Australian Shepherds are one of the most versatile breeds in the dog kingdom today. Though their name would automatically lead one to believe that they came from Australia, and there is some evidence of this, the evidence is still inconclusive and thus their origins remain clouded. What is known is that the cattle ranchers and sheep men of the Western United States played a major role in the history of the Aussie. The ranchers and sheep men of the West recognized Aussies as versatile working dogs. As times changed and the children from these ranchers and sheep men grew up and moved away to find new ways of living in urban areas, they remembered the faithful blue dogs from their childhood. They went back to the country to get a friend from the past. This is when the Aussie's amazing versatility and unique characteristics were revealed to the public.

The Australian Shepherd is primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is sensitive and attentive, with amazing intelligence. He should be capable of independent judgment, as required, with children or animals in his care. He is an active dog with a happy even disposition, good natured, seldom quarrelsome, and makes an excellent companion. He is territorial; that is, he knows his own boundaries and protects them.

He is easily trained and adapts to suit any purpose from obedience, agility, tracking, even to hunting. He is reserved with strangers, but affectionate and playful with people he knows well. He is patient, loving and protective toward children at home. With the right upbringing he is a perfect gentleman/lady when introduced to visitors. Viciousness or extreme shyness toward people or animals should not be tolerated, and these dogs should never be used for breeding stock.

The breed is bob-tailed, either natural or docked. They are of medium coat, with four colors: blue merle, solid black, red merle, and solid red, all with or without copper and white trim. The colors should be clear and vivid. The eyes are blue, brown or amber. The ears are set high and drop forward at a medium break. The dog itself is of medium size.

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http://www.ashgi.org/color

Many people consider the Australian Shepherd to be the ideal dog. Their medium size makes them the perfect house or car dog, yet .they are formidable enough when need be. This is a breed that you must prepare yourself for. The high intelligence and the surprising' way they "think" will outsmart you. Their uncanny intelligence whether herding livestock or being a companion is always at work.

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