Australian Shepherd Look-Alikes: Furry Doppelgangers That Will Steal Your Heart
Australian Shepherds, or Aussies for short, are those super-smart, energetic doggo superstars with captivating eyes and mesmerizing coats. Maybe you are head over heels for their looks but want to explore other breeds. Well, buckle up, cos we are going on an adventure to discover pawsome pups that look like Aussies, each with unique personalities!
Herding Dog Homies: Look-Alikes with a Built-in Zoom
Aussies are herding dogs, bred to, well, herd stuff (sheep, cows, you name it). So, it is no surprise that many of their counterparts come from the same family tree. These furry friends share similar physiques and love for chasing squirrels (or anything that moves, really!).
- Border Collies
These brainiacs are considered the world’s smartest dog breed. They are super energetic and laser-focused, just like Aussies. Both Border Collies and Aussies ace dogs sports like frisbee and agility. While most Border Collies are black and white, some can have splotchy fur patterns that kind of resemble Aussies.
2. Mini Aussie
Think Aussie, but pint-sized! Mini Aussies were bred down from full-size Aussies for smaller farms. They have got all the Aussie smarts, loyalty, and herding instincts, just in a more compact package. Their coats come in all the same awesome colors and patterns as standard Aussies.
3. Sheltie
These cute small working collies resemble Lassie in miniature. Their fluffy and thick fur, which can have different colors and patterns resembling splotches reminiscent of Australian animals, is their most distinctive feature. Shelties are remarkably intelligent and lively for their tiny size. They may not be nearly as passionate as Australians, but they nonetheless have the same desire to please and like picking up new skills.
4. English Shepherd
This lesser-known herding breed looks a lot like an Aussie, especially in terms of size and build. English Shepherds are known for being friendly and easy to train. While they are not quite as high-energy as Aussies, they still need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep those playful spirits happy. Their coats come in a variety of colors, including some splotchy patterns.
More Doppelgangers Beyond the Herding Bunch
The dog breed world is full of surprises, and some breeds outside the herding group can look surprisingly like Aussies!
5. American Eskimo Dog (Eski)
Often mistaken for miniature Samoyeds, Eskies have a thick white double coat and tons of charm. These playful and smart dogs love learning tricks and are super devoted to their families. However, Eskies can be a bit more interested in chasing squirrels than cuddling, so consistent training is key.
6. White Swiss Shepherd Dog
This unusual breed is a white German Shepherd cross. White Swiss Shepherds have the same intelligence and trainability as German Shepherds, but they have an Australian-looking coat. These active dogs thrive in activities like obedience training and dog sports and enjoy having a job to complete.
7. Icelandic Sheepdog
Hailing from Iceland (shocker!), this unique breed has a double coat that comes in various colors and markings, including splotchy patterns. Icelandic Sheepdogs are known for being friendly and playful. While not quite as high-driven as Aussies, they’re smart and relatively easy to train.
Double Trouble: Mixin’ Up the Aussie Look
Sometimes, the perfect pup comes from a mix of breeds. Aussies are popular for crossbreeding, resulting in some stunning and interesting combinations that often retain the Aussie’s recognizable features.
8. Aussie Doodle
This energetic pup is a mix of an Aussie and a Poodle. They’re super smart and trainable, inheriting the best of both parents. These curly-coated companions come in a variety of colors and are known for their playful personalities. Just be warned, their poodle heritage can mean more brushing to keep those curls tangle-free.
9. Golden Aussie
This laid-back breed blends the sweet and amiable disposition of the Golden Retriever with the intelligence and herding instincts of the Aussie. Golden Aussies are great family dogs and are typically quite trainable. Depending on the exact mix, their coats might differ, but they frequently have a stunning combination of Aussie and Golden Retriever colors.
10. Lab Aussie
This energetic puppy blends the laid-back disposition of the Labrador Retriever with the intelligence and agility of the Aussie. Australian Labradors are renowned for their fidelity and desire to please. Their coats might have a mixture of Labrador and Aussie markings or be uniform colors.
11. Welsh Corgi
The Welsh Corgi dog resembles the Australian Shepherd despite being smaller in stature and build, particularly due to their double coats and range of hair colors. They are highly clever, energetic, devoted, and well-known for their prowess at herding among other things.
See Also: Hoobly Michigan Dogs: Finding the Perfect Furry Companion
Living Large with Your Aussie Look-Alike
So you have found your perfect Aussie doppelganger! Here are some tips for living the good life with your new furry friend:
- Get Ready to Get Active: Most Aussie look-alikes are energetic dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Think about daily walks, playtime, and training sessions to keep your pup happy and healthy.
- Smarty Pants Need Challenges: These intelligent dogs love to learn new things. Take advantage of their smarts by enrolling them in obedience classes or teaching them tricks. Providing them with mental challenges will help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Brush Buddies or Bath Buds? Grooming needs can vary depending on the breed. Border Collies have a relatively low-maintenance coat, while Aussie Doodles require regular brushing. Research your specific breed’s needs and invest in the proper tools to keep your dog’s coat healthy and beautiful.
FAQ: 11 Dogs That Look Like Australian Shepherd
1. Can I find an Aussie look-alike that doesn’t shed as much?
While no dog is truly fur-free, some breeds like Poodles and their mixes (including the Aussie Doodle) shed less fur. However, even these breeds need regular grooming to minimize allergens.
2. What’s the best Aussie look-alike for an apartment?
While some breeds like the Sheltie and English Shepherd can adapt to apartment living with proper exercise, they still need daily walks and playtime. If your space is limited, consider a lower-energy breed or an older dog with a calmer temperament.
3. How do I keep my Aussie look-alike entertained?
These intelligent dogs thrive on having a job to do. Activities like obedience training, dog sports (agility, flyball), and herding (if you have the space!) can provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they crave. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are also great ways to keep their minds engaged.
4. How much exercise does my Aussie look-alike need?
The amount of exercise will vary depending on the breed, but most Aussie look-alikes require at least one hour of exercise per day. This could be a combination of walks, playtime, and training sessions.
5. Where can I learn more about training my Aussie look-alike?
There are tons of resources available! Consider enrolling in obedience classes with a qualified trainer. There are also numerous books and online resources available that provide positive reinforcement training techniques.