Feature
Photo courtesy of Sharon Rives protective nature of this fireside working dog. Aussies are known for quick reactions and clear thinking in dangerous situations— whether stopping an angry bull, holding cattle back while hay is thrown, fixing fences or performing countless other tasks.
My own dogs chase deer out of the vegetable garden and keep raccoons away from the chicken coops.
The Aussie as a Family Dog
The Australian Shepherd is also an amazing family dog, transitioning easily from ranch work to playing with children. They are ready to tackle any job placed before them— whether in the field or watching television in the evening.
A defining feature of the Aussie is its well-known“ off switch.” With the ease of flipping a light, they go from fierce working dog to devoted bed warmer.
What Do You Want From Your Stock Dog?
If you were hiring a human ranch hand, you would take time to make the right decision. You would ask questions, review a résumé and check references. Choosing a stock dog deserves the same level of thought.
Before making your decision, consider what you will ask of the dog. Once you choose him, be willing to provide the training and development he deserves. You would not turn a new human employee loose on your ranch in the first week and expect him to do everything exactly the way you want. The same applies to dogs. Training should enhance instinct, not suppress it. A good dog possesses instincts that must still be combined with experience. A dog that naturally grips cattle and confronts them without fear still must learn how cattle behave. What he learns— positive or negative— is your responsibility. He must understand flight zones, how cattle kick and how they respond when challenged.
Given these tools and a solid foundation, the Aussie can become the most valuable asset on your ranch.
The Great Divide: Working vs. Show Lines
In a perfect world, there would be no divide between“ working” and“ show” line Australian Shepherds. Some breeders walk the line between the two quite well. There are show dogs that work stock exceptionally, and workingbred dogs that lack drive. It would be naïve to say there is no difference. Why does this divide exist? When you focus heavily on one trait, others often fall by the wayside. Focus more on structure, and you may lose working ability. Focus solely on work, and you may lose structural soundness or breed type. If your focus becomes too narrow, other qualities become less important.
When asked whether someone should choose a workingline or show-line dog, the first question should always be: What are your goals?
The difference is similar to that between a high-school athlete and a professional football player. The student athlete may play several sports and be talented at all of them, but the professional has spent years honing a very specific skill set— often with generations of genetic predisposition behind him. The same applies to the Aussie. Some dogs come from parents with lower-level working titles but major success in the show ring. Others descend from generations of dyed-in-the-wool ranch dogs that work cattle, sheep, ducks and horses every single day. If that is your goal, seek breeders who consistently produce dogs already doing the work you prioritize.
Know that jacks-of-all-trades are masters of none. The more areas you expect a dog to excel in, the less honed each ability may be.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Shepherd is an amazingly versatile dog. He can be your right-hand cattle worker, a star show dog, a searchand-rescue partner, a service dog or simply your best buddy.
Regardless of your goals, this intelligent and driven breed is well-suited to achieve them.
12 | 800-247-2000 | 515-955-1600 | February 2026