Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent medium-sized dog. Australian Shepherds have strong herding and guardian instincts.ASCA: Aussie Personality and Character They are also generally considered to be very loyal companions, and great family dogs.Training Australian Shepherds is relatively simple. They enjoy the training process.

The Australian Shepherd breeders will sometimes mix an Australian shepherd with a miniature Australian shepherd and this will produce a slightly smaller mixed Australian shepherd puppy. These minxed dogs tend to have shorter legs than the standard Aussie.

The "Aussie" as they are affectionately known are not actually from "The Land Down Under" as their name implies, they were bred in the Midwest as a herding breed.

Australian Shepherd puppies are known for their ability to learn and may attempt to herd the small children.ASCA: Aussie Personality and Character

Australian Shepherd Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is a very high energy and intelligent dog. They are very easy going and great with children. Aussies are agile and attentive, and eager to please. When they become bored they can create jobs and games for themselves. When training they are quick studies and with repetition and encouragement they will be doing new feats very soon.

• Crate Training: This training gives the Aussie their own area to relax and call their own.

• Potty Training: Very easy to Potty train. Once you crate train them you can simply take them out as soon as they come from the crate and by saying the word potty they know where they are going and why.

• Obedience Training: This training allows the Australian Shepherd to know that you are the pack leader and this helps the over acheiver Aussie to relax.

• Agility Training: This training allows the dogs to use that pent up energy they have. This also allows them to use that amazing brain they have to do things they will love and will get them praise and affection when they compelte.

• Blue Merle - Black, Gray and Silver Marbling

• Red Merle - Red, Silver and Tan Marbling

• Self Red - Solid Red

• Self Black - Solid Black

• Red Bi - Red and Tan

• Black Bi Black and White

• Black Bi - Black and Tan

• Red Tri - Liver, White and Tan

• Red Tri - Cinnamon, White and Tan

• Black Tri - Black, White and Tan

• Blue

• Light Brown

• Dark Brown

• 1 Blue and 1 Brown multi colored

The Australian Shepherd is a purebred dog and as a result is susceptible to various Health:health problems. The common health issues found in the breed include cataracts, Hyperthyroidism, and hip dysplasia. The Aussie requires weekly brushing and grooming to keep them from shedding as much,

The Aussie is generally noted for its strong work ethic and herding instincts.ASCA: Australian Shepherd Breed Standard They are considered an outdoor dog, that is happiest when given a job. Although, associated with Australia by their name, the Aussie attained it's name by working closely with Australian shepherds who worked in America. The breed was mainly developed in the United States.Dogster:Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds love to be active and love to be participating in all sports. They participate in Tracking, Trial Herding, Fly-ball, disc catching, Freestyle and Agility races. They enjoy the always popular Frisbee. They started the dog craze with the field sports in the 1970's and they have stayed one step ahead in the outdoor activity arena.

They are also willing to create their own games when they become bored.http://www.fetchdog.com/learn-connect/dog-breed-center/a/australian-shepherd/Australian-Shepherd/D/lcbreedfactcenter/P/1:5:51:501:5238/I/BR00005238?#facts

• Amazon.com: All About Aussies: The Australian Shepherd Dog from A to Z

• Amazon.com: Australian Shepherd Books and Merchandise

• Working Dogs Books & Gear: Australian Shepherd Books and Videos

• Your Breed Store: Australian Shepherd Gifts

• Animal Den: Australian Shepherd