Special projects are reserved for special people. It’s said that we do what we can, when we have to. But, the people who participate in Australian shepherd rescue fit into that category of people doing what they need to with a special joy in the task. As a breed, the Australian shepherd is a medium sized dog well suited to the agility ring and other dog sports. He is usually sturdy and quick, with a keen ability and willingness to learn. Many of them need to have a job or practice tricks to keep them busy. The Australian shepherd displays a vast array of coloring and is often bred to intensify color traits.

However, the drawback to this breeding for color is that, in some cases, an Australian shepherd may be born with certain birth defects, such as blindness or deafness. Any unscrupulous breeder who sells, to an unsuspecting family, a “rare white” Australian shepherd is setting up the dog and the family for heartbreak. Most people are not prepared for the problems involved in owning a severely handicapped dog and these dogs end up in Australian shepherd rescue organizations, needing a better equipped home. It takes a brave family to give their beloved but needy pet into the hands of a stranger, and it takes a special person to receive that trust.

Ready to take on a healthy, happy Australian shepherd? Then, be prepared to stay busy trying to keep up with this energetic, willing and capable dog. Working as a herder or practicing agility sports on a daily basis keeps this loyal and loving dog at his peak form. In fact, exercise and work need to be a daily activity or the shepherd may choose some sort of destructive behavior in an attempt to amuse himself. This behavior may be one of the reasons a particular dog ends up in Australian shepherd rescue. Owners all over the country admire the sports performance abilities of this dog, however, it must be recognized that a dog with this much energy and this much ability deserves the chance to make the most of his talents.