Thanks for checking this page - we hope it helps you in your search!
Is the Aussie the right dog for you? That's a very important question considering you'll share the next 12-16 years with one. The following paragraph is from a full-page advertisement that the Australian Shepherd Club of America took out in a large all-breed magazine:
"Is the Australian Shepherd the breed for you? He may not be. The Standard describes, 'Primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts.' and 'Reserved with strangers but does not exhibit shyness.' Aussies are very intelligent and are not the ideal dog for the first time dog owner nor the city dweller with limited time and space. The Aussie was developed as a farm / ranch dog to help with livestock work and to guard the homestead. These traits are strongly inherent in the breed making him ideal for some families and unsuitable for others. Please request our complete information package before making your decision. [ASCA http://www.asca.org or E-mail: ASCA@mail.myriad.net]"
For more information on Aussies, you should access the WebSite of the Aussie's original parent club - Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA). In addition to a lot of good information about the breed, this site lists breeders by state to assist you in finding a litter in your area. Another good site about Aussies is the AKC parent Club - United States Australian Shepherd Association. USASA also lists breeders by state.
If you do not have your heart set on a puppy, maybe an older "rescue" dog could fit into your household? There are many benefits to sharing your home with an established dog rather than a baby pup. Both of the above sites have links to several different Rescue organizations. Direct links to rescue organizations are: Aussie Rescue and Placement Hotline (ARPH) and Second Time Around Aussie Rescue (STAAR). Or check the bottom of this page.
Australian Shepherds are a great deal of fun - but they require a lot of time and responsibility, training and watching over. They can be the best breed in the world if trained properly.
Often people ask about Aussies and children. Aussies (and the majority of other breeds & mixed-breeds) may develop a tendency of nipping children in the heel as they play. As Aussies are a herding breed, they often tend to go back to basic instinct when presented with a certain situations. Small children running and playing may "wake up" a dog's instinct to herd, which in turn, could lead to closely following, nudging and maybe a nip at the heel of a child (or adult). Often, a young dog "joins in the play" with children by circling, barking and chasing. This is correctable by letting your pup know it is not allowed to "work" or treat people (especially children) like animals.
Our experience with Aussies (even those strongly working-bred) is that they need to be taught what is allowed and what is not allowed. When they know they should not chase - they usually will not. Again, it's a training issue.
By the way, Aussies do not have to work livestock to be a good, calm housedog . . . but they do need a job! Basic obedience training, tricks, teaching them to pull carts or sleds - these activities will keep your Aussie busy thinking and working with you. Agility is a wonderful sport for you and your dog - you must think, run and tackle a series of obstacles - Great activity for an Australian Shepherd!
It would be wonderful to take your Aussie for herding lessons! Actually, you should go now (without a dog) and watch and learn. Your herding instructor can help you learn how to handle you pup.
Normally, when you purchase a young pup and train it well, a young person can handle the dog. Because of the child's small size and strength, you will often need to "help" your pup "remember" to obey them too. It has been our experience, as instructors, that most children under 15 do not have the want or ability (mental and/or physical) to control a dog. Again, a good obedience instructor will help you very much.
Remember, most Aussies are not physically mature until they're at least 18 months old. Some lines take even longer to mature.
We hope we have helped you. Good luck in your search!
Beth & Paul Peterson - Dragon Run Australian Shepherds, ASCA Certified DNA Kennel
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