collie with shepherds that were put on ships to protect sheep on their way to America from the Australian outback. The breed proved to be efficient at herding livestock, which is a job that they continue to do on today's western ranches. Rodeo enthusiasts will recognize the breed as the dogs they have seen in the corrals working in tandem with the cowboys.

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 will shed, especially in the spring when they no longer have a use for their heavy winter coats. These dogs have to be brushed every week, and more often when they are shedding their winter coats. You can spray diluted conditioner on their coats to detangle the fur. Puppies should not be bathed unless they are dirty. Too much bathing will dry out their 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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