selecting a breed

Question
I have been very intrested in the Australian Shepherd breed for a long time. I have a small dog right now but I would like to get a medium sized dog. I probably going to hate all the question i'm asking.
What is the personality and energy level of this breed. What kind of maintance am I looking at. How trainable are they. And finally, what is a good estimate of how much they cost?
Just all the basics.
Thanks for all your help and time
Nick

Answer
The breed is a very loyal to their families and protective of their household. Personality is entirely dependent on the genetics and how they are raised but in general, they are a happy, silly breed with the people they know. Their lack of tails (docked) gives them what is known as a "wiggle butt" and they wag themselves from side to side when happy.

They are extremely active and require regular exercise and training.They are not the right breed for someone who can't spare an hour or more each day taking the dogs out for exercise (running, ball playing, frisbee, etc...)

They are best suited as indoors dogs if kept in an urban environment, otherwise they tend to run fences, dig holes and make up their own forms of entertainment.  

They learn very quickly under patient and consistent instruction. They don't respond well to to negative reinforcement training techniques.

They require regular brushing and only need a bath when you notice that they smell "doggy". They shed and shed and shed. They are generally a healthy breed, usually only requiring their annual check up and exams. However, there are some genetic problems that affect the breed so it is important to purchase from a breeder who screens for these problems and will guarantee to replace or refund money should a problem occur.

The average cost of a companion dog purchased with limited registration (not for breeding papers) on a spay/neuter contract is between 450.00 - 750.00 depending on the region of the country. My own pups sell for 500.00 (companion)

For a more complete description of the details of the Aussie as a companion please visit my website of helpful articles:
http://www.shalakoaussies.com/InformationShalako.html