australian shepherds!

[I Love My Aussie]

How do y'all feel about Australian shepherds? I love them! They are great dogs! Hope you all agree!

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*Get a Grip Get an Aussie*

[Angels3]

Yes, Australian Shepherds are lovely dogs. They originally had the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, bred into them. That's where they get that distinctive coat colour and pattern from. Some of the Australian Shepherds also show the distinct cattle-driving nip of the blue heeler. Those dogs were bred to drive cattle & they did so by nipping at the heels of the cattle. Some aussies still show that 'working dog' behaviour when they are trying to organize someone...like out walking with a person, greeting a new person etc. It can be mistaken for aggressive biting...but it's actually a working dog's behaviour. Training & lots of activities are therefore very important for this intelligent breed.

[I Love My Aussie]

My grandparents own 2 red heelers (same as a blue heeler just red) so I know how the instinct is. My male does not do a whole lot of nipping because he knows better not to, and he saves that for the horses. I own an 8 month old male blue w/copper pts. & white trim named Bandit. Go to this site for pics...

photos.yahoo.com/paint_horse89

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*Get a Grip Get an Aussie*