Aussies

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Does anyone know a lot about Australian Shepherds? I would love to learn more about them! I asked Dog Fancy to put Aussies in their magazine, so in January of 2002, the Aussie is going to be the cover dog!!!! If you know anything about Aussies, please post it here! Thanks! :)

[Tanya&Fritz]

I don't know anything about them. But I'm sure someone here will get back to you soon.

[BandiTank]

I am so glad someone decided to post about Aussies. I have before but no one replied. I love Australian shepherds. My Aussie is turning a year old this month! I know quite a bit about them. They can be in a variety of colors including blue merle, red merle, black, liver, all with or without white flashings and tan markings. Average height is 19-22 inches at the shoulder. They are very hyperactive dogs. They are very people friendly but can sometimes be reserved around some strangers. They are very protective, but are excellent with children, and are even sometimes called the "nanny dog". Aussies are considered one of the smartest breeds of dogs. They have the herding capability of Border collies but aren't as intense, which can be a good thing at times, if you do not want your livestock bitten (not agressively) or scared. If you want to know anything else just post it here or e-mail me! If I don't know it I will find out.

[tatsxxx11]

Aussies are so wonderfully athletic and intelligent, aren't they?? A friend has an Aussie too, and HIS name is Bandit!! The 24th is coming soon Bandit! Am I right?? Is it the BIG "0-1???" Now remember, give Mom that poor pitiful me look when you paw her your birthday wish list!! A good friend of mine has 2 Aussies, 1 Cattledog and a Border Collie! Things REALLY hop around her house!

[ July 15, 2001: Message edited by: tatsxxx11 ]

[ownerof3dogs]

My dog Hercules is part Aussie. His mom was the Aussie and his dad is my other dog who is a rotty/border collie. Here is a picture of Herc http://wsphotofews.excite.com/025/qi/Ss/E1/xd46151.jpg


I have a question for Aussie owners. Are your Aussie's aggressive towards other people not in your family?

[BandiTank]

I love Aussies. My Bandit's b-day IS the 24! He will be 1 year old! I TOO have a cattledog. I don't have a border collie, but my grandpa does. Your neighbor and I have so much in common. We are going ot have a mini birthday party for Bandit with all the dogs that we have. I am going to make special dog treats and buy Bandit some big toy that is indisposable (or else it wouldn't last very long).

[BandiTank]

My Aussie is definately not agressive towards other people. Some Aussies can be, though. He is sometimes with other dogs, though. One way to reduce aggresiveness is to take them into public as much as foten. We do a lot and Bandit loves it when little kids come up and give him hugs. He gets many compliments, too. I have had about 3 people offer to buy him from me! But I would NEVER sale him, not for anything. I'm sure everyone else is the same way about your dogs.

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/882da3d3/bc/Pets/__tn_Banditswim.jpg?bc0a0U7AD3Cb4r2M
Bandit swimming

[BandiTank]

That pic wasn't very good I'll get a bigger one...

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/882da3d3/bc/Pets/Banditswim.jpg?bcfe0U7A2m9anj_.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Although Graham is an aussie mix he does not have all the traits of an aussie...only some of them. He is vocal, he will occationally herd kids (gently of course), he is extremely smart and he is easy to train. He does not have the energy level...he's actually pretty darn mellow! He casually runs or trots throught the agility courses. He's very accurate but he does not have the typical aussie speed.

[Angels3]

The Aussie got that part of its name because is was originally bred from Blue Heeler-type dogs that came to the USA from Australia. Blue Heelers are an Australian Cattle Dog. These Blue Heeler-type dogs accompanied masses of sheep which were imported from Australia to the western & northwestern USA in the late 1800s & early 1900s. They called them 'little blue dogs'.
The ranchers recognized these dogs great working ability & selectively bred from them & introduced other working breeds into the line. And so they developed the beautiful & clever Australian Shepherd working dog.
There's a book about the breed by Jeanne-Joy Hartnagle. It's called 'All About Aussies: The Australian Shepherd A-Z'.
Websites with info are http://www.asca.org (Gen. info) http://www.australianshepherds.org (US Aussie Association home page) :)

[ July 17, 2001: Message edited by: Angels3 ]

[BandiTank]

I meant to mention that but I guess I forgot. Aussies are not from Australia (as Anegls3 said). Some people think they are from the good ol' U.S. of A., but some think they are from Spain. I don't know. I did not know that Aussies had blue heeler (AUstralian cattledog) in them, my dad mentioned something about it but it just went through one ear and out the other. Now it feels like my Aussie and my blue heeler are somewhat related. Its kind of cool.

[Angels3]

Yes, BandiTank, it looks like Aussies & Blue Heelers are very, very distant relatives. You've probably noticed that some of the breed behaviours are similar. This is what an Australian article about Aussies says:
"Despite its name, Australia can't lay claim to the development of this breed. It was the ranchers & farmers of the USA that set up a breeding program to create the dogs we know today. In fact, the Australian Shepherd is the only livestock working breed to be developed in America."
The numbers of Australian Shepherds in Australia is still small...only 220 are registered with our Canine Councils. But there are huge numbers of Australian Cattle Dogs (Blue & Red Heelers) which were developed here from those 'small blue dogs' which were also sent to the USA with sheep in the late 1800s. Blue Heelers are our national dog . Another Australian-developed working dog is the Kelpie...beautiful dogs! Also short-haired Border Collies are used extensvely as sheepdogs. The long-haired Border Collies are pets or showdogs.

[ July 18, 2001: Message edited by: Angels3 ]

[Angels3]

I've just discovered that another Australian working dog was taken to the USA with the import of cattle & sheep from Australia, many years ago. It's the Kelpie but it has not been developed into another breed in the US (like the Aussie has been).
Kelpies in the US have their own site & you can read about them at http://www.kelpiesinc.com/WKworkingkelpie.htm
If you click on Colours & Descriptions, you will see Kelpies that are still the same as those in Australia where they originally came from.

[ShepherdLover]

Aussies, as I've seen in my agility classes, are great agility dogs! If someone afforded my a free one, I'd certainly take one!

They're very obedient and agile. Although they're energy I've heard can be almost like a Border Collie's! I'm not sure I want THAT much energy. :)

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Thanks everybody!!! ShepherdLover- Speaking of Agility, do you know any Dog Agility web sites? Thanks!

[kobieeli]

We have a black tri Aussie male who'll turn 1 year old tomorrow! He's great with our other dog, smart, affectionate, energetic (but not hyper, as some have said Aussies are), and not at all aggressive or difficult. We're going to start some basic agility training with him soon. If you want a good link to begin your investigations from, check out www.dog-play.com/agilityl.html (http://www.dog-play.com/agilityl.html)

[BandiTank]

I have terrible news. You know about my Aussie, Bandit (just turned a year old), right? Well, this past week he was hit by a car, and he didn't make it :*(. I miss him so much. He has been a car chaser before and my dad was fixing the dog lot this weekend so we could put him in it when we are not home, but he didn't do it in enough time. Let this be a lesson to us all, never EVER let your dog run loose next to a road. He had never been a car chaser until we moved. I guess we just didn't see it coming.

[Rottie]

Originally posted by BandiTank:
<STRONG>I have terrible news. You know about my Aussie, Bandit (just turned a year old), right? Well, this past week he was hit by a car, and he didn't make it :*(. I miss him so much. He has been a car chaser before and my dad was fixing the dog lot this weekend so we could put him in it when we are not home, but he didn't do it in enough time. Let this be a lesson to us all, never EVER let your dog run loose next to a road. He had never been a car chaser until we moved. I guess we just didn't see it coming.</STRONG>

Oh, Rachel I'm so sorry about Bandit. :( That is so sad to hear! He was such a beautiful dog. What a sad day for the dog world. :(

[Karen]

Oh how sad! I've known car-chasing dogs before, and it is so scary. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Remember, Bandit is now playing happily with many other dogs owned by PetTalk people, free and happy at the Rainbow Bridge. And, of course, part of him always be with you, in your heart is a little wiggly spot, Bandit-shaped. Whenever you feel your heart race, picture Bandit running happily along, racing with you. As long as you live, Bandit will live on, in you.

I hope this helps.

This is why cars will be banned, or their use strictly limited, in Pettalkville (http://PetoftheDay.com/cgibin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=21&t=000134)

[Logan]

I am so, so very sorry to hear about Bandit. Although my dogs are fenced, my cats are not, and it is constant fear of mine that some driver will be going too fast, and that Mimi and Butter won't get out of the way in time.....

I know you are grieving, Rachel. Please accept my deepest sympathy over your loss of Bandit.

Logan

[Sudilar]

Oh Rachel, my heart goes out to you!!! What a terrible tragedy!! Bandit was such a beautiful dog. I am so sorry for you. You must be devastated. Remember that he is at Rainbow Bridge now with all the rest of our beloved pets who have passed. This is too sad.

[BandiTank]

I am so thankful for everyone's support. I fell much better knowing that Bandit is up at the Rainbow Bridge with everybody elses animals. I know he will be waiting for me when I get there.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

So sorry to hear about Bandit, he was so beautiful, at least you know he is at the Rainbow bridge playing with all the other dogs we all love.
Jackie

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Oh, BandiTank, I am so sorry to hear about Bandit. That just makes me cry! I am sooo sorry! :( :( :(

[Daisy's Mom]

Rachel I am so sorry! What a horrible shock to hear this awful news. I don't know what to say... Bandit was beautiful. I am so sorry... time heals all, sweetie.

-Bridget

[*LabLoverKEB*]

~~~In The Loss Of Your Loved One~~~

~In every life,
there comes a time
to walk in shadows
and in sunlight,
to hear silence and song,
to shed tears of sadness
and of joy,
to forgot what
has been taken,
and remember what has been given.~

Rachel, I am so sorry to hear about your dear Bandit. He was a beautiful dog. Bandit will always be with you in your heart. He was a wonderful dog. Bandit will never forget what a wonderful, caring, and loving person you are. I hope all this helps. Bandit is playing with all the other doggies from Pet Talk, that have passed on to Ranbow Bridge. Take care.....

[RachelJ]

My heart goes out to you, Rachel. I was so shocked to see this news. What a tragic loss of a beautiful, intelligent dog who was just coming into his prime. Sometimes intelligence can be a two edged sword. They are so smart that we trust them to be more responsible than they really are. I am deeply sorry for you and your family. How very devasted you must be. http://plauder-smilies.de/sad/cry.gif

[ramanth]

Ohhh Rachel! :(
I'm soo sorry to hear about Bandit. My boyfriend and I just adopted Kia from the local Humane Society. She's a Siberian Husky/Australian Cattle Dog mix. An absolute sweetheart. I have no clue as to why they dropped her off.

She does tend to play rough, (only because my boyfriend does so with her...I'm trying to train them both not too....heh)

But she's very gentle with friends that come over. Kia is very energetic and young. She's only 3. I'm taking her camping this weekend and I think she'll enjoy it.

Kim S.

http://www.msnusers.com/PetsAnimalsChannelCommunity/msgattachments/121

[kobieeli]

Rachel, I too am heartsick about your loss. Cars mixing with dogs is my worst nightmare.
My condolences.
*********************

Kim S., do you have a picture of your new adopted mix? I was curious what she looks like because we have a similar crossbreed. Is yours a red or blue ACD?

[ownerof3dogs]

I just read the terrible news. I am so sorry about your loss. I really don't know what to say other then Sorry. I hope you start felling better soon

Diana

[ramanth]

Originally posted by kobieeli:
<STRONG>Kim S., do you have a picture of your new adopted mix? I was curious what she looks like because we have a similar crossbreed. Is yours a red or blue ACD?</STRONG>

Hey...lol! I just realized you were the same person who asked me about a pic in a different thread. Silly me.

I'd say Kia is a reddish brown. Probably more brown. She's definately not blue. And Kobie is GORGEOUS!

I'll get that pic for ya. :-)

Kim S.

[ramanth]

Here finally are pictures of my dog Kia.

Pictures of Kia (http://www.geocities.com/ramanth/kia.html)

Kim S.

[Karen]

She's a beauty - those eyes must be hard to resist! :) "But Mom! I didn't do it ... don;t I LOOK innocent?"

[Daisy's Mom]

Wow look at those eyes! What a beautiful dog!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Wow!! Kia is beautiful! Such pretty eyes! :)

[Aussieowner]

I know a little about them. I own two - a blue merle and a black tri. They are very smart, and need to be exercised every day. What exactly do you want to know?


E]Originally posted by *LabLoverKEB*:
<STRONG>Does anyone know a lot about Australian Shepherds? I would love to learn more about them! I asked Dog Fancy to put Aussies in their magazine, so in January of 2002, the Aussie is going to be the cover dog!!!! If you know anything about Aussies, please post it here! Thanks! :)</STRONG>[/QUOTE]

c:\my documents\my picturesnull (http://null)

[ramanth]

Originally posted by Karen:
<STRONG>She's a beauty - those eyes must be hard to resist! :) "But Mom! I didn't do it ... don;t I LOOK innocent?"</STRONG>

LOL! Don't I know it Karen. *grins* Thankfully she does not get in a lot of trouble.

Thanks to all for the compliments. I can barely get her walk in because everyone stops us and comments on her. *chuckles*

Kim S.

[shais_mom]

She is beautiful and has the most gorgeous eyes. I have a soft spot for blue eyed dogs, for some reason. :eek:

[Angels3]

Originally posted by Kim S.:
<STRONG>Here finally are pictures of my dog Kia.

Pictures of Kia (http://www.geocities.com/ramanth/kia.html)

Kim S.</STRONG>

Kim, I showed the pics of your Kia to some people here who know about working dogs & asked them what breed she is. Everyone picked her as a perfect Blue/tan Kelpie...including the blue eyes. Go look at the Blue/tan Kelpies on the US Kelpie site...Kia looks exactly like one. http://www.kelpiesinc.com/wkcolors.htm
Scroll down until you see the Blue/tan ones.
The Kelpie tan tends to be a reddish one.

I'm not saying Kia is a Kelpie but she looks amazingly like one...& has made people here think she IS one.

[ramanth]

Originally posted by Angels3:
<STRONG>

Kim, I showed the pics of your Kia to some people here who know about working dogs & asked them what breed she is. Everyone picked her as a perfect Blue/tan Kelpie...including the blue eyes. Go look at the Blue/tan Kelpies on the US Kelpie site...Kia looks exactly like one. http://www.kelpiesinc.com/wkcolors.htm
Scroll down until you see the Blue/tan ones.
The Kelpie tan tends to be a reddish one.

I'm not saying Kia is a Kelpie but she looks amazingly like one...& has made people here think she IS one.</STRONG>


Wow Angel3! She does look like she might have Kelpie in her. The Humane Society said she was a Husky mix. The vet said it looked like she did have some Aussie Cattle Dog in her because she has the spotting on her forelegs, chest and belly.

I guess I'll never know what she has.

Kim S.

[Angels3]

Originally posted by Kim S.:
<STRONG>


Wow Angel3! She does look like she might have Kelpie in her. The Humane Society said she was a Husky mix. The vet said it looked like she did have some Aussie Cattle Dog in her because she has the spotting on her forelegs, chest and belly.

I guess I'll never know what she has.

Kim S.</STRONG>

Kim, the Kelpie is an Australian-developed working dog breed...just like the Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler). They have common ancestors...that's where the blue bits on the blue/tan kelpies come from. Why don't you email the people on the US Kelpie site & show them the pics of your girl & ask their opinion?

[delidog]

rachel, i am so sorry for the loss of your dear bandit...i read the other posts and i can only say what everyone else has...i feel for you at this time you and bandit will be in our prayers....delidog..

[mugsy]

Rachel, I'm so sorry to hear about Bandit. I know what it's like to lose someone you love. I'm not looking forward to losing my others. We have a red tri Aussie that we got at the shelter and a GSD/Aussie mix and I love them both dearly. Bandit and Lady can play together at the Rainbow Bridge until we get there.

[aussieshep]

Oh darn.. I missed this post.

To reply to the last message... agility... YES... check out the official NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council) website. I believe the website is www.nadac.com

They have all the rules and equipment specs listed here. If you want to run your dog in agility you must have a NADAC (or AKC, CKC) registration number.

My aussie LOVES agility... she is also on the local flyball team. They are definitely a full of energy breed and require active homes, but well worth it!

:D