The characteristics of an australian shepherd:

active,protective,intelligent,needs stimulating activity and strenuous exercise,affectionate, loyal to those they consider friends.

The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized, robust, well-balanced, rustic dog with pendant ears, an abundant, medium length coat and a bobtail. He should be attentive, lively and agile with a body slightly longer than its height at the withers. The Aussie has a strong, deep chest and stands squarely on all fours. The front legs are straight. Front dew claw removal is optional, but rear dew claws are generally removed. The feet are compact and oval, with arched toes. The width of the top of the head is approximately the same length as the slightly tapering muzzle. The head has a moderate stop. The teeth form a scissors bite. The medium sized oval eyes come in many shades of blue, amber and brown, often combined or with flecks. The triangular, pendant ears are set high on the head. The medium length coat comes in blue merle, red merle, red or black; either with or without white and/or copper trim. The hair around the ears and eyes should predominated by a color other than white. The coat may be straight or slightly wavy, and should have feathering on the backs of the forelegs, and a mane or frill around the neck. Hair on the head, front of the legs and on the outside of the ears is shorter than the rest of the coat. The tail is generally docked if it is long at birth, though many are naturally short. Each individual's masculinity or femininity is clearly defined.

Although many Aussies are friendly to all, as a breed they tend to be somewhat reserved and naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should be well socialized as puppies.

Aussies can be easy going, perpetual puppies who love to play. They can also make excellent children's companions (with children they grow up with). They are devoted friends and guardians, naturally protective, courageous, loyal and affectionate. They are very lively, agile and attentive. The Australian Shepherd is eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. They are highly intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Aussie is gentle with human friends. The Aussie needs lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored which can lead to destructive behavior if left alone too much without exercise.