Working Dogs - The Australian Shepherd - Jack of All Trades

by Sue

I compete in herding trials with my three Australian Shepherds, but the best time we have together is working on our small farm. I raise sheep, a few steers, ducks and still keep a few horses. My dogs can easily go from moving ducks to moving cattle.

They used to call them truck dogs. If you left them in the back of the pickup not only would the dog still be there when you returned, but all your stuff too.

Once trained I can trust mine to guard stock without worrying about them working the stock. Known as a versatile breed, if you can't afford a different breed for each chore, a working Aussie may be the dog for you.

These medium sized dogs really think out of the box, and are ready to please when properly trained. No need to ask twice when it comes to guarding family members. When they are done working their favorite chore is to be close to their people. So if you don't like shadows, don't get an Aussie.