This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Australian Shepherd serves as a complete introduction to this all-American wonder dog with the Australian name! Designed by ranchers in America's wide West, the Aussie, as his many friends call him, is a multi-talented herding dog that is admired as much for his flawless work ethic as for his natural beauty and engaging personality. Author Charlotte Schwartz, a highly regarded dog trainer and owner, begins this informative volume with a chapter on the breed's evolution from imported Spanish and French herding dogs to the American original it has become. The author continues with chapters on characteristics and the breed standard encapsulating all of the virtues of this versatile herding breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to own this potentially challenging breed.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with energy and personality! In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training the eager-to-please Aussie will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered purebred dog in the neighborhood. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as toxic plants, bloat, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.