Australian Shepherd and/or Toller Retriever Info.

Rescue pit blend for kids

I have 2 Aussies so I can only speak to them.

1. Smart as all hell and they need tons of exercise. If you don't have a nice chunk of land for them to run, then get ready for a lot of walks. They also need a "job" to keep them stimulated mentally. If they get bored, that's when some bad behaviors could arise.

2. They shed a lot and you have to keep up on grooming them, especially the long hair by their rear end.

3. They are your shadow and there is no such thing as personal space to them when it comes to the person they bond with.

4. You have to get them socialized and trained early on. It took awhile for mine to be relaxed around other dogs and young children.

If all of those are manageable for you and your family, GET ONE. They are the best, most fun, and loving dogs I've ever owned. I've had labs, huskies, dachshunds, Goldens before, but my Aussies are the best

Thanks to all. Good advice and yall are making me reconsider. Not sure if we have the bandwidth to commit to daily activities needed.
Again, thanks!

Get a pit bull instead.

A farming neighbor has a large Aussie, his third (he's in his 80's now and in his 70's decided how much he missed having one, so he got this one.) Smart, smart dog. Exercises itself starting on his farm over to our land runs about two tenths of a mile along our lower fence line, turn runs four tenths of a mile and then about another two tenths of a mile home. Varys his run according to interesting things happening. Some mornings doesn't even slow down on his run. Afternoons are spent at their other farm, where I expect he gets his big run of the day in.

I have an Aussie and I’ll just reiterate the high energy and intelligence. She’s sweet and loves attention. The only draw back on mine is that she will gtfo of dodge if left off a leash or the run.

Both of these breeds need a job. They are not couch potatoes, and don't even think letting them out in the backyard counts as anything but a potty break ;)

We have an Aussie (Miniature American Shepherd actually, aka mini Aussie.) Super smart, easy to train, but HAS to work. It's not just physical exercise that they need, but also mental stimulation. She just turned 3 and has a ridiculous number of competitive titles. We run herding, agility, obedience, scentwork, etc etc. And our days off consist of hours of off leash romps. All the Aussies I know have similar need for engagement/training/work.

Oh, I will add on to my previous thoughts OP...

From my experience, male Aussies are WAYYY more even-tempered and calmer than females. So, if you go the Aussie route, try for a male. My boy is a literal lap-dog at 60 lbs and he doesnt know how to play with balls/frisbees, etc. and he's just a generally more relaxed dog. My female is a hyper neurotic alpha bitch who keeps my male in line. She will play all day long until she can't walk anymore.

Don't let all of the things you need to know dissuade you from an Aussie because they are the greatest when raised properly and given the right environment!

Get a mutt

Border Collie or the Toller