The Australian Shepherd - Loving, Bold, Independent and Smart

The Australian Shepherd isn't really Australian. There is evidence that they came from Europe with people called "Basque". These people first settled in Australia with their dogs and sheep, and then relocated to the Western United States, again bringing along their dogs and sheep. The shepherds already here in the United States gave them the name Australian Shepherd.

Working sheep in the harshness of Australia and the Southwestern United States developed a breed of dog that has a lot of stamina and is bold, loving, alert, confident, independent, smart and responsive.

If your Australian Shepherd doesn't get a chance to exercise physically and mentally he can get frustrated and be hard to live with. But with proper exercise and training he is a loyal, obedient, and utterly devoted companion.

Requirements to keeping your Australian Shepherd happy therefore include a good workout every day that provides physical and mental challenges. He also wants and needs to be with you. He has such a great need for human companionship that he will be very unhappy if stuck outside in the yard.

These dogs excel at a variety of activities including conformation, obedience, herding, and agility competition.

Many breeders, trainers, and owners have found that Australian Shepherds are great with children. The only caution is that these dogs are extremely playfull and might overwhelm small children with their size and energy. Otherwise, they make great family pets.

When breeding Australian Shepherds they warn not to breed two dogs that have a natural bobtail as the offspring can be born with serious spinal defects. Breeding two merle colored Australian Shepherds together can result in deafness and blindness.

Some basic information:

Energy level - high

Exercise - needs a lot

Playfulness - very playful

Affectionate - very

Easily trained

Great watchdog

Very protective

Weight - 50-65lbs male and 40-55lbs female

Here is a video that gives a lot of interesting information about this great dog.