Australian Shepherd Dog - An active and intelligent addition to your family

Despite the name, the Australian shepherd is not Australian but is a breed that developed in the western U.S. He is an active, intelligent, hard working and versatile dog that needs a family who understands his specific needs. The Aussie need an active home where their intelligence and energy are channeled into some productive work. Give him a job and he'll be a happy dog. However, without a purpose in life they become bored and can develop destructive behaviors. The Aussie has a huge amount of energy, and therefore needs plenty of daily exercise. They have a strong character, and this makes them extremely loyal and protective of their family. This dog should be socialized early as they can be a little aloof with strangers. It’s also good to introduce them to children and other house pets at an early age. Aussies make excellent watchdogs as they are very vocal and use a unique bark-howl combination to alert their family of any perceived threat. The breed still retains a strong herding instinct, meaning he has a tendency to nip at your ankles when running and playing. It is recommended that Aussies should be kept in a well-fenced yard and on a lead when out walking so to prevent them from herding traffic, which can be fatal.