re: Australian Shepherd - Anyone own one?

I have a black tri aussie. It's the smartest do I've ever owned. It's also so easy to teach tricks. I have learned mine about 50 tricks, he knows a shite ton of words etc. Best dog ever. They are full of energy though, you must take him on walks everyday and play fetch. Mine get's along great with everyone (though I trained him to be that way). So he wouldn't bark at random peope.

Anyone know where to buy one in this area?

I have a Blue Heeler and they have the same drive as an aussie. If you can make it through the puppy stages, they are great dogs and extremely loyal companions. Be ready to keep them occupied because they will get into mischief when bored.

I have a mini. Frisbee catching machine!!

Had one years ago, he used to herd my daughters in the backyard. Very smart dog

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.

Hey, LCA!

Very smart and highly trainable, but you HAVE to give them something to do during the day. Assuming your beagle likes to play (in my experience most do), I think it would be a good fit. I used to work at a kennel, and we had several people who would bring them in for day care. It was very obvious which ones where the only dog in the house and probably stayed inside most of the time. They were AWFUL.

Better than I deserve, thank you.