I am considering adding an Australian Shepherd to my family in maybe a year or so time. I would like people who have or have had give me their opinion on the breed as a whole. I would also like to know what health questions I should specifically ask a breeder. One of my dogs is Epi and because I did not ask the "Right" questions at the time I did not know about the Epi in the lines.  I understand asking about Hips, maybe elbows and eyes...but is there anything else I should be made aware of in the health.  Also there is sometimes a debate about coat colours in Border Collies...ie: reds being more tempermental than B/W's.....or merles being a bit scatty.. Is this generally thought of in Australian Shepherd circles?
Also are there any good books which I could read.
Thanks for the answers I am sure I will have more as I read more.

Cheers
Julie

Hello.  For may of your questions you can find the answers on the Australian Shepherd club of the UK Website http://www.ascuk.co.uk

Most of your questions will be answerd on this page http://www.ascuk.co.uk/the%20ausie.htm

There's not generally any temprement difference in the aussie with colour although Merles seem to carry a heavier coat.  Don't go to a breeder who has bred merle to merle.

A good person to talk to would be Julie Blackburn when your looking for puppies as she will have a list of reputable breeders with puppies at the current time.  You will find her details on the above website :)

There is also another club who's website is http://www.n-a-s-a.org.uk/ Who will also have details about the breed aswell as someone to contact about puppies.

I know it's short notice and depending where you are in the country there is a breed show on tomorrow at polesworth, nr Tamworth where your more then welcome to go along at talk to breeders and exhibitors.

Hips and eyes should be tested in Aussies, most breeders also test elbows.

Living with Aussies can de demanding, although they are not quite as bad as the border collie they need plenty of exercise physically and mentally so training is a must and it needs to be continual!

There are afew aussie people on this forum whho will be able to give you more details about living with them.  I just show them :)

the aussie ive met rox are more "thinking" than BCs ie they need a reason for doing stuff ,whereas a BC will just do it (once its been taught) for the hell of it!

Yes they do need a reason to do something but are more willing to please then a setter!!!! :D Now thats a breed(s) that NEEDS motivation and a reason (food) to do something! :D

Depends what your used to I suppose! :)  But the aussies will do something they've been taught because I ask.  I can forget it with the setters unless I have food

also i think a ASD is a breed that learns better if it figures it out for itself,wheras the collies can learn from been shown/guided!

clearly thers exceptions both ways!

Of course there's exceptions (isn't there in everything????)  :D  our first aussie bitch was a dream to train, so quick, more like a BC, (and she is half sister to the Ob ch aussie)  Our boy on the other hand is the opposite and will do what HE wants and his daughter is like him too!

I have seen very stubborn BC's aswell :) 

coat colours have NO effect on the border collie temperment

Hi Julie,
          If you want to PM me, I can help you with any questions you might want to ask. Also depending on where you live, it might be possible for you to meet some aussies and talk to a couple of breeders..... most genuine breeders are usually happy to help.

It is really sensible to ask about the breed before going into it....... As pretty as they look, they are a working and a thinking dog who needs to be kept busy and stimulated.... I am currently trying to find homes for 3 youngsters who obviously looked nice as puppies, but their owners have realised that they need more than a brush through once a week :(

As Rox (Ice Queen) says, I have the puppy and rescue list, so will happily put you on it.....

Gabrielle