Description:
Carlie is a precious Australian Shepherd. She is rather petite, about 35 pounds, with delicate features. She does great with cats, kids, dogs, bugs, plants, .... She's just a great dog! She is well behaved but has the puppy tendancy to want to jump up. It isn't a major issue because she is not a big dog, but we encourage all dog owners to teach their dogs to not do this. She loves to play outside with my dog, Ralph. I think that she would do best in a home with a fenced yard to romp around in. Carlie is a sweet sweet thing and will be a terrific addition to any family. I took her with me to the Aloma Wild Kingdon night on October 31st and she did great. For four hours she had children petting her and she loved every minute of it. I never have any concern about her nipping at a child ~ it's just not in her. Carlie is a love and deserves all the love you have!!!

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 livestock. This breed is not usually dog aggressive.