My Australian Shepherd Dog Oks Morning Sunshine aka "Sunshine"

Australian Shepherd breed characteristics and temperament
TEMPERAMENT

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, medium-sized dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is also a delightful and loyal companion and a great family dog. He loves to be part of the daily hustle and bustle, and enjoys riding in the vehicle just to be with his beloved master. As a farm dog, he diligently carries out his responsibilities, be they bringing in the stock or finding that stray one that got tangled in the brush. He is easy to train, easy to housebreak, and eager to please.

Aussies have been used as seeing-eye dogs, as utility dogs to the physically handicapped, hearing aid dogs, police and narcotics dogs and search and rescue dogs. In the northern areas they have also been used as sled dogs. Many go with their masters as volunteers to children's homes and nursing homes to do therapy work. Truly, the Australian Shepherd is a highly versatile dog.

The Aussie (as he is lovingly nicknamed) is a very active dog that needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis to prevent him from become bored or frustrated and developing destructive habits. Because of their high energy level, combined with high intelligence, Aussies need to be given a "job" to perform, be it shepherding the children, protecting the house, herding livestock or competing in dog events.

One of the most frequent reasons Aussies are turned over to rescue groups is because their owners didn't realize how much energy the breed has, and weren't willing to channel that energy through training. Aussies are also quite demanding of their owners' time and attention and want to be constantly with them, following them from room to room in the house, and going along in the car or truck on errands. They can be highly territorial and protective of their masters' possessions, which can cause serious difficulties unless controlled with proper training.

The Australian Shepherd comes in four acceptable colors: black, blue merle (a marbling of gray and black), red (ranging from light cinnamon to liver), and red merle (marbling of red and silver or buff). A variety of white and tan markings may appear on the face, chest, front and rear legs. The outer coat is of moderate length, with a texture that is straight to wavy and weather resistant. The undercoat is soft and dense, and the amount varies with climate. Tails are naturally bobbed or docked. Ears are moderately sized, and break forward and over, or the side as rose ears. Males weigh approximately 50 to 65 pounds, measuring from 20 to 23 inches, and females weigh about 40 to 55 pounds, measuring from 18 to 21 inches.

The eyes of the Australian Shepherd are perhaps one of his most commented on features because of the variety of colors. They may be any color or combination of colors from glassy blue, amber, hazel, to all shades of brown.

BREED HISTORY

While there are many theories as to the origin of the Australian Shepherd, the breed as we know it today developed exclusively in the United States. The Australian Shepherd was given its name because of their association with the Basque sheepherders who came to the United States from Australia in the 1800's. The Aussie rose rapidly in popularity with the boom of western riding after World War II, becoming known to the general public via rodeos, horse shows, movies and television. Their inherent versatility and trainability made them useful on American farms and ranches. The American stockmen continued the development of the breed, maintaining the versatility, keen intelligence, strong herding instinct and eye-catching appearance.

Australian Shepherds have been registered by various registries since the early 1950's. In 1990, the United States Australian Shepherd Association was established as the parent club of the Australian Shepherd representing the breed to the American Kennel Club. On September 1, 1991, the AKC recognized the Australian Shepherd breed and on January 1, 1993, accepted them into the Herding Group.
Looking for information just Google: American Kennel Club site for Australian Shepherds and the breed standard

I thought we had gotten past this!
I saw Sunshine go to her bed and turn backwards, usually a sign. I thought she had picked up her left-over marsh-mellow and decided to eat it. Then I hear this tinkling noise. Sunshine had eaten my key-chain. You know the little red hat charm type that some of us mature ladies carry?! Yes, it was metal, its gone, no traces. What do you do to stop this? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks and God bless, Peg
NOTE: DONT PANIC! I found the hat! She didn't swallow it, so no bowel blockage to worry about. Just a messed up key-chain. So, keep it in my purse. Any other ideas?

Sunshine has decided it is time to start learning to herd! So she is practicing on the cats. Above, she had just herded the Flame point siamese tom Trouble under the bushes so he would leave Sampson, the black cat, alone. She has definite favorites. She also has started practicing on the chickens. They're a little easier than the cats. Sorry I don't have any photos of that.

Next will be about Sunshine practicing to play Frisbee! She is just really starting out. I'll try to get some photos.

Sunshine shows more patients than I can believe waiting for Abbi to have her turn first. Sunshine has become very good at frisbee, Abbi plays lying down as often as not. So she doesn't have to chase it. She is almost 12 years old you know.

CAUGHT IT! No she isn't crazed, but she does have huge teeth. It's a good thing she is gentle. Scary!

Sunshine waiting patiently for Abbi to have her turn at frisbee! Have you ever seen an Aussie with such control. She really is that patient with Abbi having her turn first.

We lost Abbi one year ago this month. She has been terribly missed. Sunshine has made good friends with the two house cats though.

We'll miss Abbi, our gentle giant forever.



An old photo of Abbi with one of her little friends.

Sunshine with one of her new friends.


Pictured here with her wrestling buddy Siam. Female tortie point siamese female.

Here is another one of her BEST friends, my Grandson Dimitri. She loves when he spends the weekends.

We are hoping Dean will be able to retire soon and we will get another GSD puppy. He wants a male of course. We have already been studying some different breeders so we will be ready when the time comes. He misses his dog Kane who was Abbi's mate and died only one year before Abbi. He knows a new pup won't replace Kane, but it might help fill the empty spot in his heart.

He really doesn't want to get a new puppy until he retires so he will be home to give him his undivided attention and training. Kane sort of trained Dean which wasn't always a good thing.

Kane back in the good old days!

So, every time Sunshine goes out side for more than a moment she runs to the trampoline where we leave the frisbee when we get tired, and she doesn't of course. As soon as the ground dries out we can get started. Be sure to check in from time to time for further updates.

When I moved out here to the country I inherited an unknown number of cats. I have spent the last 14 years trying to tame and place them in loving pet homes. I also have pure bred Siamese that I do actually breed once in a while. There are such a wide range of color and pattern that it would take too much time for me to tell you about them, and I'm sleepy tonight. So.... More later.

Siam is my special siamese cat. She is very loving and silly. She likes to inspect my jewels when I receive my new packages. She also digs at the blankets when she is cold and wants to cover up. I assure you, you'll let her in when she starts digging.