Foster Update 7/26 - Rufus is VERY SWEET.  Does not bark and loves the cats and bunnies that live with him at his current foster home.  The only barking he's done is while crated after being neutered.  He did not like the crate at all...  He loves people so much that his little nub of a tail just wags like crazy when someone comes up.  He walks over and just lays down on your feet or leans up against your legs so you know he's there and he'll know if you move to leave him.  Loves to be stroked and praised.  Not hyper at all.  Does like to chew, but that's probably his young age. He adores the attention at the adoption events!  He's a must see!  He has not had accidents in the house but he has been very closely supervised, so minimal housetraining may be required.

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. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm preventive is considered safe. Be warned that higher doses of Ivermectin are also used to treat mange and caution should be taken.