Miniature Australian Shepherds

---

The Australian Shepherd has a striking and varied coat. It is of moderate length, straight to wavy, and weather resistant. The under coat is shed twice a year; with moderate shedding between these periods. The coat comes in four accepted colors: black, blue merle, red, and red merle.

Intelligent and very alert, the Australian Shepherd gives complete devotion to his owner. All he asks in return is the chance to work. He was bred to herd livestock, and is serious and single-minded about his job.

The Australian Shepherd is known to have originated in the United States during the nineteenth century from a mixture of a number of different herding dogs, primarily from Europe, Latin America and to a lesser extent Australia. Throughout the 19th century, a large number of European herding dogs accompanied their owners to the East Coast of the United States.

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, delightful, and loyal. They are highly energetic and thrive on being given something to do. The Aussie has a high degree of intensity and a "no-quit" attitude. Their herding instinct may be problematic or annoying to their family, as this breed will often attempt to perform this task on everyone or anything that moves.

The Australian Shepherd is an active dog who requires regular exercise. He is good natured and even tempered, although he may be initially shy with strangers. He makes a loyal companion.

Without sufficient attention and exercise, the Australian Shepherd can become very hyperactive and bark endlessly. The breed is only a moderate shedder and needs to be brushed once or twice a week.

Australian Shepherds are easy to train. They benefit from early socialization and very basic obedience. It is important that they know who the master is or they will attempt to take control. The Australian Shepherd requires firm, fair, consistent, and effective direction.