A breed that was developed for herding and guarding - the Aussie must be kept busy. If not, they will make their own work, which may not agree with your agenda. They are very high-energy dogs; being developed to have the stamina to herd livestock all day and then to guard them at night.

One of the main reasons that Aussies wind up in rescue is the result of an owner not doing their homework up front and determining how much time and effort needs to be put into this breed. Lacking a herd to work and watch over, the Aussie will use their family to fill the void. They will herd family members - by following them from room to room. They can be very protective of home and family, often causing some problems unless proper training is undertaken. An Aussie Owner must establish themselves as alpha, very early in the relationship.

Their versatility and easy trainability make then wonderful candidates for obedience, herding trials and agility. Once they know what you are asking, they perform every task with enthusiasm and precision. As part of their guarding instinct, they are often reserved with strangers, but should never exhibit shyness.

The Australian Shepherd's name is a bit mis-leading, not having been developed in Australia at all. Instead, Aussies are a breed that was developed right here in the United States. Their name comes from their association with the Basque sheepherders who came to the US from Australia in the 1800's. The Aussie is a true working dog, still to this day. They range in size from 18" to 21" for bitches and 19" to 23" for dogs. They come in four colors: black-tri, blue merle, red-tri and red merle. Most Aussies have a naturally bobbed tail, but they can be docked in necessary.

Click Photo to enlarge Tye in Agility © 1999 Tien Tran Photography

Starting of Spotlight Aussies Belle I thought I wanted a blue heeler, when my husband and I came across a blue merle Australian Shepherd puppy, with blue eyes. We decided to make her part of our family and named her Belle. I quickly realized that obedience classes would be a necessity. I went to Odessa College for a class and learned about the Permian Basin Obedience Training Club. We obtained an ILP number from AKC so we could compete with her in AKC Obedience Trials. We took her to obedience and agility classes. Belle earned 1 leg towards her CD and them became Dave's rock climbing companion.

Tye
Next to come into our lives was CH Bouncing Ball's Tye Em Up, CD, HIC, NA. Tye was "the special" dog that comes along once in a lifetime. He is able to manipulate anything and anyone when he puts his mind to it. Tye is a black-tri. He is my first AKC champion and in addition to the titles list above, he has earned his CGC (Canine Good Citizen Certificate), is a therapy dog registered with TDI (Therapy Dog International) and had 2 legs towards his CDX (Companion Dog Excellent or Open) title.

Brooke
Thornapple's I'm Shameless, CDX, HIC, OA, NAJ was the third Aussie to invade our home. Brooke is a blue-merle with a kind heart and big desire to work for me. For her first obedience title, she qualified 5 straight times. She followed up by qualifying in 3 of 5 shows to earn her CDX. In pursuit of her Novice Agility title, she placed first in her class at 3 trials. Brooke continues working today, training for her Utility title in obedience and her Excellent title in agility. Brooke also has her CGC.

Chevy My next goal was to find a blue-merle male. This goal was accomplished when I found CH Los Pinos Hartbeat of America, CD. Fondly known as Chevy, he has also earned his CGC and is a certified therapy dog. Chevy is the dog I had always hoped for - the best temperament, very intelligent and always willing to work for me.

Click Photo to enlarge Chevy earning his Championship © 1999 Luke Allen Photography

Megan
When I found Chevy, his breeder talked me into taking 2 dogs. She convinced me that 2 puppies are easier to raise than one. (Don't fall for that one folks!!!!) So along with Chevy came CH Los Pinos A Moment in Time. Megan is a very loyal dog and is currently working on her novice titles in both obedience and agility. She earned her CGC on July 30, 1999 and is a black-tri.

Sumer
The last Aussie (to date) to join our family is Thornapple's Sumertimes Blues, fondly known as Sumer. Sumer was a replacement puppy and turned one year old in July of 1999. We've stared training for obedience to keep her puppy mind occupied. Sumer is a blue-merle.

As you can see from the titles and certificates that we have earned Aussies are very time consuming. These titles are how I keep the Aussies busy and out of trouble. In the right home, an Australian Shepherd can be a joy to own. But please do your homework first - otherwise you may not like the results.

About The Author
Sherry Green is a nurse in Odessa, TX and spends all of her spare time training her dogs. She is a member of the Permain Basin Obedience Training Club and has assisted in teaching several classes for the club.

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