Australian Retriever Dog Breed

These are working dogs, although they do come from parents whose work styles are different. Still, the desire to have a job is strong and the Australian Retriever will need one to be fulfilled. They are not the best dogs for first-time families, but if you have patience, kids who understand dogs and the space for these dogs, it can be worked out. The more experience, the better.

Here are some details about Australian Retrievers that you should know:

PROS

• Versatile
• Strong dogs
• Easy to train
• Hard workers
• Great for tasks
• Loves swimming
• Very friendly dogs
• Extremely animated
• Good with children
• Great for active lifestyles

CONS

• May bark a lot
• High exercise needs
• Not for apartment living
• Moderate to heavy shedder
• Fair amount of grooming required

These medium-sized dogs tend to be a bit on the large side, and they are certainly strong. They are eager for daily play, exercise and other activity. They don't get upset if left alone but they do get destructive if bored. They are independent, and they are usually able to learn on their own.

The intelligence of this hybrid dog can't be underestimated; they come from two very smart parent purebreds. They know how to remain calm unless there is a real threat or other emergency. They also tend to understand the moods of people around them, and react accordingly.

Properly trained, these dogs are extremely loyal and devoted. As their parents are counted on for hunting or herding, they are also very responsible, and they take their protection duties seriously. They are not dog-aggressive, and around strangers are typically aloof.

The activity requirements for Australian Retrievers are significant. They need a lot of exercise as well as room to roam outside. If they are neglected in this fashion, they will become anxious, destructive, and uncontrollable. If you have a very active lifestyle, these mixed breed dogs are great companions.

The Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix temperament is the result of two spectacularly wonderful purebred dogs. The parents are working breeds whose herding and sporting capabilities are world-renowned and whose amicable dispositions are perfect for family life. The Australian Retriever is a hard-working, very friendly and highly animated dog that can be a watchdog, guard dog and playmate.

These are loyal dogs who can work with you or alone, and will be great guardians of your property and other family members. They will enjoy being at your side while you run, bike, or swim. They don't get separation anxiety, but they will prefer your company when they can.

Australian Retrievers are basically easy to train. They do require patience, a firm hand and a soft voice, however, as they are a bit sensitive — and they already have an idea of what they want to do. These dogs can be trained for agility, obedience, and work.

Australian Retrievers come from two purebreds that, unfortunately, have a lot of health issues. Hybrid vigor will help against many of them, but the bigger the dog is, the more he is susceptible to a number of ailments and diseases. Below is a list that includes many of the concerns your Australian Retriever may encounter:

• Tumors
• Cancer
• Epilepsy
• Seizures
• Deafness
• Lymphoma
• Hemophilia
• Liver shunt
• Ear allergies
• Eye diseases
• Joint dysplasia
• Osteosarcoma
• Skin problems
• Drug sensitivity
• Hypothyroidism
• Megaesophagus
• Cardiac diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Von Willebrand's disease
• Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS)

Despite all these possible illnesses, the Australian Retriever's average lifespan is about 15 years.