re: Australian Shepherd - Anyone own one?

Aussies are great dogs. The woman I see has a blue merle. One of the reasons for getting the dog was because Aussies are herders and her daughter is a DS child who used to wander. The Aussie kept her in place.

They are extremely intelligent and protective. Nobody gets near the daughter without the dog's approval. If someone appears to be intimidating the daughter, the dog will let her presence be known and has, in the past, nipped someone who she felt was threatening the child.

I read that they are in the top 4 breeds for biting. I don't think that they always bite purposefully, but in herding they will nip to get the person/animal they are herding attention.

Australian Shepherds are really terrific animals and pets.