Description:
Rusty is a really beautiful dog, maybe Irish Setter and Sulki? We don't really know, but whatever his heritage, it has come together beautifully. He has such wonderful coloring, a rich brindle. Who knows, but the result is this beautiful energetic lad who is just looking for a family to play with. He absolutely adores children. I took him with me to a children's event and he was a charm! He had children clambering over him for four hours and he enjoyed every moment of it. We never had to worry about him getting nippy or pushey ~ toddler or teen, he loved them all. Of course, if the person was tall he wanted to jump up and give them a kiss!
Rusty definately needs a yard with a strong fence. He figured out how to break through the one in his previous home. He has a very strong hunting instinct. He considers raccoons and possums free game but does well with cats. Here's the problem ~ if he knows there is a possum on the other side of a fence, he's going to try to get it.
So Rusty needs training ~ he's smart and he wants to please. He's the type of dog that people will stop and ask you what breed he is. The richness of the colors of his coat, the sleekness of his build, the gentle but alert look to his face.... If you want an eye-catching dog who is willing to be on-the-go with you, come meet Rusty!
Feb 8th update from Rusty's foster:
"I just wanted to let you know that Rusty is doing wonderful. He is such a loving dog. He follows me all day thru the house and lays down wherever I am. He loves his walks and really enjoys our big back yard. He always patrols the boundaries for squirrels. He loves playing catch and frisbee. He is so well mannered with other people and children. He loves riding in the car. Whenever I can I take him with me. He sits like a passenger looking out the window. Now whenever I open the laundry room door, he goes and stands by the car door to go for a ride. We got him a new bed and he just loves it.

I really can't say enough about Rusty, he really warms our hearts. My family loves him."


According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed entirely in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches. It is possible that the name was derived from one of the dog's ancestors. The breed's principal forebears were most likely Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of fine Merino sheep exported to both America and Australia in the early days of the colonies. At some point it probably crossed with Collie stock. It has only recently gained recognition as a distinct breed. Its many talents include, retrieving, herding, watchdogging, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, search & rescue, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile and attentive - they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Aussie is gentle with human friends. Australian Shepherds needs lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without exercise. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should be well socialized as puppies. Working lines of Australian Shepherds may be too energetic to be suitable pets. Some like to nip people's heals in an attempt to herd them. They are quiet workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livest