As I have mentioned in other articles, the Australian Shepherd is as misnamed of an animal as it gets.
Despite its name it is not from Australia, and a more fitting name might be Australian Shepherds of California, to at least its long and proud history serving as a herding dog on the rugged plains of the American West.
The American West is a land of harsh heat and humidity, wracked by powerful storms and in the winter months gripped by frigid cold.
What was needed most was a dog that could herd cattle and sheep effectively while still enduring such disparate elements.
Though the dog first got its name herding Australian sheep, it cut its teeth on the trials faced by many as they worked to make California a home.
With the most basic level of training, the Australian Shepherd presented itself as the herding dog of choice for many.
Their natural instincts combined with their strong intelligence and an ingrained need to follow commands was ideally suited to the ranching way of life.
Even more than its natural instincts, more than its amazing intelligence, what made this dog valued more was its commitment to a deep relationship with its owners.
It truly presented itself as the ideal ranch companion.
The integrity and strength of this remarkable animal can be seen in the fact that after several generations the Australian Shepherds plays as much a role in California now as they once did.
Still, time changes all things, and like anything good the Australian Shepherd is now used for more than just herding animals.
It is only natural that those who do not have herd animals would still come recognize the amazing abilities of these diverse animals, so first and foremost they have become pets with others being bred for shows and performance event.
The last two are a natural fit given this dog's intelligence and eagerness to learn.
The herding instinct has been dulled somewhat in the suburban Aussie, but they are still of course a working dog.
This is why they have been used as drug search dogs, guide dogs and for a plethora of other reasons unrelated to herding.
Those that have remained attached to their herding roles are different than their suburban cousins.
They are heavier, more sturdily built, with less of a coat and though still possessed of a natural athleticism they are not hyper and overactive like their cousins.
They save their energy for when they need it.
The herding stock of this breed is at their best when working with their owners, doing their job, and in such situations you will find them at their healthiest and their happiest.
For them, it is best to keep them in the environment for which they are uniquely suited, and from which they derive the most pleasure.
Whichever path you follow, whether it is the smaller suburban Aussie or the larger open-range one, there are many truths that remain constant.
These are affectionate, athletic, and intelligent animals.
They are eager to please and easy to train, with a solid range of performance abilities.
There is little wonder why this is such a truly popular dog.
Despite its name it is not from Australia, and a more fitting name might be Australian Shepherds of California, to at least its long and proud history serving as a herding dog on the rugged plains of the American West.
The American West is a land of harsh heat and humidity, wracked by powerful storms and in the winter months gripped by frigid cold.
What was needed most was a dog that could herd cattle and sheep effectively while still enduring such disparate elements.
Though the dog first got its name herding Australian sheep, it cut its teeth on the trials faced by many as they worked to make California a home.
With the most basic level of training, the Australian Shepherd presented itself as the herding dog of choice for many.
Their natural instincts combined with their strong intelligence and an ingrained need to follow commands was ideally suited to the ranching way of life.
Even more than its natural instincts, more than its amazing intelligence, what made this dog valued more was its commitment to a deep relationship with its owners.
It truly presented itself as the ideal ranch companion.
The integrity and strength of this remarkable animal can be seen in the fact that after several generations the Australian Shepherds plays as much a role in California now as they once did.
Still, time changes all things, and like anything good the Australian Shepherd is now used for more than just herding animals.
It is only natural that those who do not have herd animals would still come recognize the amazing abilities of these diverse animals, so first and foremost they have become pets with others being bred for shows and performance event.
The last two are a natural fit given this dog's intelligence and eagerness to learn.
The herding instinct has been dulled somewhat in the suburban Aussie, but they are still of course a working dog.
This is why they have been used as drug search dogs, guide dogs and for a plethora of other reasons unrelated to herding.
Those that have remained attached to their herding roles are different than their suburban cousins.
They are heavier, more sturdily built, with less of a coat and though still possessed of a natural athleticism they are not hyper and overactive like their cousins.
They save their energy for when they need it.
The herding stock of this breed is at their best when working with their owners, doing their job, and in such situations you will find them at their healthiest and their happiest.
For them, it is best to keep them in the environment for which they are uniquely suited, and from which they derive the most pleasure.
Whichever path you follow, whether it is the smaller suburban Aussie or the larger open-range one, there are many truths that remain constant.
These are affectionate, athletic, and intelligent animals.
They are eager to please and easy to train, with a solid range of performance abilities.
There is little wonder why this is such a truly popular dog.
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