Australian Shepherds (affectionately referred to as Aussies) are intelligent, hard-working, high-energy dogs. They are great family dogs, but also helpful ranch/ farm dogs. They love adventure and are great walking, hiking, and running partners once they are adults. They enjoy having a job and being stimulated mentally as well as physically. Aussies need a yard with a good fence and they need exercise on a daily basis. They are very playful. They are very fond of their humans and incredibly loyal. Aussies are really good with children, especially when they are introduced to kids as puppies. Their eagerness to please makes training almost effortless. Aussies have a waterproof, double-layer coat that should be brushed weekly. They have a moderate shedding level, but weekly brushing helps with shedding. Aussies come in an array of colors including black (like Bentley), blue merle (like Dolly), red and red merle. As a part of the breed standard, the tails of Aussies are docked for practical reasons including to avoid injury when they are herding. Please visit the AKC website for more information on the breed!