mini aussies as a running partner?

Question
Hello Anne- Our family is in search mode for a 2nd family member.We currently have a 12yr old lab who is very sweet and extremely laid back. I am looking for my new running partner to run with, at least 4-5 mi/day during the wk and I go 6-10 mi/Sat or Sun. On the longer days the new member may not be able to go as long, that's okay. I have two teenage boys, who are very active lacrosse players so retrieving balls would also be in the picture. I work from home(I'm a massage therapist) so socializing the dog will be a must. There will also be plenty of opportunity for snuggling and chilling out. Yes, we also have a large, fenced in yard.
So the big question...is this breed a match for what we'd like? Any words of wisdom are welcome!!!! Thank you, Nancy

Answer
Aussies are a very athletic breed, but are not for everyone.  If you are used to the laid back Lab, and want a generally sweet breed, that's what I would stick to.  Many Aussies tend to be reserved with strangers, even when extensively socialized.  Some can be downright protective, possessive, and obsessive LOL.  Most will be bored with running - they need problem-solving type mental stimulation.  A job such as agility, or Treiball, is more to their liking if they cannot herd.  They are usually good retrievers, but many of them can get testy with other dogs over a toy or ball.  We call it the "Aussie rules of possession."  These dogs are brilliant, but you have to be able to deal with a dog that likes a lot of activity, and whose socialization needs are far greater than any three Labs you have ever socialized, and then they still may fall prey to their genetics.  Show lines are generally more mellow than working lines.  Aussies have a particularly small gene pool, so you absolutely must go through a reputable breeder (that usually means buying a full size Aussie - read the ASCA statement on mini Aussies).  Typical problems in the breed that you must watch out for (breeders should be testing for these in the parent dogs): hip dysplasia, eye problems, hypothyroidism.  There is also a lot of epilepsy in Aussies.  Many Aussies like to chill out when they aren't working, but others are always up for a game, and never seem to tire.  They hate isolation, and want to be with you all the time, so if you can't stand a dog following you all over the house, pass on Aussies:-)  I love these dogs, but I am dog-centric and do not have to worry about lots of company coming in and out, which can be disconcerting to a non-social type dog (remember it isn't all socialization - some of them are genetically reserved or guardy).  Pincie Creek Australian Shepherds has a good description of that quality on their web site (they sell the working variety).  If you want to see nice show types, visit Paradox Australian Shepherds web page, or Shalako Australian Shepherds.