In Alabama, Australian Shepherds lead the pack as top dogs

As the Dog Days of August dissipate, it's clear that Alabamians have a paw-some preference when it comes to their four-legged friends. According to a recent survey by Forbes Advisor, the Australian Shepherd has captured the hearts of many across the state, fetching the title of Alabama's top dog breed.

This high-energy herding dog isn't just sitting pretty in the Yellowhammer State; it's also the favorite breed nationwide.

The survey, which polled 10,000 dog owners across the United States, revealed that Australian Shepherds, known for their intelligence and vibrant coats, are the most popular breed in 10 states, including Alabama. These dogs are celebrated for their agility and loyalty, traits that make them excellent companions, especially in active households. The breed also topped the charts in other states such as Alaska, Arizona and Georgia and secured the second spot in nine additional states.

Australian Shepherds aren't just loved by the general public; they have some famous admirers as well. According to The Australian Shepherd Blog, actress Amanda Seyfried owns a Red Bi Australian Shepherd named Finn Seyfried, who is almost as famous as she is. Actress Alyssa Milano, a longtime advocate for animal rights, reportedly had nine rescue dogs in 2011, including two Australian Shepherds named Diesel and Quixie. Country music singer Trace Adkins also has a soft spot for Aussies, having owned two who made headlines in 2011 when his daughter saved them from a house fire.

German Shepherds, another beloved breed, took second place in America, reflecting the national trend where this breed is also highly favored. Renowned for their trainability and loyalty, German Shepherds are often seen in roles ranging from police K-9 units to military service dogs.

"…we don't see purebreds like Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds very often, but their mixes are definitely popular when they come through our doors," said Michael Graham, executive director at The Haven a no-kill animal shelter based in Fairhope.

Several readers of Gulf Coast Media's The Wave newsletter responded when asked who has either of these top Shepherd breeds, like 13-year-old Ozzie, an Australian Shepherd, or a German Shepherd named Scout.

Bulldogs, with their distinctive snouts and stocky builds, rounded out America's top three. This breed's unique appearance and calm demeanor have earned them fans in several other states, although they require careful attention to avoid overheating due to their short snouts.

Despite these top contenders, the survey also highlighted that many Americans remain open-minded about their canine companions, with 13% of respondents indicating no particular breed preference.

Labrador Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs also made strong showings in other states. Labrador Retrievers were favored in states like Louisiana and Massachusetts, while Bernese Mountain Dogs found fans in places like California and Florida. Meanwhile, Beagles, Golden Retrievers and Boston Terriers showed varying levels of popularity across the country.

As for the least favored breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Havanese didn't fare well in Alabama, aligning with their low rankings in several other states.

If you fall in line with these stats and are looking for an Aussie of your own, The Haven currently has a mix available.

Cooper, a 3-year-old male with the kind of boundless energy and loyalty that Aussies are known for, is waiting for his fur-ever home. According The Haven, Cooper exemplifies the breed's intelligence and eagerness to engage, having quickly mastered commands like "sit" and "wait." His high energy makes him a perfect match for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

See more details on The Haven's website at www.havenforanimals.org/.

How about you? Do you find these survey results to be true? Share with us as [email protected]. Pictures of your pup are always encouraged.

According to Jan Reisen in an article on the American Kennel Club website, the Australian Shepherd, commonly known as an Aussie, is a breed celebrated for its energy and intelligence. Here are some facts about this popular dog:

Not actually Australian: Despite the name, Australian Shepherds likely originated from the Basque region of Spain. They were brought to Australia by Basque shepherds and later made their way to the U.S., where the breed was developed.

Rodeo stars: Australian Shepherds gained popularity in the U.S. through their appearances in rodeos, where they not only herded cattle but also performed tricks.

Multiple names: Aussies have been known by several names, including Spanish Shepherds, Pastor Dogs, Blue Heelers and California Shepherds.

Sacred eyes: Native Americans considered Aussies sacred, referring to them as “ghost eye” dogs due to their striking blue eyes. Some Aussies have eyes of different colors, a condition known as heterochromia.

Short tails: Many Australian Shepherds are born with naturally bobbed tails, a trait favored for safety during herding.

Heavy shedding: Aussies are known for their significant shedding. Regular brushing, ideally daily, is recommended to manage their fur.

Unique coats: Some Australian Shepherds have a merle coat pattern, characterized by mottled shades of blue or red.

Versatile roles: Beyond herding, Aussies are used as service dogs, search and rescue dogs and even drug-sniffing dogs, thanks to their high intelligence.

Frisbee fame: An Aussie named Hyper Hank became famous in the 1970s for his exceptional Frisbee-catching.