RanchHauss Sasha Little Bit of Honey
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS
Australian Shepherds are so versatile; very smart, athletic, intuitive and extremely loyal and family oriented. Along with their incredible herding instinct and intelligence and need to please, they're very empathetic and usually one step ahead - and, in our opinion, this makes them the best all-around dog breed and we want to share that with others.
They are very intelligent and energetic, which requires the right environment, routine, proper and consistent training along with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Aussies need a 'job' to do and want to be part of a team and help with everything you do. They are known as 'velcro' dogs, which means they want to be by your side always. They have been known to make exemplary workers (herd livestock, therappy/service, search & rescue, scent), companions and athletic champions for people all over the world. They have beautiful, diverse coats and eye colors with unique personalities and quirks. They love people and children and will protect the kids, family, property and livestock. Their lives are filled with purpose, personality and heart. Never underestimate what an Aussie understands or can do. They teach us more than we could ever teach them. Aussies simply make the world a better place!
History - The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, has a fascinating background and a misleading name because it is actually an American breed. Their roots go back to 19th Century Europe. Their ancestors likely came from the Basque Region, which is between Spain and France. The Basque Shepherd was famously known for their herding abilities sometimes called Pyrenean Shepherd. In the mid 1800's many Basque Shepherds emigrated to Australia and brought their herding dogs with them. These dogs were often bred and crossed with Border Collies and Collies. Eventually, some of these Shepherds moved to the western United States bringing their dogs with them.
Late 1800's and early 1900's the American rancher valued these dogs for their intelligence, strong herding instinct, their agility and companionship. They were bred selectively for performance, emphasizing work ethic, stamina and training ability. By mid 20th Century the Aussie became a favorite of ranchers, cowboys, rodeo performers and horsemen. They were even know to be trained to perform in circuses and other entertainment. After WWII the breed spread in popularity across the United States. The Australian Club of America was founded in 1957. AKC officially recognized the breed in 1991.
Today the Aussie is among the most popular and versatile working dogs that also excel in dog sports (agility, fly ball, etc.), in obedience, search and rescue (including scent work), therapy/service/medical and of course, family companion. They are rapidly moving up the charts to be one of the most popular family and companion dogs.
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Their size is 40-65lbs on average and the male is 10-20lbs larger than the females. They have a water-resistant double coat. They have a wide range of coat colors: Black or Red Bi (2 colors only); Black or Red Tri (3 colors), Blue Merle and Red Merle - and each of those can have white markings and/or copper points. They have many different eye colors as well: Brown, Amber, Yellow, Green, Blue or marbled; meaning a mix of 2 different colors in one eye or both. Their nose color is red or black and sometimes with pink areas. With so many variations it's hard to find two Aussies that look exactly alike.
Our Aussie Puppies
See pictures of some of our puppies from the past on the 'Past Puppies' page. Enjoy viewing these amazing puppies - cuteness overload!
The Aussie Possie
Visit with our past and present breeding Aussies on the 'Adult Aussies' page - Our Aussie Possie. It's fun to see the parents that proudly produce these beautiful puppies!
Our Aussie Families
Meet some of 'Our Aussie Families' with their new puppies and review their testimonials.