The Australian Shepherd excels at controlling large and/or slow-moving flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. When used as a stock dog, the breed enjoys high regard for its superior ability to effectively manage livestock in tightly confined spaces.
The Australian Shepherd: A Capable Working Dog
Originally developed in the American West as a general- purpose ranch and farm dog, the Australian Shepherd is powerful and intense by nature. If you choose to use one, it will easily learn the appropriate force and distance needed when working a particular breed of livestock.
Utilizing a loose-eyed approach to livestock, a working Aussie will often display wear, grip and/or an authoritative bark. The careful, observant dog will also keep a close eye on animals and recognize when it may need to step in and handle its stock.
Read more: Curious about using stock dogs with sheep? Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Learn More at the Australian Shepherd Club of America
The Australian Shepherd Club of America was established as the parent club for the breed in 1957 and incorporated as a nonprofit corporation. Increasing interest in competition led to the development of performance programs.
Today, these programs provide certification and titles in:
- agility
- conformation
- obedience
- rally
- stock dog
- tracking
- junior handling
For more information, visit the ASCA website.
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2021 issue of Hobby Farms magazine.
