Personality
The Australian Shepherd is unique with regard to its temperament. Generally, the breed is an energetic dog that requires exercise and enjoys working. Other Aussies would rather be with their owners and enjoying being more sedentary. They are usually sweet and affectionate dogs that are faithful to their owners and are generally good with children. Most Australian Shepherds make wonderful family dogs, provided there is at least one figure to act as a leader and mentor to the dog.
Dogs with strong working instinct may show more reserved, guarding behaviors along with a tendency to chase or nip at running children or strangers, if not properly trained. This protective instinct and behaviors can often be frightening to children, strangers, and smaller animals. Those bred for a more family-oriented temperament, are more friendly and affectionate with strangers and generally more reliable around children. Because the breed was developed to serve on the ranch, a job which includes being protective of its property, it sometimes can be annoying with its inclination to bark warnings about neighborhood activity, but it is not usually an obsessively barking dog.
Activity Requirements
The Aussie is intelligent, learns quickly, and loves to play. This means that a bored, neglected, or under-exercised Aussie will invent its own games, activities, and jobs, which to a busy owner might appear to be hyperactivity. For example, an Aussie may go from being at rest to running at top speed for several 'laps' around the house before returning to rest, all for no apparent purpose. Without something to amuse them, Aussies often turn destructive of yard or property. Aussies also do best when receiving plenty of human companionship; often called "velcro" for their strong desire to always be near their owners and for their tendency to form intense, devoted bonds with select people.
Trainability
The Australian Shepherd has a reputation as a highly intelligent and versatile stock dog with a range of working styles. While improperly trained or frustrated Aussies may exhibit excessive running and barking, a well-trained Aussie is quick, thoughtful, and easy with its stock. The ability for the breed to adapt to the situation and think for itself makes it an excellent, all-around worker. For this reason the Aussie is often chosen to work unusual livestock such as ducks, geese, and commercially raised rabbits.