About Australian Shepherds:
The Australian Shepherd is attentive and animated. It’s a strong and agile breed with great stamina. This is a working dog that is both a herder and a guard dog. It performs all tasks with style and enthusiasm. An aggressive, authoritative, and tireless worker. This exceptional companion is reserved with strangers, but not shy. It is highly intelligent and easily trained. Despite this breed’s name, the Australian Shepherd’s origins extend beyond Australia; it is undoubtedly a composite of various herding dogs from several countries. The Spanish are said to have brought their own herding dogs to New Zealand and Australia, where the dogs mixed with English and Scottish breeds, ultimately developing a new herding dog, which is now called the Australian Shepherd. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1979.
Care and Exercise:
Brush about twice a week. This active breed requires a lot of exercise. Running alongside a bicycle will keep an Aussie in top physical condition. Ideal workout is routine herding on a farm or ranch. This dog should not work cattle until approximately a year old. Obedience training recommended.
Recommended Households:
The Australian Shepherd should have a large yard or live in the country. While it may adapt to apartment living, it cannot live a sedentary life nor stand being left alone for long hours. This dog enjoys being with people and makes an ideal baby-sitter for children, a result of its herding instincts. However, the Aussie is really a herding breed, meant to work cattle or sheep.
About Miniature Australian Shepherds:
The Miniature Australian Shepherd is loyal, affectionate, and easy going. They are lively, playful, and alert. They are deeply devoted and naturally protective. This breed gets along well with older children. Their exuberance and herding instincts make them unsuitable for homes with young children. They are wary and suspicious of strangers and will warn their family of danger or unusual noises. They are typically not aggressive to other dogs. Directly developed from the Australian Shepherd, the Miniature is a relatively new breed. Originating in the United States, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is rapidly becoming popular for their compact size and strong work ethic. They are extremely adept at herding, but are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Care and Exercise:
This breed is relatively easy to groom. Occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush will suffice. Bathing should only be done when necessary.
Recommended Households:
Commonly referred to as the Mini Aussie, this breed is sturdy, hardy, and medium sized. They are well balanced, extremely agile, and possess strength and stamina. Exceedingly versatile, this breed is highly intelligent, an exceptional companion, and a talented farm worker and guardian.
Click here to view all available Australian Shepherds at Uncle Bill’s Pet Centers.