Post A Pup Sundays! The Wonderful Australian Shepherd. Post photos, memes, videos, stories or anything pup.

The Australian Shepherd breed has a complex history with multiple theories about its origins. The breed's earliest roots can be traced back to the white-washed adobe missions established by the Conquistadors in the New World in the 1500s. As it is known today, the breed developed in California in the 19th century as a sheep herding dog for Californian shepherds. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is not actually Australian, and its progenitors came from the Basque region of the Pyrenees between Spain and France.

Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a moderately long, double coat that can be straight or wavy. They are intelligent, energetic, and loyal, making them typically eager to please and easy to train. Aussies have a strong work ethic, are affectionate towards their families, and love them intensely. However, they can be reserved with strangers but are generally friendly and social once they warm up and decide you are also friendly. This breed tends to have an exuberant temperament and possess a high energy level, so they need lots of mental stimulation and physical activity. They are active yet easy-going dogs who love to romp with children and get along well with other pets. At heart, they are working dogs, are sociable, and love the attention playtime brings. If left untrained or are not properly bonded with their owner, they can become bossy and dominant, so it is better to establish that you are at the top of the pack early. Since they were bred to work without a purpose in life, they become bored and can develop destructive behaviors.

Some of their quirks include herding behavior, chewing and digging when under-exercised, being very observant, and having a piercing gaze. They also have big brains and love mental stimulation, puzzles, and challenges, so they will keep you on your toes. They are not couch potatoes and need ample room to run, sprint, chase, and sniff. They are best in homes with plenty of room to run.

Miniature Australian Shepherds, also known as Mini Aussies, are a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd breed. Minis are easygoing, perpetual puppies who love to play and are courageous, loyal, and affectionate. They are excellent children's companions, great with active children, highly intelligent, and easy to train. Their coats are medium-length with blue or red merle, red or black tricolor, and white and/or tan markings. They are renowned for their high intelligence and boundless energy and are incredibly agile, excelling in various dog sports. These little Aussies may be small in size. Still, they are big in personality and have a friendly disposition, so they are best suited for lively family environments with lots of human interaction. They should not be left alone for too long. Minis require at least an hour of exercise per day, and running and hiking with humans is ideal. It is best to start training them early, though, or they can become little dictators.

When comparing the temperament of Miniature Australian Shepherds to Standard Australian Shepherds, both breeds are very good with children and are moderately open to meeting new people. They are also moderately protective and love to play, making training a joy with plenty of positive reinforcement. Miniature Australian Shepherds tend to be more affectionate with their human family and other dogs than Standard Australian Shepherds. Miniature Australian Shepherds are also more adaptable when it comes to changes in the environment. However, both breeds are intelligent, energetic, and loyal dogs that require lots of mental stimulation and physical activity.

Australian Shepherds have been owned by many famous people, including Mel Gibson, Steven Spielberg, Susan Sarandon, Bruce Willis, Paul Bettany, Alyssa Milano, Demi Moore, Tim Robbins, James Brolin, and the late comedian Flip Wilson, Devin O’Branagan, singer Trace Adkins, and the inventor of Apple, Steve Jobs.