Australian Shepherd favorite French dog - Why the Australian Shepherd is the favorite dog of the French? For the second consecutive year, the Australian Shepherd is the breed that was the most acclaimed by the French in 2019. It must be said that this herding dog has many advantages: average size, sociability, versatility ... But still must be able to offer them the life they need, explains a breeder.

Each year, the Central Canine Society (SCC) decides on a question that agitates animal lovers: what are the most popular breeds in France? For this, it is based on the French Book of Origins *, the register which lists adoptions of purebred dogs. And once again, it is the sheepdog family that most melted the hearts of the French in 2019.

For a long time, it was the German Shepherd who had their preference. But for the second year in a row, his cousin, the Australian Shepherd, is the favorite. Medium-sized, affectionate and robust, this attractive-looking dog, with eyes that may be minnows (different colors) or particolores (several colors in the same eye), continues to seduce. The SCC recorded nearly 15,000 adoptions in 2019, up 14% from a year ago.

Australian Shepherd favorite French dog

Little dominant

It is certain that with his long hairs, his multicolored dress and his air of big plush, he has something to crack. And that is not its only asset, explains Laurent Loïzzo, trainer and breeder, who created his business La tribu de Dana in the Loire. “These are dogs who are nice, cheerful, real family dogs. They are not dominant in nature, either with their congeners or with humans. With a little rigor, they are not difficult to educate, ”he explains.

Another advantage, unlike other herding dogs like the border collie: even if they need activity, they remain versatile. "If you want to go running or cycling with him, it's possible, but it won't be a problem for him to spend an afternoon with you on a sofa either," adds Laurent Loïzzo.

They are not made for everyone

But all these qualities should not lose sight of the fact that the Australian Shepherd is not for everyone. He is a dog who will find it difficult to live in an apartment, and will find it difficult to be satisfied with being present only outside of working hours, by having to be alone from morning to evening.

"It won't work, and it could lead to behavioral problems: untimely barking, uncleanliness, destruction of the accommodation ... He can also develop knocks, going around in circles, biting his legs. In short, it will be an unhappy dog, "warns the breeder.

The risk is therefore of course the fashion effect, as was the case with the Belgian Shepherd Malinois. In 2016 and 2017, it is this breed recognized for its defense qualities which rose to the top of the classification.

"We saw them working with the police, so people said to themselves it's great, they must be dogs who obey. Except yes, it is, but when you know how to do it, you have the time and the personality to train it. So most of the time, it doesn't work and the owners of these dogs are overwhelmed because they didn't take it for good reasons, "regrets Laurent Loïzzo.

True craze for sheepdogs

And in the case of the Australian Shepherd, it is his teddy bear air that could turn against him: choosing his four-legged companion on aesthetic criteria does not seem to be the best idea ... The blue merle Australian Shepherd, dark dress with light spots, is particularly popular. Those with blue eyes are the stars of breeding, as huskies were once.

What is not simply a fad, however, is the popularity of the sheepdog family. It is based on a real singularity: "They are always dogs who are very close to their owners and adapt to their lives. We do not have the same contact with them as with chows-chows or huskies, for example, which will be much more independent, "said the breeder.

* The classification is based on the French Book of Origins (LOF), in which a third of the puppies bought in France are registered. This register created in 1885 lists the origins of French purebred dogs, giving them the right to the designation justifying a higher price than a crossbreed dog.