So you’ve got your heart set on an Australian Shepherd, but there’s one tiny problem – literally. You already have a small dog at home, or you’re thinking about adding a pocket-sized pup to your family later. The big question bouncing around your head? are Australian Shepherds good with small dogs? 🙂 Will your future Aussie turn your Chihuahua into a chew toy, or can these two actually become best friends?
Let me tell you something – I’ve watched this scenario play out more times than I can count, and the answer isn’t as black and white as you might think. Australian Shepherds can absolutely be great with small dogs, but there are some serious considerations you need to wrap your head around first.
The Herding Instinct Reality Check
Here’s where things get interesting (and potentially chaotic). Australian Shepherds were literally bred to herd livestock, and newsflash – your Yorkie might look suspiciously like a very small, very fluffy sheep to your Aussie’s ancient instincts.
I remember visiting a friend who had just brought home an Aussie puppy to meet her elderly Pomeranian. Within five minutes, that little Aussie was gently but persistently trying to “herd” the Pom into the corner of the living room. The Pom was having none of it, but you could see the wheels turning in that Aussie’s head.
This herding behavior isn’t aggressive – it’s actually pretty gentle most of the time. Your Aussie might circle your small dog, nudge them with their nose, or even give them light nips on the heels. Think of it as their way of saying, “Hey buddy, you’re supposed to be over there with the rest of the flock!”
Managing the Herding Drive
The good news? You can absolutely train this behavior out of your Aussie or redirect it into something more productive. It takes consistency and patience, but it’s totally doable.
Start early with commands like “leave it” and “gentle.” When your Aussie starts getting herdy with your small dog, redirect their attention to a toy or ask them to sit. Reward them big time when they listen. Trust me, Aussies are smart cookies – they’ll figure out what you want pretty quickly.
Size Matters (But Not How You Think)
Let’s address the elephant in the room – or should I say, the Great Dane next to the Chihuahua? Size difference is definitely a factor, but it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker.
Australian Shepherds are medium to large dogs, typically weighing between 40-65 pounds. Compare that to your 5-pound Maltese, and yeah, there’s potential for accidental steamrolling during playtime. But here’s what I’ve learned from years of watching mixed-size dog households: it’s not about the size difference itself, but about how you manage it.
The Gentle Giant Factor
Most Aussies I’ve met have this amazing ability to adjust their play style based on their playmate. They seem to instinctively know when they’re dealing with something more delicate than their usual rough-and-tumble buddies.
One of my neighbors has a massive Aussie named Tank (ironic name, considering how gentle he is) who plays with her Jack Russell Terrier. When they’re together, Tank literally gets down on his belly and plays super gently. But when the neighbor’s Golden Retriever comes over? Game on – full contact wrestling match.
Early Socialization Is Everything
Want to know the secret sauce for success? Early socialization with small dogs is absolutely crucial. If your Aussie puppy grows up around tiny dogs, they’ll learn appropriate boundaries and play styles from day one.
I always tell people to think of it like teaching a teenager to drive. You don’t just hand them the keys and hope for the best, right? Same principle applies here. Your Aussie needs to learn the rules of engagement with smaller playmates.
Puppy Classes and Playdates
Enroll your Aussie in puppy classes that include dogs of various sizes. Set up controlled playdates with friends who have small dogs. The more positive experiences your Aussie has with little dogs early on, the better they’ll be at reading their body language and adjusting their behavior accordingly.
FYI, this works both ways – small dogs also need to learn how to interact appropriately with larger breeds. Some small dogs can be pretty bossy (looking at you, Napoleon complex Chihuahuas), and that attitude might not fly with every big dog.
Personality Trumps Breed Every Time
Here’s something that might surprise you: individual personality matters way more than breed characteristics. I’ve seen laid-back Aussies who couldn’t care less about herding anything, and I’ve met high-strung small dogs who pick fights with Great Danes.
Your specific Aussie’s temperament is going to be the biggest factor in how well they get along with small dogs. Some Aussies are naturally gentler and more careful, while others are more intense and driven. The key is honestly assessing your dog’s personality and working with what you’ve got.
Reading Your Aussie’s Signals
Pay attention to your Aussie’s body language around small dogs. Relaxed posture, play bows, and gentle tail wagging are all good signs. On the flip side, intense staring, stiff body posture, or excessive excitement might mean you need to work on some training.
Ever notice how some dogs just have that “chill” vibe? Those are the Aussies who typically do best with small dogs. The high-energy, intense ones need more management and training to be successful in a multi-size household.
Training Tips That Actually Work
Let’s get practical here. You want specific strategies that’ll help your Aussie and small dog coexist peacefully (and maybe even become BFFs).
Consistent boundaries are non-negotiable. Your Aussie needs to learn that small dogs aren’t sheep, toys, or wrestling partners unless the small dog initiates appropriate play.
The “Gentle” Command
This is probably the most useful command you can teach your Aussie. Start by rewarding any calm, gentle behavior around small dogs. When your Aussie approaches a small dog calmly, say “gentle” and reward them. Eventually, you can use this command to remind them to dial down their energy level.
Separate Spaces
Give your small dog safe spaces where they can retreat if they need a break from their bigger housemate. Dog gates are your best friend – they allow visual contact while preventing unwanted interactions when you’re not there to supervise.
The Reality of Multi-Dog Households
Let me be real with you for a second. Having an Aussie with small dogs isn’t always Instagram-perfect moments of cross-species friendship. There will be days when your Aussie’s herding drive kicks in at the worst possible moment, or when your small dog decides to be a drama queen about sharing space.
But you know what? Most multi-size dog households figure it out with time, patience, and consistent training. The key is managing expectations and putting in the work upfront.
Success Stories (Because They’re Everywhere)
I know countless families who have Aussies living happily with small dogs. My friend Sarah has an Aussie who’s absolutely obsessed with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – they’re attached at the hip. Another friend’s Aussie has appointed himself as the personal bodyguard for their elderly Dachshund.
These success stories aren’t accidents. They’re the result of proper introduction, consistent training, and ongoing management. The families who make it work are the ones who take the time to set both dogs up for success from the beginning.
Age and Life Stage Considerations
Timing matters when you’re adding dogs to your household. Introducing an Aussie puppy to an adult small dog is often easier than the reverse, simply because puppies are more adaptable and less set in their ways.
If you’re bringing home an adult Aussie to a household with small dogs, take things extra slow. Adult dogs have established habits and might need more time to adjust to new housemates, especially tiny ones that trigger their herding instincts.
The Senior Dog Factor
Special consideration goes to senior small dogs who might not appreciate an energetic young Aussie disrupting their peaceful retirement. Respect your older dog’s need for quiet space and don’t force interactions. Sometimes the best relationship is a respectful coexistence rather than forced friendship.
When It Might Not Work Out
I’d be lying if I told you every Aussie-small dog combination is destined for success. Some Aussies have such strong herding drives that they can’t seem to turn it off around small dogs. Others might be too rough or intense, despite your best training efforts.
High prey drive can also be an issue with some Aussies, especially around very small, fast-moving dogs. If your Aussie shows concerning predatory behavior (intense stalking, pouncing, or aggression), you might need professional help or, in extreme cases, to reconsider the living arrangement.
Red Flags to Watch For
Persistent rough play that doesn’t respond to training, resource guarding around the small dog, or any signs of aggression are serious concerns. Don’t ignore warning signs hoping they’ll resolve themselves – get help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
The Bottom Line
So, are Australian Shepherds good with small dogs? The answer is a qualified yes – with the right Aussie, proper training, and realistic expectations, it can absolutely work.
Your success depends on starting early with socialization, being consistent with training, and honestly assessing both dogs’ personalities. Some Aussie-small dog pairs become inseparable best friends, while others maintain a polite roommate relationship. Both outcomes can work perfectly fine.
The families who make it work are the ones who put in the effort upfront and stay committed to ongoing management. It’s not always easy, but watching a gentle giant Aussie carefully play with a tiny dog friend? That’s pretty much pure magic right there 🙂
Remember, every dog is an individual. Your Aussie might surprise you with their natural gentleness, or your small dog might be the one calling the shots in the relationship. Either way, with patience and consistency, you can create a harmonious multi-dog household that works for everyone involved.
Related Post: Are German Shepherds Good With Small Dogs?
