aussies

Question
do you show or work ur dogs i've worked cattle all my life with aussies all those test you people run are for worthless show dogs you people think you know dogs i've bought some damn good working dogs that the owners said wouldn't be worth more than a pet so it show how much these registry's know an as for minnis take the smallest one and breed to the smallest pretty easy there pro minnis are aussies and i dont wont a reply couse you'll just through some shit that so idiot said out there so thanx for reading and take your dogs to a real ranch and find out how good they really are have a good one

Answer
I don't have any idea why you seem so upset with me.  My Aussie comes from working lines (Pincie Creek, Slash V, Hardin's, and others) and she is an all around great dog.  She has been on sheep and done very well.  As you probably know, the Australian Shepherd standard says that these are dogs of strong herding and guarding instinct.  They are also one of the most versatile dogs on the planet.  A good Aussie should be able to show, work, and be a good companion to its family.  In the 60's and 70's, most show dogs were also capable of working quite well as farm and ranch dogs.  As to the issue of "mini's" I think that if a dog is an Australian Shepherd, there should be an ability to work.  Dogs that weight 10 pounds aren't very effective on cattle, which is the Aussie's traditional livestock to work.  I don't think it's awful if an Aussie does other things beside working livestock, and if it can pass obedience, agility, therapy dog, or other tests of dog ability and intelligence, but the primary function of these dogs is as livestock herders and guardians of the farm. My dog can work livestock, but she's about to get a Trick Dog title, too.