Not really from the "land down under" the Australian Shepherd (Aussie) is a versatile very active, intelligent breed of dog, able to adapt to a variety of tasks. Aussie's generally have an even disposition making them ideal companions for an active household that is up for the challenge of an active and smart dog. Australian Shepherds are active working dogs you will find Aussies working on sheep farms and cattle ranches, they are often used for Search and Rescue dogs, and more recently are very popular in dog sports such as agility and fly ball. The Aussie is a medium sized dog, with a medium length wavy, weather resistant coat which requires moderate grooming, this coat comes in a variety of colours including the unique blue and red merle.

For more information on the breed the following links will give you more detailed information about purebred dogs, and choosing the right breed for you. Aussie's are high energy dogs, which need training and activities to keep them busy, a bored Aussie gets creative. The purchase or adoption of a dog is lifetime commitment please research the breed and talk to Aussie breeders and owners to see if the Aussie is the breed for you.

If you have decided the Aussie is the right dog for you, this site will give you links to Aussie breeders and various activities you and your Aussie can participate in.

• The Australian Shepherd Club of America
• The Canadian Kennel Club
• The American Kennel Club
• ASC of Washington
• Canadian National Australian Shepherd Association

Please consider adopting an Aussie from one of the many Aussie Rescue Groups, many of these Aussie's are looking for a new home due to no fault of their own. The following is a list of Australian Shepherd Rescue Organizations, they have a wealth of information on the breed, and will be able to answer questions you have about the breed. Note most reputable rescue organizations do have an adoption fee, and potential adopters are screened prior to placement.

• Australian Shepherd Rescue of British Columbia
• Aussie Rescue in the Northwest
• ARPH
• Canadian Aussie Rescue

Aussies where originally bred and refined for herding, a dog that can work in the fields from dawn 'til dusk and guard the homestead at night. Today's Aussie's are still used for herding on working ranches, even many urban Aussie's living in condos retain that instinct and have achieved herding titles.

For more information on working dogs please see the links below.

Aussie's are generally a healthy longer lived breed, with luck and TLC you might have your Aussie for 14 years, however this is not to say the breed does not have health issues. Aussies can be susceptible to the following: epilepsy, eye problems, hip/elbow dysplasia, drug resistance/intolerance, cancer and vehicle accidents. Please talk to your breeder about these potential problems when viewing puppies, and consult your veterinarian for more information, always have your new dog/puppy examined by a veterinarian of your choice. Remember despite a breeders best efforts some health issues cannot have a 100% guarantee, and some health issues can be effected by the home environment.

Please find below links to various sites where you can find more information on health problems that Australian Shepherds can be susceptible to. The best information sources you can use are your veterinarian and your breeder; if in doubt get a second opinion, and have tests done.

The following are some general information sites on Aussies and dogs.