Description:
Meet Oreo, a gorgeous Aussie, both inside and out. Oreo is loyal to a fault, and will bond very closely with his people. He was rescued from a kill shelter when his time was growing short, and after spending a few weeks with this guy, I am amazed he wasn't adopted sooner. He is 4 years old, about 50 lbs, and in great health.

Why did Oreo end up in the shelter? He tends to be territorial, and will defend his home from canine invaders— which is why he definitely needs a fence. Now, he's never tried to jump mine, nor has he shown any inkling of wanting to run off; he is perfectly content to lay by your feet and be with his people. Oreo is an Aussie, so like all of the herding breeds, he has spurts of activity — he loves to play with my Border Collie, and gets along well with the rest of my pack. He's definitely over the puppy stuff, so he's reliably housebroken, and hasn't chewed up anything. Overall, he's a very happy-go-lucky kind of guy. The only problem is that he has a strong prey drive, and isn't safe with cats. Thus, my cats have said that the new guy can't stay. I'd love to keep him, though! He's so good!

Oreo will make a good watchdog, and keeps an eye on strangers. (Like the cable guy.) He does bond strongly with his people, and would love to sleep on a soft bed by yours. He's never been allowed up on the furniture, although he cheats a little and wiggles his front end up to be loved on.

Oreo is a very smart guy — for instance, he knows how to open lever-style doorknobs. He might be a good assistance dog, as he is very eager to please. His prior owner said that he may attempt to herd small running children (many herding dogs do), so keep that in mind. He's already trained, too! Oreo knows sit, down and come, at the least. And he's better behaved that my dogs! He's also been trained to heel on the left at a jog so he's a pre-packaged running buddy. Oreo is looking for his perfect family, and I know they're out there just waiting for their perfect guy.

His paperwork says Purebred Australian Shepard, and from his looks and temperment, I believe he is. He's black and white, with a split face and copper points. Coat is very soft, medium to long, and not terribly thick.
Oreo knows sit, down and come, at the least. Per the prior owner, he was trained to heel on the left at a jog so he's a pre-packaged running partner.

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed entirely in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches. It is possible that the name was derived from one of the dog's ancestors. The breed's principal forebears were most likely Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of fine Merino sheep exported to both America and Australia in the early days of the colonies. At some point it probably crossed with Collie stock. It has only recently gained recognition as a distinct breed. Its many talents include, retrieving, herding, watchdogging, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, search & rescue, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile and attentive - they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Aussie is gentle with human friends. Australian Shepherds needs lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without exercise. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should be well socialized as puppies. Working lines of Australian Shepherds may be too energetic to be suitable pets. Some like to nip people's heals in an attempt to herd them. They are quiet worke