Don't let the name Australian Shepherd fool you.  This dog's country of origin is the United States of America.  All shepherds are herding dogs and behave in the same manner of a collie.  They often take charge.
	If you don't go where they want you to, watch out! They are not mean dogs and do not bite unexpectedly.  The Australian shepherd lives about twelve to fourteen years.
	Their coats are straight or wavy, medium length, and doubled.  You can get them in blue merle, red merle, red black, or tricolor with white and ten markings.  Height varies from male to female.  Males are about twenty to twenty-three inches.
		Females are about eighteen to twenty-one inches.  Both weight anywhere from thirty to seventy-five pounds.  Australian Shepherds are great with children and other pets, but always supervise.  Shepherds make drastic moves if it doesn't like the activities going on.
	The shepherd's temperament is always alert and ready.  It loves to work.  They are great attention grabbers and will sit of lie down unasked to earn your praise.
	The main health problems for the Australian Shepherd are hip dysphasia, cataracts, and collie eye anomaly.  To keep your shepherd safe and healthy, keep it indoors, but with lots or outdoor activity and people to care for it.  Keep its coat clean by brushing it daily.  To adopt an Australian Shepherd, contact the Aussie Rescue and Placement Help line Inc. at www.aussierescue.org
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