Page 57 - Aussie Magazine no1, 2023

extremely competitive and most performance an all-around ranch/chore dog. The unique
Aussies are no longer “weekend warriors.” They colouration combined with intelligence, an
are trained and treated as the true athletes we unsurpassed loyalty, and a willingness to please
have made them. made the “little blue dog” a sought-after dog on
ranches throughout the West. These traits and
Many competitive Aussies are seen on a regular others have allowed the Australian Shepherd to
basis by canine chiropractors, acupuncturists, evolve and continue to grow in popularity today.
and massage therapists. Because of the physical Their athleticism, stamina an unsurpassed loyalty,
demands the above-referenced sports have on and a willingness to please made the “little blue
the Australian Shepherd, it is imperative that they dog” a sought-after dog on ranches throughout
are orthopedically correct, with good hips and the West. These traits and others have allowed
elbows, as well as a moderate dog that conforms the Australian Shepherd to evolve and continue
to the standard to reduce the risk of fatigue and to grow in popularity today. Their athleticism,
injury. And, when working stock, the better they stamina, and agility place them as top competitors
are put together, the faster they can accelerate in performance events. More serious endeavours
to cut off escaping livestock and/or get out of the such as search and rescue, cadaver, or narcotics
way of a charging cow or sheep that turns back dogs take advantage of their work ethic. What
on them. remains is an incredibly unique, individualistic,
versatile breed with a worldwide attraction and
Although initially a working dog, the versatile popularity that is as strong today as it was on
Australian Shepherd quickly found a niche as ranches a hundred years ago.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 1/2023 | 57