Australian Shepherds

[AussieTaylor]

I have never owned one before, but we got a puppy a few days ago and I am amazed at this dog's manners. He barked once in the car when we were driving him home, but hasn't barked at all since he's been home with us. He is not used to being inside the house. The people we got him from kept him outside with their other dogs. Yet he walks very carefully around the house, has been doing really well with his bathroom habits - not one accident at night, and only one during the day so far. He is not hyper at all, walks around as if he is an adult dog, and not a 6 month old pup.

Another interesting trait - he is stubborn until he knows what's expected of him and if there's a reason for it. The first time on a leash was like pulling a mule. But once he figured it out, he's fine.

Are these things typical of the Aussie breed?

[golden-lover]

Aussies have their own minds. I own a aussie x german shepherd dog. Very active. When she was 4 monthes she squeezed out of her run, squirmed under the fence, somehow got unto the porch, and barked until we opened the door and let her in.

[sheplovr]

AWWWW that is great!!! They are good dogs, like to work and exercise but sounds like yours is just content on being there with you. That is so nice and sounds like you have a super pet there.:D

[Berners]

Wow! Congrats, all the aussies I've ever met have been the exact opposite. Have fun!

[AussieTaylor]

His disposition and manners remind me a lot of a Collie. I read somewhere that Aussie could have been bred from a Collie. Wonder how true this is....

[MyDogShelby]

His disposition and manners remind me a lot of a Collie. I read somewhere that Aussie could have been bred from a Collie. Wonder how true this is....
Well, purebred Aussies, I think, have a coat similar to a Collies...it is very thick. So its possible that the Aussie is made up of some Collie :)

Our dog Shelby (her pic is my avatar) is a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd(Aussie)/Chow mix - I don't see a lot of chow in her though, she is mostly the first two breeds...we got her as a pup at 8-10 wks of age, and she has turned out to be one very exceptional dog :) We love her so much :wubsmiley:

Aussies are very smart dogs and generally love to have their minds stimulated with mental and physical activity. Of course, not all dogs are alike :) Sounds like you have a very well behaved, mild energy dog :)

[applesmom]

A good part of his behavior may have to do with the way he was raised and his level of confidence.

It's also possible that he's feeling a little subdued being away from the other dogs right now and taking time to figure things out. With each day that goes by and the more comfortable he feels, a little more of his active personality should begin to emerge.

Obviously whatever you're doing is working too!

Enjoy the calm behavior while it lasts!;)

[golden-lover]

Well, purebred Aussies, I think, have a coat similar to a Collies...it is very thick. So its possible that the Aussie is made up of some Collie :)

Don't get me started with aussie coats.

Unbelievable thick, unmamangble, and the butts are horrible. Their undercoats are so thick I had to buy a gentle human conditioner for Kira because I couldn't brush her undercoat out with even a rake-brush. It's impossible. But of course she has GSD in her..

[MyDogShelby]

Don't get me started with aussie coats.

Unbelievable thick, unmanageable, and the butts are horrible. Their undercoats are so thick I had to buy a gentle human conditioner for Kira because I couldn't brush her undercoat out with even a rake-brush. It's impossible. But of course she has GSD in her..
Shelby's coat is smooth and not nearly as thick as an Aussies...from what you say, sounds like I would have a lot of work on my hands if she did have an "Aussie" coat:p Shelby has hair that comes off the back of her legs by her rear end...but its not thick like an Aussies. I've seen a purebred Aussie, and man their coats are so thick! Shave that fur off, and you have a scrawny little dog, lol :D

[golden-lover]

Shelby's coat is smooth and not nearly as thick as an Aussies...from what you say, sounds like I would have a lot of work on my hands if she did have an "Aussie" coat:p Shelby has hair that comes off the back of her legs by her rear end...but its not thick like an Aussies. I've seen a purebred Aussie, and man their coats are so thick! Shave that fur off, and you have a scrawny little dog, lol :D

Yep!

Shaved aussie:
http://home.earthlink.net/%7Ekglaes/PageMill_Images/clancy1.jpg

[MyDogShelby]

Yep!

Shaved aussie:
http://home.earthlink.net/%7Ekglaes/PageMill_Images/clancy1.jpg
:wubsmiley: I think Aussies look good like that too! That cutie isn't up for adoption...is he/she? ;)

[AussieTaylor]

His coat is definately something, but then I do love animals with wooly coats, lol, just look at my Persian cat.:D

[AussieTaylor]

MyDogShelby, I think your dog is a great mix of breeds in her! I thought Shelby looked a little like our Taylor.

Golden-Lover, what a cute pup! I agree, they look good shaved or with full coat. Where we live, we have hot humid summers. But not sure if I'll be able to make myself shave off Taylor's fur. I am such a sucker for a thick mane, lol.

[Ceph]

My mom's Deedee has Aussie in her.

She's older now so very calm, but she loves my mom with all her heart. She is funny when she plays though...she will grab the ball and Jay will run next to her and she will sit there going rrrr...rrrrr....rrrrr.....rrrrr until its time to throw the ball again :p

http://www.dogforum.org/gallery/data/500/medium/n6213724_31402963_1270.jpg

[MyDogShelby]

MyDogShelby, I think your dog is a great mix of breeds in her! I thought Shelby looked a little like our Taylor.
Thank you AussieTaylor :)

But not sure if I'll be able to make myself shave off Taylor's fur. I am such a sucker for a thick mane, lol.
I like dogs that have a coat...a nice furry coat...I don't really care for coats that are so short its like rubbing skin:p For example, Shar Pei, Pit Bull, Doberman...all have really short coats...I like something I can run my hands through, LOL :D

Aussies are really smart and fun dogs! They catch on quick...I see that in Shelby. :)

[dogluver4]

Those are the general traits in Aussies. I've also heard they have a "sixth scense" on what the owner wants.

In the near future I really want a Mini Aussie!

Good Luck with your new addition! Can't wait to see some pics.

[MyDogShelby]

In the near future I really want a Mini Aussie!
Is that really a breed? or a "new" breed (a.k.a. designer breed) ???

[KatzNK9]

Aussies are great dogs but I've never personally known any that well. Years ago, there was an Aussie breeder in my obdience school who was always bringing out a new Aussie star for obedience trials.

Is that really a breed? or a "new" breed (a.k.a. designer breed) ???

:mad: Yes!

[MyDogShelby]

Is that really a breed? or a "new" breed (a.k.a. designer breed) ???
:mad: Yes!
That's what I thought...I don't know every dog breed known to man...but I kinda thought that might be a designer breed, since its not something commonly heard of.

[AussieTaylor]

Ceph, Deedee is beautiful!

We had an air conditioning repair man come out to work on our unit the other day and he spoke some kind words about Aussies. He said that they are a one person/one family dogs, very loyal, and after our Taylor grows up, he won't like strangers coming to the house. Taylor watched the man work from a safe distance, but when the man stretched his hand to pet him, the pup respectfully backed away. I have to admit, I love that in a dog, lol.

Another interesting incident, maybe has something to do with the breed's sensitivity to their owners. When we first got the pup, before we trusted him to sleep inside the house, he stayed in the garage, which wasn't for long, because he got housebroken unbelievably quickly. But....he hated to be in the garage and just put up with it. One day, after he already got to sleep inside the house, I walked with him on his leash toward the garage to check something out, and apparently, he thought I was going to put him in there. All of a sudden, he pulled so hard on the leash, I let it go and fell on the ground. Thank God it wasn't a bad fall, I just lost ballance, because I am pregnant and this was a bit scary to fall. Taylor took off and that was another thing that scared me, because I didn't know if he was going to run somewhere off our property.

But all of a sudden, he stopped and froze, turned around and saw me trying to scramble off the ground. He came right back to me with a sad sorry look on his face and started to tremble. I just hugged him and was glad that we were both okay. From that point on, every time he'd tag on the leash, he'd turn around and look at me first.

[Aussiepaws]

I have never owned one before, but we got a puppy a few days ago and I am amazed at this dog's manners. He barked once in the car when we were driving him home, but hasn't barked at all since he's been home with us. He is not used to being inside the house. The people we got him from kept him outside with their other dogs. Yet he walks very carefully around the house, has been doing really well with his bathroom habits - not one accident at night, and only one during the day so far. He is not hyper at all, walks around as if he is an adult dog, and not a 6 month old pup.

Another interesting trait - he is stubborn until he knows what's expected of him and if there's a reason for it. The first time on a leash was like pulling a mule. But once he figured it out, he's fine.

Are these things typical of the Aussie breed?

Yup ... that is an Aussie for you. I've owned and loved this breed for over 15 years. Perhaps my most stubborn Aussie has been my female Cadence who is now 20 months old. She also seems to be the smartest and learns very quickly, so I have to be careful to make sure to curb some of her behaviors that can get her into trouble.

Aussies are very quick learners. I find positive methods of training work best. Once you show them what you want they seem to pick it up right away. They do housebreak easily and take well to training. I'd probably start them with a puppy kindergarten class once the pup has had all his or her vaccinations. Socializing this breed is also important because they have a natural tendancy reserved with strangers and some lines can be really protective.

Enjoy your new baby this is such a wonderful breed.

PS here's a video of Cadence and my 12 year old Male Odin taken when Cadence was about 4 months old. It's called the dancing Dog bed.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h164/pawsinn/th_MVI_0835.jpg (http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h164/pawsinn/?action=view&current=MVI_0835.flv)

[Aussiepaws]

His disposition and manners remind me a lot of a Collie. I read somewhere that Aussie could have been bred from a Collie. Wonder how true this is....

Actually the Aussie is a decendent of the little herding dogs the Basque Shepherd brought over from Spain and cross with Collie type dogs here in the U.S. There is some speculation that the English Shepherd breed was a huge contributor, probably some Border Collie as well.

[Aussiepaws]

Don't get me started with aussie coats.

Unbelievable thick, unmamangble, and the butts are horrible. Their undercoats are so thick I had to buy a gentle human conditioner for Kira because I couldn't brush her undercoat out with even a rake-brush. It's impossible. But of course she has GSD in her..

Actually a correct Aussie is suppose to have a moderate coat, not quite as thick as a Collies nor as long. However some bloodlines produce some profuse coats. Odin my black try has a very dense undercoat where as Cadence could be considered quite bald in comparison. However they are shedders :D

[golden&hovawart]

I thought the Aussie had some Pyrenean Shepherd,in it which is actually a French breed.I am interested in this breed cos of that.I've owned 4 pyrenean shepherds that were the love of my life but since they are not allowed to be dock edor cropped,in Fr,I will not have another one.I don't like their look,as much.Will post some pictures if you want.

[Aussiepaws]

Those are the general traits in Aussies. I've also heard they have a "sixth scense" on what the owner wants.

In the near future I really want a Mini Aussie!

Good Luck with your new addition! Can't wait to see some pics.

Aussies are very in tune to their owners. If I were sad or crying Zephyr would climb into my lap or put his front paws on my shoulders as if to hug me and kiss my face ... gosh I really miss him.

Odin my second Aussie is more relaxed and reserved about life. He is my shadow and follows me around the house and loves to lay at my feet.

Cadence is the funniest little thing. She's 40 pounds of sheer energy and extremely agile. She's almost cat like in some of her behaviors and just a little blue-eye blue merle clown.

[golden&hovawart]

Odin And Zephyr,are Gorgeous!.

[Aussies Rock]

Yeah, Aussies Rock. Best dog I've ever had. Maddie has a thin coat, not thick like a collie, with long skirts on the backs of her legs. We had her through puppy pre school and many obedience classes before we started agility. She is very dog and people friendly. I think shes going to through out a hip the way she gets wiggle butt when she's meeting people.
They do shed quite a bit.

[Aussiepaws]

Is that really a breed? or a "new" breed (a.k.a. designer breed) ???

There is sort of a controversy between the "Standard" Aussie and the Mini. There are breeders of the mini have who have taken Aussies, males and females well under the Aussie breed standard and bred them so that they produce smaller offspring.

In researching some of the pedigree lines .. most came from the working stock which are usually smaller and less refined in type than the show lines. The mini is just as high energy as the standard if not more so and while one would assume they would make ideal apartment dogs they don't unless they get lots of excersise and training.

Currently the Mini or North American Shepherd is seeking recognistion. Right now they are considered a rare breed. I don't know if they have achieved the recognition as yet to be shown in the Misc class at AKC shows.

[Aussiepaws]

I thought the Aussie had some Pyrenean Shepherd,in it which is actually a French breed.I am interested in this breed cos of that.I've owned 4 pyrenean shepherds that were the love of my life but since they are not allowed to be dock edor cropped,in Fr,I will not have another one.I don't like their look,as much.Will post some pictures if you want.

It is believed but hasn't been proven that the Australian Shepherd traces it's ancestry back to the Pyrenean Shepherd. I do know of a breeder state side that has started breeding Pyreneans. She's a well respected breeder in Aussies but has decided to branch out into this breed.

[Aussiepaws]

Odin And Zephyr,are Gorgeous!.

Thank you. This is a picture of Cadence our 20 month old pup. She loves to sleep under her bed sometimes.

[Aussiepaws]

Yeah, Aussies Rock. Best dog I've ever had. Maddie has a thin coat, not thick like a collie, with long skirts on the backs of her legs. We had her through puppy pre school and many obedience classes before we started agility. She is very dog and people friendly. I think shes going to through out a hip the way she gets wiggle butt when she's meeting people.
They do shed quite a bit.

Your Maddie is gorgeous. How old is she. Cadence went through several months of obedience school using the clicker method. It was incredible to watch how she processed the lessons and how quickly she learned.

We did some agility but still being a puppy she wasn't very focused so I'm holding back and waiting till she's got it all together mentally before going on to more advanced training.

She has been in the breed ring took a 3rd out of 7 as a 4 month old and a 4th out of 4 ...I did show her a few more times but finished out of the ribbons, after touching base with her breeder I had her spayed last August.
I didn't want to get into breeding and when you have an intact female dog your limited to what you can do around their heat cycles. So now she's just a very loved spoiled pet who pesters the heck out of Odin my other Aussie.

[xcolbi]

I love Australian Shepherds and would love to own one someday. :) I love seeing your pictures of all your Aussies, as well! Keep them coming! :D

[Aussies Rock]

Maddie is 3 1/2. We have been doing agility for almost 2 years. It's a great sport and they are near perfect for the sport. Aussies take a LOT of commitment from the owner. They must run, not walk, everyday. We spend many an afternoon with the frisbee, tennis ball, soccer ball or whatever. She loves to go down to the river. If you don't find a way to keep them physically and mentally active they will find a way to do it themselves:eek:

[agilityk9trainer]

There is sort of a controversy between the "Standard" Aussie and the Mini. There are breeders of the mini have who have taken Aussies, males and females well under the Aussie breed standard and bred them so that they produce smaller offspring.

Currently the Mini or North American Shepherd is seeking recognistion. Right now they are considered a rare breed. I don't know if they have achieved the recognition as yet to be shown in the Misc class at AKC shows.

"Controversy" is being kind. It's an outright war!! In agility, a little "Aussie" won the US Nationals in the 12" class. Allegedly (and I don't know this to be fact), the owner somewhere (either Clean Run or on an AKC informational sheet - I've heard both) listed the dog as an American Shepherd. Well, the Aussie people are in an uproar over this dog's alleged misprepresentation of the breed. The debate is raging in AKC circles, and some are very, very hot on both sides.

Now, this dog has won the right to go the AKC Agility Invitational, This right is given to only five dogs of each breed, and with the number of Aussies that do agility, you can see the competition would be extreme. The Aussie people are very mad that a dog who is, in their opinion, not a true Aussie is taking up an Aussie spot. Others feel it's time to let the matter rest and let the dog run. The Agility Invitational is designed to showcase different breeds in agility. AKC Nationals is designed to showcase the best dogs in agility. Because of the Invitational's desire to showcase breeds, the Aussies think it's even worse to have this tiny dog representing their breed.

People are getting rather mean on the subject in some of the agility e-mail lists out there. I think the AKC needs to address the issue, and supposedly they will be in the hopefully near future.

Just FYI.

[Aussiepaws]

"Controversy" is being kind. It's an outright war!! In agility, a little "Aussie" won the US Nationals in the 12" class. Allegedly (and I don't know this to be fact), the owner somewhere (either Clean Run or on an AKC informational sheet - I've heard both) listed the dog as an American Shepherd. Well, the Aussie people are in an uproar over this dog's alleged misprepresentation of the breed. The debate is raging in AKC circles, and some are very, very hot on both sides.

Now, this dog has won the right to go the AKC Agility Invitational, This right is given to only five dogs of each breed, and with the number of Aussies that do agility, you can see the competition would be extreme. The Aussie people are very mad that a dog who is, in their opinion, not a true Aussie is taking up an Aussie spot. Others feel it's time to let the matter rest and let the dog run. The Agility Invitational is designed to showcase different breeds in agility. AKC Nationals is designed to showcase the best dogs in agility. Because of the Invitational's desire to showcase breeds, the Aussies think it's even worse to have this tiny dog representing their breed.

People are getting rather mean on the subject in some of the agility e-mail lists out there. I think the AKC needs to address the issue, and supposedly they will be in the hopefully near future.

Just FYI.


I read about that not so little Controversy on the Aussie-L. In fact there always seems to be "war" going on between the Aussie and Mini Aussie breeders.

Most Aussie breeders won't even acknowledge the fact that there are breeders out there trying to breed a smaller "variety" of Aussie. Some mini Aussie breeders I'm sure have mixed other smaller breeds to keep the size down. There are some mini breeders that have gone as far as breeding a toy version. Now you have gotta believe that isn't a "pure" aussie if it's toy sized.