Australian Shepherds?

Question

Can anyone give me some information on this breed???

Answer 1

From the Miniature and Toy Aussies I have known is is my opinion:
They are highly intelligent. They should be well socialized as a puppy or they could have shyness issues.
They have lots of energy they should have a job (herding, agility etc.) They are devoted and loving. Eager to please but do have a mind of their own at times. They can be sensitive a harsh word or look from their master could break their heart. They are not neurotic. They have an off switch, meaning, they can kick back & relax. Two merles or two naturally docked tails should never be mated or a slew of health problem could arise in the pups.

Answer 2

Sheepish:
There is NO SUCH THING as a Miniature or Toy Australian Shepherd. People have started breeding mini aussies which is totally unhealthy and dangerous to the dogs. They say they make "great family dogs"...totally false!, and that they are "faster and quicker dogs in agility and disc dogs"....a pathetic reason to mate the runts of a litter just to make a smaller version of the dog. I think this is a terrible fate for the dogs and am proud to own a fullbred Australian Shepherd WITH A TAIL!!


Furthermore, these dogs should rarely be family dogs, unless that family lives on a ranch with acres for the dog to roam and sheep for the dog to herd.
This dog is ideal for someone who is extremely active and who wants to compete in a dog sport such as agility or disc dogs or flyball or any other sport.
They love to go all day long. But they can be wonderfully obedient, when the training is part of the dog's exercise and work.
No one should ever have this breed unless they truly have studied it and understand it's intense needs.

Oh, and Aussies were NOT originated in Australia. They began here in the United States. That is a common misconception.

Answer 3

Wow! I'm Australian and I've never heard of an Australian Shepherd.
I looked at a site and it looks like a collie cross some sort of working dog so they would be extremely energetic and intelligent, not good for a small backyard.

Answer 4

These dogs are extreme herding dogs. If you get one it will enjoy intense training (I recommend clicker training, complete non force training method, you can pick up a book at a pet store) because they need this to stay fit and not get bored. Very high energy sometimes barky but very sweet. Expect to be herded if you get one of these dogs. If you are up for the challenge these dogs are great. I'm so glad you researched your breed prior to buying. If you are interested in a pure bred try searching local rescue organizations for that breed.

Answer 5

Beautiful dogs! they are well known for quite often having one blue and one brown eye because of their colouring, thick coat usually, very smart dogs but be careful if you have a small backyard as they are much better suited to farm life and can become bored and destructive if forced to be kept in a small area by themselves, but if you have a large backyard and plenty of time for walking then you should give one a go because they are amazing dogs.

Answer 6

Great dogs, but high energy. I had one given to me as a kid, and I had to give her back because she would dig holes in the yard (professionally landscaped...that did not go over well). They are not good apartment dogs, they need lots of exercise. I don't feel they are good "small" yard dogs...they need land to run some of that energy out.

Good Luck if you decide to get one.

Answer 7

WOW...cool dogs, but they shed and have TONS of energy! Very easy to train!

My parents have 2 of them plus a border collie...quite the exciting bunch!

You might find some good info on the net.

Answer 8

Everything you need to know about the breed can be found on the breed club site
http://www.asca.org/

Answer 9

Lots of variations between those bred for herding work, Obedience competition, Agility and Conformation.

Answer 10

here you go :-)

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/australianshepherd.htm

http://www.lizpalika.com/rightdog.html

http://www.doggies.com/Australian_Shepherd/