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They are the wiggle butt dogs because they greet you with their entire body.  I've been raising Australian Shepherds for ten years and I can't imagine a more perfect dog.

The Aussie is a moderate sized, all purpose stock dog.  They usually have a strong herding instinct.  This means that Aussies need fenced yards as the temptation to herd traffic can simply overwhelm them.  The Aussie is a very intelligent breed and is highly active.  This means they are not a breed suited to apartment life or being left in the back yard alone all the time.  They will get bored and become destructive (i.e. digging, chewing, barking, etc.)  They live to please their owners and have an intense desire to be with "their humans" all the time.

One aspect of this breed's temperament that many people new to the breed do not realize is their protectiveness.  This can vary among individual dogs, but all Aussies are, to some degree, protective of their yard, car, kids, etc.  While to some people this is a good thing, others are not prepared to handle this type of protectiveness.  While some Aussies will bark and then become friendly once their owners say it's okay, others will remain suspicious and reserved around strangers.

The addition of a dog to any family is a long-term commitment so it is wise to make the right choice from the start.  To do this you will need to find the breed most suited to you and your family.  While I love the Aussie and think it's the best dog on four legs.  I realize that this breed is not for everyone.  Aussies are high energy, extremely intelligent dogs, bred to work and herd all day long.  A purchaser must keep in mind what the dog was bred for when choosing an Aussie.  But if you have the time and commitment for an Aussie, I promise you, you won't be disappointed!

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