Or former Aussie people....or people who are around then frequently who want to give their opinions....
What are they like to live with? Umm easy? Lol he is more active than the average couch potato (he needs a good walk/play/run once a day or so)..but otherwise, cuddly, quiet in the house, plays on his own, sweet, funny, odd?
He isn't dainty though, he loves people and wiggles and bounces.. he has knocked over a few knick knacks in his greetings lol
Mostly, he is a happy easy dog to me
How are they with other dogs? Very good! He is a great dog park dog, likes to chase/be chased, good with very physical/crazy dogs even, likes to wrestle. Works in a pet store. Gentle with puppies.. he is our every dog dog.
Needs to be reminded with very small dogs that he doesn't know that they don't appreciate him BOUNCING up to them and trying to get them to chase. He is just a bit.. HELLO!!!! for some small shy dogs.
How are they with people in general and kids? Awesome. Melts with all people/attention, loves to have people stroke him/scratch his butt. Gentle with children and happy to meet new adults that do so much as smile at him lol
He is not "reserved with strangers" in any way lol
On the flip side of that coin, the idea of him being a guard dog of any kind is laughable. Anyone that comes in the house or anyone that wants to meet him is welcomed with gusto lol
What are their energy levels like and do they have an off switch? Energy level I would put on a firm average (low for an aussie). He needs a good walk (30 minutes) every day/other day (or a run, or a play, game of tug) but then is content to lounge around the house. He has a great off switch, we have spent sick days and he settles very well in his crate or when told to settle.
My general rule for people who babysit him "You get him panting once a day and you are good to go"
if ignored he will either nap or find a chew.. in that way I was blessed with him. He is VERY good at either entertaining himself or sleeping when not needed.
What do you do with your Aussie? He just basically lives life with me.. we go to obedience classes/training but otherwise, it's mostly just day to day stuff. He rides the train, he comes to school sometimes, goes to work everyday, goes shopping etc.. he is a great city dog! He really likes Macy's lol
He likes to swim and fetch too
How are they with various small pets?
Cats? good (he had to learn respect though and it took a few days of him being on leash and reminding him to NOT fixate and they are NOT toys. But now he is a great with them
Ferrets? Good, needed a reminder to play gentle but otherwise treats them like little fragile dogs
Birds/small rodents? Never had experience but he likes to chase them at the park so I would assume..
What is your favorite and least favorite thing about the breed?
Favorite: He is my eternal peter pan. Everything is happy and full of joy and he is just so.. happy! Wiggly! Sweet! Cuddly!
Least favorite: Shedding.
He barks when he gets hyped, not indoors.. but at the dog park, dear lord.. it's constant lol