« Give me a job and I'm the happiest dog in the world. Give me a sofa all day… and I'll reorganise your whole house. »
I'm Maël, Australian Shepherd and, incidentally, household site manager. With this much energy, my humans needed to track everything: my miles, my games, my meals. It became my ToutouStory.
I learn a new trick in a few repetitions. Sometimes too fast for my own good.
Agility, frisbee, herding… my engine runs from morning to night.
I follow you from room to room. They call it being a 'velcro dog'.
I keep an eye on my family and announce visitors without any aggression.
The key facts to know before you fall in love.
The Aussie is alert, attentive and remarkably intelligent. Deeply attached to its family, it constantly seeks to cooperate and loves having a role. Reserved with strangers, it makes a good watchdog without being aggressive. Its herding instinct may lead it to round up children and other pets. This is a sensitive dog that reads its humans like an open book and needs clear, kind structure.
Here, activity isn't optional. Two hours a day split between physical exercise and mental work is a minimum: long walks, puzzle games, dog sports. An under-stimulated Aussie turns destructive or over-reactive. It's also a wonderful routine companion that loves knowing what the day holds. Structuring its outings and activities makes all the difference.
The Australian Shepherd learns at an impressive speed — the good and the bad alike. Favour positive reinforcement, consistency and short, varied sessions. Socialise it early to temper its natural reserve, and channel its herding drive. Give it a job: agility, dog dancing, scent work, recall. A working Aussie is a happy Aussie.
Generally robust and long-lived, the Aussie is predisposed to certain eye disorders, dysplasia and a drug sensitivity linked to the MDR1 gene, which can be tested for. Strictly avoid double-merle breeding, a cause of deafness and blindness. Choose a serious breeder who tests their lines. For any genetic test or health question, talk to your vet.
The Aussie is made for active, sporty, present people ready to invest in its training and exercise. Ideal for dog sports and outdoor living. Not advised for a sedentary household, frequent absences, or anyone wanting a quiet couch dog. It isn't a difficult dog — it's a demanding one, which is not the same thing.
Follow me from wake-up to bedtime — every Aussie has its own rhythm.
7:00
« Up! We've got a whole day to conquer, and I already have ideas. »
9:00
« An hour of running minimum, or my brain starts inventing mischief. »
1:00
« A scent game or a new trick: my favourite moment of the day. »
6:00
« I round up anything that moves: kids, footballs, even the cat if I can. »
10:00
« Curled up against you, finally calm. A good Aussie day calls for a cuddle. »
« I'm not hyperactive, I'm just passionate. Keep my mind and body busy, and I'll give you the most loyal dog you've ever known. »
— Maël, Australian Shepherd
My everyday essentials, to stay in great shape with a light heart.
Two long, active outings a day: running, cycling, hiking. A walk around the block won't cut it.
Puzzle games, obedience, agility. A bored Aussie becomes a destructive Aussie.
My intelligence needs clear, positive rules, or I'll quickly take charge myself.
My MDR1 gene is worth testing, and a regular eye check keeps me in great shape.
Did you know
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States, by shepherds of Basque origin. Australia was just a stop along the way!
A word from my humans
ToutouStory tip
An Aussie needs its daily dose of activity, or boredom takes over. On ToutouStory, log everyone's walks and play sessions: you can see at a glance whether it has really burned off energy today, and the whole family pulls in the same direction. ⚡
Walks, meals, hydration, vaccines, weight… my whole little Aussie life is tracked in a free app, built for the whole family. And I'm the one telling the story.
It's possible but hard. Without two hours of physical and mental activity a day, the Aussie gets bored and can become destructive. An active lifestyle matters more than floor space.
Not for everyone. Highly intelligent and energetic, it demands experience or genuine commitment to training. A motivated, sporty beginner can manage, but it's not an easy breed.
It's the herding instinct. It may circle children or gently nudge them to group them together. Early training helps channel this natural behaviour.
It's a genetic mutation common in the breed that makes some dogs sensitive to several medications. A simple test reveals it — be sure to tell your vet.
Yes, especially during seasonal moults in spring and autumn. Regular brushing, stepped up during shedding season, is enough to maintain their medium coat.
Expect £900–1,800 for a puppy from a responsible breeder, plus around £100–130 a month. Always choose a breeder who health-tests their dogs.
Moderately. They readily alert and may bark from excitement or boredom. A well-exercised, well-stimulated Aussie is generally calm at home.
Join the families who follow their dog's everyday life with ToutouStory. Free on iOS and Android.
