The Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts. He is an exceptional companion. He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with great style and enthusiasm. He is reserved with strangers but does not exhibit shyness. Although an aggressive, authoritative worker, viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable.
working cattle at Pincie Creek Farm, Dothan, Alabama, before he came to Perennial
Aussies were developed to be hard-working stock dogs, herding and protecting livestock in the American West. We don't believe that everyone who has an Aussie should feel obligated to train the dog on stock. However, we do feel it is extremely important for
Spy (Perennial Licensed to Kill STDs HSAs) works the woolies.
The ASCA Stockdog Program is designed to help breeders preserve and promote the inherited herding instinct of the Aussie through the use of certification programs and rigorous trial competition. ASCA sanctioned trials offer three divisions for three levels of training. The Started division gives the dog and handler a place to begin and gain experience. Dogs progress from Started through Open and Advanced on three types of stock (cattle, sheep, and ducks).
Dogs that earn an ATD in all classes earns the title Working Trial Champion (WTCH). A post advanced title, the PATD, is also offered. Ranch dogs who demonstrate an ability to be of great assistance to their owners can earn a RD title. Ranch Trials are where dogs may earn a title of RTD. Dogs can also qualify to enter the National Finals. ASCA also offers classes for novice and junior handlers.
Presto (Perennial Quick As I Can OA OAJ HIC), owned by Barb Levenson of Pittsburg, lives up to his name during his first encounter with sheep!
The AKC offers a Test Program and a Trial Program. At the test level, dogs either pass or do not pass basis. No scores or class placements are given. To earn a title, the dog must earn two legs under two different testers. The Herding Tested. (HT) title requires the dog to move the stock across a small arena, stop on command, and come when called. Very little training is required. The Pre-trail Tested (PT) title requires a little more training, as the dog must take the through a simple course.
At the trial level, dogs receive numerical scores and class placements are given. To earn a title, the dog must earn three legs under three
1 leg each STDd, OTDs, OTDc, HTD1s fetches the sheep for "mom" Heather Dickinson of Mississippi.
The American Herding Breeds Association (AHBA) also offers both a test and a trial program. At the test level, judging is pass/not pass basis, and two legs must be earned under two different testers for each title. The Herding Capability Tested (HCT) consists of a basic instinct test, followed by a second leg requiring more training and control. Junior Herding Dog (JHD) requires two legs, and the dog must take the stock through a simple course. At the trial level, the dog must earn two legs under two different judges at each of the three levels, and titles are earned separately for the different types of stock, with an initial after the title indicatiing the type of stock on which the title was earned. The three levels of Herding Trial Dog (HTD I, HTD II, and HTD III) use standardized courses with free-standing obstacles. The three levels of Herding Ranch Dog (HRD I, HRD II, and HRD III) use ranch and farm courses that vary within specified requirements. After completing an advanced title, a dog may become a Herding Trial Champion (HTCH) by earning 10 scores of 80 or above at the advanced level.
A number of Perennial Pups are training on stock ~ watch for them!
Perennials Ultimate Treasure CD NA NAJ HIC FDX CGC (Trophy) and owner/handler Diana Woody.
Mac (CH Perennial Ironman of Los Suenos, CD), following in daddy Rowdy's pawprints with his "custodial co-owner" Sally Meyers in Wisconsin.
Perennial Espiritu Los Suenos STDscd STDscd NA NAJ RS-O JS-O GS-N OAC OJC NGC (Spirit) dodges a bovine kick.
different judges. Titles are offered at three levels: Herding Started (HS), Herding Intermediate (HI), and Herding Excellent (HX). After a dog earns the HX, he may proceed to Herding Champion (HCH) by earning fifteen points by placing in advanced competition.
Daddy's little girl! daughter Spirit ~ Perennial Espiritu Los Suenos STDscd NA NAJ RS-O JS-O GS-N OAC OJC NGC ~ earning her STDs title at the ASCA Nationals 2003.
breeders to strive to retain the defining traits of the breed. Not all Aussies have what it takes to be working dogs, nor to be competitive working (herding) trial dogs, but most have some instinct. ASCA, the AKC, and the American Herding Breeds Association (AHBA) all offer herding tests and trials in which Aussies participate. If you'd like to try herding for fun or for competition, your local Aussie club can direct you to clinics and instructors in your area.
