Novella

Available

3-7 years|Australian Shepherd|Female|Medium|Alexandria, VA

🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🧠 Smart🐕 Dog Friendly🚽 House Trained

Novella

Available

3-7 years|Australian Shepherd|Female|Medium|Alexandria, VA

🤗 Affectionate🎾 Playful🧠 Smart🐕 Dog Friendly🚽 House Trained

Novella is a medium-sized, spayed female Australian Shepherd, approximately 6 years old. She has a beautiful bicolor coat in shades of red and chestnut. Fully house trained and up to date on vaccinations, she is affectionate and playful. Living in Alexandria, VA, she weighs 40 lbs, making her a delightful companion for an active household.

About Novella

Meet Novella, an energetic 6-year-old Australian Shepherd with a big personality. Weighing in at 40 pounds, she's playful, affectionate, and a bit opinionated, always wanting to be near her humans. A classic Aussie shadow, Novella follows her foster dad around the house, perfectly content to relax by his side while he works from home. This lively girl loves outdoor adventures, especially chasing balls—though she prefers to keep the fetching optional. After playtime, you’ll often find her curled up in her favorite chair snoozing away. Novella knows commands like "sit" and adds charm with her adorable paw lift when asked. She is attentive to her home, taking her neighborhood-watch duties seriously, and while she may be a little cautious with strangers at first, she quickly warms up to those she trusts, showering them with affection. Novella has lived harmoniously with her foster dog brother, sharing space and toys. She could thrive with another dog or as the only pet. While she has some reactivity during walks and experiences mild separation anxiety, her dedicated adopter can help her continue positive-reinforcement training. Novella tends to settle down in her crate after a short period and sleeps comfortably at night. This girl would flourish in a moderately active home that values consistency and training, helping her build the confidence she needs. Given her vocal nature and initial caution with newcomers, a home without small children would be best. This lovable cuddle bug has so much personality and is ready to find her forever family. Ready to meet your new best friend? Apply now!

Adoption Fee

Inquire directly with rescue.

Adoption fees can usually be paid via credit card, or other convenient methods. Please check with the shelter for specific payment methods.

Rescues & Shelters

Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic

Location Address: Alexandria, VA 22301 Get directions

Questions about Novella

What type of living environment is this breed usually best suited for?
Novella, as an Australian Shepherd, thrives in an active living environment where she can engage in play and receive plenty of attention from her family.
How much outdoor space does this breed typically need?
An Australian Shepherd like Novella typically enjoys a yard where she can run and play. Regular outdoor activity is essential for her energy levels.
Is this breed typically suitable for homes with children?
Novella would be happiest in a home without small children, as she can be a bit vocal and cautious with new visitors.
Is this breed usually better for first-time or experienced owners?
An experienced owner is ideal for Novella, as she requires consistency and continued positive-reinforcement training.
Does this breed typically get along with dogs?
Yes, Novella has lived comfortably with her foster dog brother and is quite social with other dogs.
Does this breed typically get along with cats?
While Novella's compatibility with cats isn't stated, she has shared her space well with another dog and might similarly adapt to a cat.
Does this breed typically get along with small animals?
There is no specific information about Novella's behavior around small animals, but her sociable nature with dogs suggests she may be friendly.
How does this breed typically behave with strangers?
Novella can be wary of unfamiliar people at first, but she soon becomes affectionate and cuddly once she trusts them.
How long can this breed typically be left alone?
Novella shows some separation anxiety but generally settles down in about 10-15 minutes when left alone.
What level of training does this breed usually require?
Novella will benefit from continued positive-reinforcement training to address her reactivity and build her confidence.
What size range does this breed generally fall into?
As an Australian Shepherd, Novella falls into the medium size category, weighing around 40 pounds.
What is the typical lifespan of this breed?
Australian Shepherds like Novella generally have a lifespan of 12-15 years, making her a long-term companion.
How much does this breed typically shed?
Australian Shepherds, including Novella, have medium-length coats and can shed moderately throughout the year.