(excerpt from article "Personality and Character" by Kathleen Cole).

Australian Shepherds are perfect for people wishing to own a highly trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that can work/play "till the cows come home". If you have the time and commitment for an Aussie, you won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve special owners. Their loyalty, drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in a class by themselves.

Temperament: Affectionate and loyal. Reserved with strangers. Protective of family and property. Intense desire to please.

Behaviour with Children: Very good.

Behaviour with other animals/pets. Good.

Activity Level: Very high energy level. Needs plenty of exercise, work and play.

Life Expectancy: 12 years plus.

Training Ability: Very good. An extremely intelligent breed. Obedience training recommended. This breed is bred for working by herding livestock therefore has to out-think the animals it is herding. If left untrained will use its high intelligence to out-think its owner. Has an active/intelligent mind, requires something worthwhile to occupy it.

Living Environment: Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not content to be couch potatoes, although Aussies have individual characters and some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the most part, however, these are high energy dogs who need a purpose in their lives-a job as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time and attention they require through play and training, for as with any dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing. Running, jumping, and rough-housing are all a part of being a normal Aussie.