The Meaning Behind An Australian Shepherd's Eager Stare (And Other Weird Behaviors)

If you're ever looking for a true canine competitor in a staring contest, choose an Australian shepherd. This breed is known for various quirky behaviors, including what many owners affectionately refer to as the "Aussie death stare." It targets a specific face and lock eyes with it like a puma about to pounce on its prey. 

It can be intimidating if you're on the other end of the stare-down, as it can leave you wondering if the Aussie is about to attack. While it might seem concerning, this behavior is actually a natural, common way that Australian shepherds concentrate while attempting to establish dominance.

As a working breed, Aussies use this penetrating gaze to assert control over and herd sheep and cattle on ranches. If one doesn't live near farm animals, however, it will impulsively seek to herd any other animal or human around it if it wants them to move somewhere. At home, you might notice the staring if the dog is itching for a walk or wants its next meal. Once you get used to the stare and realize the dog means no harm, it could become a humorous behavior, but it's not the only odd one associated with Australian shepherds.

In addition to being herding dogs with an eager stare, Australian shepherds typically develop strong loyalty toward their owners while forming deep attachments with them. This bond often prompts it to follow its humans around from room to room, earning the "Velcro dog" or "shadow dog" title. It may not necessarily follow everyone around the house, though — only its favorite person or people. This could be a good way to determine how your dog feels about you when all your family members are home.

Another unusual behavior that some Aussies exhibit is chasing shadows or reflections, which could become compulsive. This is thought to stem from boredom or a lack of mental and physical stimulation. If you have an Aussie that often chases shadows or reflections obsessively, give it more entertainment opportunities that will keep it busy. You can buy snuffle toys to engage your dog's foraging instincts or try out a treat dispenser toy it can push around the house. Try to give it more time outdoors as well, whether it's a walk around the block or playing in the backyard.

Whether it's giving you the death stare, sticking to you like Velcro, or chasing non-physical objects around the house, the Aussie can be an entertaining breed with its quirky behaviors. These idiosyncrasies stem from the breed's natural instincts to herd and work, so it's important to invest some extra time — and sometimes money — into meeting its needs to keep it happy and healthy.