Most of us think that all dogs are natural protectors and assume they would instinctively guard our homes and families should danger arise. But did you know that not all breeds are cut out to be guard dogs? Take, for instance, the Australian Shepherd. With their shimmering eyes of different colours, fluffy tail, and remarkable intelligence, they’re often a favourite breed among dog lovers. But are they suitable for guard duty? Would they actually defend your home or scare away an intruder? Let’s dig into this question.
Before diving in, here’s a fascinating tidbit about the Australian Shepherd. Despite its name, the breed did not originate in Australia. Surprising, right? The Aussie, as many affectionately call it, was actually developed on American ranches in the 19th century. Ranchers wanted a hard-working, intelligent dog to help them manage livestock. What they created was an affectionate, trainable, and versatile breed that’s as at home herding sheep as it is playing fetch in the backyard.
Back to the big question: Is an Australian Shepherd a natural guard dog? Well, not exactly.
Australian Shepherds are bred to herd livestock and not to protect properties or people, which are often innate characteristics found in guard dog breeds. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t keep an eye on things. They are known to be naturally watchful, alert, and somewhat suspicious of strangers, making them good watchdogs.
The term ‘watchdog’ may be misleading, so let’s clarify it. While a guard dog is often large, intimidating, with a powerful bark and bite to physically protect property, a watchdog alerts their owner to changes in their environment – especially the presence of strangers or a potential threat. That’s the role an Australian Shepherd can take up.
Australians Shepherds have inherent protective instincts because of their herding background. They have the instinct to guard and protect their ‘flock,’ meaning their human family and household. However, this doesn’t usually reach to the same level of a guard dog, which may take umbrage at almost anyone entering the property.
Now that we’ve established this, you may ask: can an Australian Shepherd be trained to be a guard dog? While they may not be the best choice for a dedicated guard dog, their intelligence and eagerness to please make them versatile in learning new skills. So, with appropriate training, an Australian Shepherd could take a more protective role. But it’s essential to remember that their size may limit their effectiveness as guard dogs. Male Australian Shepherds typically weigh between 20 to 32 kilos and females 16 to 25 kilos – not big enough to directly challenge an intruder, unlike larger breeds.
So, what if you have your heart set on an Aussie, but you want a guarding element too? Here is some useful advice: consider getting a security system to do the guarding, while your Aussie takes on the watchdog role. In case of a break-in while you’re not at home, alarms or security cameras would be way more effective than a lone dog. Your Aussie can alert you to potentially dodgy situations, and your human responses or home securities can take over from there.
Now, let’s remember: Aussies are deep thinkers, highly energetic and require stimulating activities to keep them happy. They won’t do well simply lounging around the house all day. Their herding heritage means they thrive on action and exercise. So, instead of focusing on the guard dog aspect, think about games that tap into their agility and intelligence. Additionally, Aussies are great family pets; they’re known to be loyal, loving, and great with kids.
The bottom line: if you’re looking for a breed that will alert you to potential threats but aren’t designed to physically fend off intruders, an Aussie Shepherd may be right for you. They’re intelligent, loving, watchful, and will gladly be your inseparable companion, eager to stick by your side no matter what.
In conclusion, whether your Aussie ends up being a competent guard dog, an impressive watchdog or just the best darned family pet, the bond you form with your four-legged friend will no doubt be a special one. After all, a faithful friend is a faithful friend, regardless of their breed or task.
So, does the Australian Shepherd’s lack of guard dog abilities diminish their value? Not one bit! No matter which way you slice it, Aussies are loyal, intelligent, versatile, and affectionate dogs that have endeared themselves to families around the world. And in the end, isn’t that all we really want in a dog?
