Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile and attentive - they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Aussie is gentle with human friends.

Australian Shepherds need lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. Without enough mental and physical exercise and or a lack of a true pack leader, can cause them to become nervous and destructive if left alone. Socialize well to prevent them from becoming suspicious of strangers. Working lines of Australian Shepherds may be too energetic to be suitable pets for people who do not have a very active lifestyle. Some like to nip people's heals in an attempt to herd them. They are quiet workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livestock. This breed is not usually dog aggressive.