There is much to learn about Australian Shepherds. Hopefully this will help start you on your way.
Is an Aussie right for you? Here are a few basic details to help you decide.
A True American Breed
The Australian Shepherd was developed in the 19th and 20th centuries as a general purpose ranch and farm dog in the American West, where a tough, enduring, versatile stockdog with an honest work ethic was required. His usual work included moving very large herds of sheep and cattle from summer to winter grazing grounds and back, flushing range cattle out of heavy brush, and moving livestock in tight quarters such as chutes and alleys. These kinds of jobs are still where Australian Shepherds excel and are most valued.
Character (taken from the standard created by ASCA or taken from the ASCA website)
The Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is an exceptional companion. He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. He is reserved with strangers but does not exhibit shyness. Although an aggressive, authoritative worker, viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable.
Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not content to be couch potatoes, although Aussies have individual characters and some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the most part, however, these are high energy dogs who need a purpose in their lives-a job as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time and attention they require through play and training, for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Running, jumping, and rough-housing are all a part of being a normal Aussie.
The great intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and control livestock, can be detrimental when left untrained and unused. Aussies are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Obedience training is highly recommended as a means of teaching owners how to channel the typical Aussie's innate desire to please into appropriate behaviors. Aussies learn very quickly, so be certain you are willing to keep your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to benefit both mind and body.
Although many Aussies are friendly with everyone, the Australian Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved and cautious around strangers. With Aussies of this nature, owners should encourage the dog to meet people but not force encounters. Aussies are often quite protective of their family and property, a desirable trait in some situations but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussies may become aggressive without proper training.
Health
As with any breed, there are health concerns that you should be aware of. When looking for a good breeder, it is important to know if health clearences are being done. The most common clearences are Hips and CERF. There are now tests available for certain drug sensitivities and certain cataracts. For more detailed information, please click on one of the links below. A few of the health concerns are as follows (in no particular order):
Color: White Aussies (or Aussies with too much white) associated with deafness and blindness, sable and yellow, Color dilution, "phantom" merles
Eyes: Cataracts, Collie Eye Anomoly, Persistent Pupilary Membrane
Other Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Pelger-Huet Anomoly, Patent Ductus Arteriosis, MDR1 - sensitivity of certain drugs
http://asca.org/Education/Health
http://www.australianshepherds.org/health.html
Interested in Health Screening?
Visit: http://www.ashgi.org/articles/screening.htm
If you want an Aussie and you've decided it is the breed for you, make sure you get an Aussie! Don't be fooled into thinking you are getting a real Aussie if there is a "mini" or "toy" in the name. They are NOT Australian Shepherds, as they were bred away from the true standard that people have worked hard on many many years. Please talk to breeders that are dedicated to Australian Shepherds as a true American breed. Understand that "mini" or "toy" australian shepherds that have been registered as such by another registry CAN NOT compete in AKC or ASCA events as Australian Shepherds because they do not recognize such breeds. If two parents were registered through ASCA as Australian Shepherds, but were bred without reguard for standard to create a smaller than standard Aussie and this puppy is registered by another registry as anything other than an Australian Shepherd (such as a "mini" , "toy", North American Shepherd, etc), ASCA will revoke your registration as an Australian Shepherd and this dog will no longer be able to compete as an Australian Shepherd in any ASCA events or register any offspring as an Australian Shepherd through ASCA.
"The Miniature Australian Shepherd, North American Shepherd, North American Miniature Australian Shepherd, and/or Toy Australian Shepherd breeds are not recognized as a variety of Australian Shepherd by ASCA
. The club considers such dogs to be a distinct and separate breed and will not accept them into its registry.
"Our bylaws state that ASCA's purpose is: 'To encourage members and breeders to accept one breed standard for the Australian Shepherd as approved by the Club as the only standard of excellence by which Australian Shepherds shall be judged.' It is the mission of this club ASCA and the mission of its members to preserve the breed rather than change it." (As written by the Australian Shepherd Club of America)