The Aussie Breed: A Reality Check

I've owned my fair share of dogs, from mutts to German Shepherds, American Bulldogs, Jack Russell Terriers, Collies, Malinois, Poodles, and even a Cocker Spaniel. But now, my family and I have brought home an Australian Shepherd, or as we affectionately call it, an 'Osso.'

As a seasoned dog owner, I have to admit that I wouldn't have chosen this breed myself. There are just too many issues with Australian Shepherds, from genetic problems to mental health concerns. They can be prone to blindness, deafness, and joint issues, to name a few.

However, we ended up with an Aussie puppy by chance. Our kids had been begging for a new pet, and we couldn't resist. We thought they'd be able to handle it, but boy, were we wrong.

The puppy was from a sheep farm and had a great temperament – relatively speaking. I mean, he was pretty laid-back, but that's not always the case with Aussies.

I've found that an Aussie's 'calm' personality means they don't bark incessantly at night, they're not overly reactive, and they can sit still for a bit. But, they can be a handful, especially when they're young. They require a lot of attention and training, which can be exhausting.

As for intelligence, I'm not entirely impressed. They're not as clever as some people make them out to be. They're clever in their own way, but they can be manipulative and stubborn. If you're looking for a smart, obedient, and hardworking dog, an Aussie might not be the best choice. You see, there are very few breeders who prioritize intelligence and temperament over looks and popularity.

Most Aussie breeders are in it for the money, and the quality of their dogs suffers as a result. You'll often find that these puppies are hyperactive and lacking in common sense. It's like they're missing a leader in their head, and you'll have to teach them discipline and manners yourself. And, let's be honest, that's not cheap or easy.

We went out to get a puppy, but ended up coming home with two. Our neighbor returned their dog on the same day we picked up ours, and we decided to take both. But it didn't take long to realize why their dog was being returned. This pup was timid, anxious, unreliable, and a complete worrier - it would get overexcited quickly and take ages to calm down. It was a handful, to say the least, and in the end, the kids begged to let it go because it required so much time, effort, and patience.

I think it's essential to consider that raising a dog is not just about providing a good home and lots of love - it's about teaching a living being to behave, to obey, and to be part of the family. It's not a job for the faint of heart, and it requires a lot of willpower, organization, and dedication. If you're not willing to put in the work, it's unlikely your child will be either.

Modern kids are glued to their screens, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to get them to focus on anything else. We brought our new furry friend home with the mission of distracting them from their gadgets, but it was a mission impossible without our help. I've often heard people say, 'Before getting a dog, research the breed, learn about its specific needs and characteristics.' But let's be realistic - that's not enough. You need to go beyond the glossy websites and social media posts. Talk to breeders, ask questions, and get a realistic understanding of what you're getting yourself into.

I decided to join a Facebook group for Osso owners in the US, where this breed was first developed and is still extremely popular. I wanted to get a firsthand account of what it's like to own an Osso, but what I got was a whole lot of marketing speak and breeders singing the praises of their own dogs. When I asked a question, the response was staggering: 'Oh, yeah, our Osso is amazing - it's the best!' I was expecting some real advice and insights, but what I got was a bunch of empty promises and sales pitches.

Let's be real, having a furry companion following you everywhere, even to the bathroom, can be a real thing. I'm one of those people who actually prefers solo time in the loo, but I get it, some people love the company. And with dogs becoming a norm in many households, I'm still not a fan.

If I had scrolled through my Facebook feed before getting our puppy, I might not have considered getting this breed. But here's what I've observed based on my experience and what others have shared.

The top complaints from city dwellers, who make up most of my Facebook friends, are:

They're aggressive, anxious, and loud (all three traits, but mostly minor issues),They whine at home when left alone,They nip,They have trouble going potty outside,They chew everything and destroy stuff,They're timid, but their owners call it 'sensitive',No matter how many walks you take them on, they'll still be hyperactive at home,They're allergic to food, grooming products, and medications,They have issues with their stomach, hearing, and skin,And the eternal quest for a trainer who can deal with their disobedience.That's pretty much every post about this breed. Alongside the selfies with their adorable faces, hugging their owners, cats, siblings, toys, or devouring a bone, they're often getting treats on their birthdays, wearing reindeer antlers at Christmas, or digging through their useless toys. Oh, and the classic 'chaos at home when left alone' scenario.

But you rarely see posts about puppy socialization, agility training, or obedience courses that owners stick to for years to keep their dogs engaged and prevent destruction at home.

That's a summary of the breed's reputation on Facebook.

As for our six-month-old puppy, he prefers to keep his distance from the sheep, but at least he doesn't run away from his fears like his brother, who's still adjusting to city life.

Our dog's fear of being stepped on is pretty hilarious, to be honest. I mean, he's not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's definitely got some tricks up his sleeve.

He's a bit of a softie, too - he's super sensitive to handling and needs to be treated gently. If you're not careful, he can get a bit overwhelmed and shut down. But overall, he's a pretty low-maintenance guy.

As far as health issues go, we haven't had any problems with his eyes, ears, or skin. We feed him a mix of natural kibble and the occasional high-quality dry food. Compared to some of the other breeds we've had, like old-school German Shepherds and a Malinois with top-notch breeding, this guy is a bit of a handful. He's got way too much energy, can't focus, and takes forever to calm down. We're still working on getting him to sit still for more than two seconds.

His hyperactivity is definitely a challenge - it's hard to get him to focus on training when he's all revved up. But we're making progress, slowly but surely. At six months, our Malinois was already working at a decent level, but this guy's still got a lot to learn. We'll see how it goes, I suppose. For now, he's not too much trouble, and the kids love him. They're always playing and cuddling, and he's generally a pretty chill guy.

I'd give this breed 4 stars - and that's being generous. I mean, our guy's not the worst, but he's definitely not the best. Based on what I've seen on Facebook, I'd give the breed 3 stars, but I think there are some individual dogs out there that are worth the love and patience.

Sorry if I've ruffled any feathers, but I'm genuinely tired of reading about the drama, health issues, and constant hair complaints. If you're one of the lucky ones with amazing Australians that meet your expectations, kudos to you and I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments. For me, though, I've had it with the whining, complaining, and general chaos. Time for me to bid you adieu. Take care, and stay healthy!