Australian Shepherds

They are prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems (PRA and a few others), so it is very important that if you buy a puppy that the parents are CERF eyes and OFA hips.  If you mean adopt as in a shelter or rescue, you won't be able to verify these things, but you will also pay much less and will be saving a life.  I would recommend checking eyes on the dog you get if that wasn't done by the rescue to rule out any problems, because most of them can cause blindness if present and that's a heartbreak you don't want (or if you can handle it, you should be prepared).  Good luck to you - they are a lovely intelligent breed.

I have a blue heeler, a little different, but pretty much the same. High energy and love to have a job to do. I would'nt recommend this breed for a first time dog owner, unless you do quite a bit of research.

The coat is easy to groom and needs little attention. Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
The gene for the beautiful merle coloration also carries a blind/deaf factor. This may be expressed only in merle/merle crosses. Be sure to check the hearing on merle puppies. Natural bobtail-to-natural bobtail breedings can result in some offspring with serious spinal defects. Major concerns: cataract, CEA. Minor concerns: CHD, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger – Huet syndrome, iris coloboma. Occasionally seen: lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, PRA, vWD, distichiasis, PDA, PPM. Suggested tests: hip, eye. Some are prone to hip dysplasia This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm preventive is considered safe. Also IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia).
From [linkhttp://www.dogbreedinfo.com]www.dogbreedinfo.com[/link]
Good luck! These dogs are gorgeous []

ORIGINAL: basenjigirl

 This breed is an average shedder.

this may be an understatement. the two aussies i have known (my parents had a blue merle one and my boss used to bring his tri-color to work) shed big clumps of hair in the summer time. it may just be because they have longer hair than most of the other dogs we have owned. [sm=2cents.gif]

i must say though that they are great dogs, and i love the blue merle ones best. good luck with your new puppy whatever breed you choose.

You can try the following links they are for australian shepherd rescue groups with a lot of info on the breed and also have a lot of dogs w/background ready to be adopted to a loving home.  []

[linkhttp://www.miniaussierescue.org/index.html]http://www.miniaussierescue.org/index.html[/link]

[linkhttp://www.staar.org/]http://www.staar.org/[/link]

Good luck!

I own a 3yr old male Aussie. He was my first dog and I have had no problems with my boy. He is very intelligent and highly trainable. Socialized right from the beginning, Kobi is very good with other dogs, but his first love is people. They are what we call velcro dogs as they are happiest when they are with the family - particuarily their leader - even if it is simply laying quietly at your feet. My Aussie came from a line of 'show' Aussies as opposed to working lines. I would class him as a moderately active dog who is more than physically satisfied with one good run ( at least an hour) a day, although he does get a second outing in the evening which he enjoys. Mental simulation is very important for an Aussie. They love to play games like find the toy or working on treat cubes etc. Aloof is a term often used to describe the breed. Kobi has particualr dogs he enjoys interacting with and pretty much ignores the others. When it comes to people however he is always extremely friendly and appreciates everyones attention.

My dog is not that easy to groom. Length of coat can vary quite a bit. Some are short and wavey, others like Kobi's are quite long and will matt if not brushed regularily. Females tend to have shorter coats. They have thick undercoats and are not overly fond of hot weather. Because the breed varies so much in size, coat and energy level, if you possibly can, you should check out the parents to get an idea of what to expect.

I just fell in love with that face...he is so cuuuuttteee....sending him lots of kisses.[]