Are Australian Shepherds legit dogs?

No, they're replicas of real dogs.

Most of them are forged copies. You'd need to find a dealer to know for sure

Mostly Cathoula Cur's in disguise.

So you bought a dog and failed to do much research on the breed beforehand or in the last week?

They are great dogs. The woman I am seeing has one. They are herders and will give you a nip from time to time if you're not going where they want you to go. Hers is about 50 pounds and is full of energy and has a large yard and woods on which to run around. She'll chase squirrels all day, but I never saw her catch one. She's a very smart dog. We took her for a walk around a reservoir last time I was up there. I was surprised that the dog went in, but only up to her elbows.

Enjoy your new pup.

You're seeing a new woman with a different dog?

This woman only has one dog, Reb. Who'd have thought that another woman would want to put up with me. She brought her dog to Virginia when she came down to take care of me after my shoulder surgery in August.

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just got one a week ago

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heard they are very high energy and need hours of running a day. Is this true?

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That's usually what I do. Get a dog and THEN find out about them.

Smart, VERY smart!

They need a yard, a job, kids, or fetch. At least need one. But they can handle all four.

Friends of ours had a Border Collie. Essentially the same damn dog. Sweet but obnoxious energy. She would literally play fetch until she died. And herd? Absolutely! She would cut me off or kids off while walking around. If you've ever seen a cutting horse work, think that. And you are the calf or sheep. When our friends would bring her over she would herd while we swam. If he swam underwater she would stick her face underwater to find him. Then she would jump in.

They are great dogs and very protective