We have an Australian shepherd, great dog, likes all the kids and being outside.
She does like to exercise and when she was young a ten mile run was no problem.
She is eight now and the four mile tempos still suite her!!
Honestley I do not think we give her more attention than a normal dog but she definately wouldn't be the best pet for a elderly person.
If you have anymore questions I'll be happy to answer.

I dont see spell check anymore??

We just picked up a yellow lab/golden retriver mix puppy this week from the pound. So far, he seems pretty smart and has been taking to house training very well. Two families at our church are training guide dogs through Southeastern Guide Dogs right now and this is the breed that they are training.

we've been reading up on the breed and have heard the herding or job thing. we're not clear on what the "job" may be; tho my wife is intrigued with the idea of agility training. she and I are certainly on a solid pattern of exercise so the dog won't be fat...maybe frisbee dog? We already herd the boy so that job is taken...althooooough, maybe we can teach her to get him safely to school or soccer practice? :)

we've seen a bunch of aussies locally, and thought they were pretty awesome.

shelter dogs aren't out of the question...that's a good thought! our last dog was a lab mutt, and she was great! the only thing is, the mutt idea is pretty hit or miss for active lifestyle. it looks like gracie was a hit. :)

Don't have an ausi but have found the best running buddy ever! It's a Blue healer/husky/coyote mix. this dog is a lover, smart, loves the snow and chasing snow balls, and is FAST! In other words, rescue dogs are the best. I like the australians too, but there is something about a mutt that is awesome.

Boarder collies would make a great running partner! I had a German shorthair for 15 yrs she blew her knee (cruciate)@ age 9 and couldnt run after that:( If yu really want a dog that can run and i mean long distance and keep up aussie or boarder collie or that combo would be great!Good luck!

We have a 7 yr old male, black, tan & white, brought him home as a little fluff ball at 8 weeks.

Aussies are very intelligent, sometimes too smart. I'd recommend starting early with obedience training, check with some local classes for age groups and when to start. They can have a tendency to want to rule the roost (house) so they need to understand their position in the household early on.

Don't get me wrong, they're sweethearts and are fantastic with kids and family, ours thinks he's one of the boys. Smokey loves frisbee still, although now he has a tendency to go 3 or 4 times and then lie down. The breed is VERY active and needs a lot of exercise, chores and routines to keep them occupied: he knows one of his duties is to come out with me in the morning to get the paper and have a sniff around. We still go running 3-4 times a week. And yes, they do herd the boys when they all get into a game of soccer or are just out running around.

A few more attributes: they're playful, loving, loyal, protective and never really seem to grow up, kinda like me. (: Contrary to what you may read, they do shed and quite a bit in the spring. Good and consistent grooming helps to keep it under control.

I can highly recommend aussies. I'll see if I can dig up some pictures.

Good luck in your decision.

it's good to hear "family dog" pop up in the responses...that's reassuring

because of my son, we are hoping to get a puppy, so they can "grow up together", but our driving criteria are 1) healthy, 2) girl dog, and 3) good temperament...so if we get those, we'll be happy

I want to echo others with recommending rescues... We volunteer for the English Springer Rescue, and there are a lot of benefits of going that route. They still have puppies available if that is what you are interested in, but regardless of the dog's age, you get to adopt a dog that has already lived with a family. They can tell you about that dog's behavioral traits and assess the dog's qualities and quirks.

Great breed, but I feel like someone needs to explain the consequences of not keeping a dog like an Aussie active physically and mentally. Active and intelligent dog breeds that aren't kept busy will often become destructive and mischievous. This could be chewing on stuff that isn't theirs or getting into things that they shouldn't. Chewed shoes, couches tables, trash... you name it. Not to say this is the case for all, but it does happen. Getting regular exercise and playtime will be a huge help in preventing that as will obedience classes. They also sell puzzle toys that you put food in and the dog has to figure out how to get the food out. Great options to help you keep your new friend happy. If you've got the time and energy I wouldn't hesitate to get an Aussie.

I have a border collie that we got from the shelter as a 1 year old. She is so awesome. Being a rescue she is extra loving, and super loyal. Like every one else said about the herders, exercise is a must. After runs, we usually do about 15 minutes of "training", basically her doing stuff for treats, and then periodically ask her to do things during the day. WE take her to work so she has to answer the door and great clients---the most important job! Any herder is so smart that they are easy to teach what not to do as well as fun tricks to. Carly doesn't jump or bark, she sits next to people and nudges them into our shop.

Here are a few pics of my running buddy, Chewie. He is a 6 yr old Shiloh Shepherd. Excellent temperament and always willing to go when I am, yet he's not demanding. He's also an awesome swimmer and will retrieve a ball from his Chuck It all day long. Not all of his breed are as athletic, though. Our two year old is a couch potato.

I almost bought a GSP. It was from the breeder at the link below. Neat site to see tons of pictures. There are no two GSP's that look exactly the same.

http://www.gsphouse.com/index.html

I ended up going with a Vizsla. Part of the pointer family. 8 months old and a great friend and running partner already.

Beautiful dog Kylie.

I have two Border Collies. Very similar to Aussies, a little more slender, with a tail. Smarter, too ;)

In all seriousness, the herding dogs are fantastic as a group. Very loving, giving, intelligent dogs. I do not think you can go wrong with a herder if you have the time and energy. A few points:
1) Make sure you have the time. Training isnt a one-and-done deal. You do it ALL the time. Some dogs are fine once they get the basic commands. The Aussies and Border Collies simply NEED more.
2) They make solid running partners- BUT they also need dog park off leash time. A herder can go all day- in spurts. If you are easy with the break in period and on top of health care, they may last for years and go for 2 hour plus runs. But not always. My girl is permanently parked with a rear leg tendon issue. She is nine now.
3) They are a special needs dog. They are not simply lap dogs. It can be a big time cliche, but they will be part of your family. The smarter herders have the intelligence of a five year old kid. Yes, they are THAT smart. Even my "dumb" boy will blow your mind with what he can figure out. You can see the gears turning in his head. That sort of intelligence lends itself to a more advanced attachment than you may get with other breeds. They arent your dog, theyre your kid.
4) Go see "Marley and Me" if you havent already. Do this before getting a dog. If you dont see yourself being able to handle the situations that come up in a movie, a herder or energetic dog might not be for you.
5) Rescues are godsends. Both of mine are rescues and I will never, ever get a none rescue dog. You can find some that have pups, but often they will want a more experienced family to take them home. just so they dont see the dog that was already a rescue back in the system. There are too many outstanding young and old dogs alike out there that need homes to pay a breeder big time money.

Good luck and think long and hard. Its a huge commitment. But sooo worth it. I LOVE my dogs.

Our girl, Skye on the left, the boy, Repeat on the right.

Well, since you begged so much :D

Great puppy room Triguy and 2 gorgeous BCs. I have a friend who also has 2 BCs. Iif you have the room, a pair sometimes makes it easier, each has a constant companion and an endless resource for exercise.

If you have a chance, tri-ac, read the book, A Dog Year, Twelve Months Four Dogs, and Me by Jon Katz, your local library may have a copy. A good resource for learning more about raising herders and rescues. The dogs are border collies, but aussies share many of the same traits.

hey, i saw your post about rabdo, 3 years ago. have you found out anything? ive had rabdo at least 3 times in the past years, those are just the times i went to the hospital, i think ive had it more than that. all of those times were from very limited exercise, a few pushups and sit-ups. any way id love to hear what you found out because everyone ive seen is stumped.

i'm late, i know, i got lost - i'm on my second aussie. and i have friend with 5 of them.

jt - also known as 'double stuffed'

know too that they have been genetically divided with some bred more for show and classic conformation, and some bred for working - smaller, leaner, but also much more energetic and work oriented than their show counterparts. I've had one of each. JT is bred for show and is less a work-aholic than some others. Look carefully and be patient, you'll find the right dog for you.

diva-mom, JT is a beauty.

thanks. we love him lots.

Here's my girl, Kiera. We got her from the pound where she was labeled a 'border collie sheltie x'...who knows what she really is. Ultimate fetching machine she is though, or used to be when she was younger anyways. If yours turns out to be a fetcher defiantly find a "chuck-it". Basically a plastic stick that picks up a tennis ball (so you dont touch the slobber) and lets you throw it across a field easily. Great dog though...she's my baby.

Besides tennis balls...she also "fetches" snowballs...repeatedly.

i reserved it from the library
thanks for the recommendation!

btw, A Dog Year, Twelve Months Four Dogs, and Me by Jon Katz recommended above by cayman was a good read (quick too)

tri-ac, check out Katz's A Good Dog, the story of Orson. I seriously cried the entire time, because I had that dog too, and ultimately had to put him down after a serious bite (90+ stitches in my face). btw, this not my other aussie, but a rescued BC.
Katz tells his stories well, and after reading a few, you'll know if a sheep dog is for you.

nikkibc, that's a cutie too

it's along story from start to finish, but to do Sego (the dog) justice, that's the only way to tell it. pm me your email addy.