The Australian Shepherd, Champion of Versatility

By Liz Palika

The Australian Shepherd, Champion of Versatility was originally published in 1995. It received rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike, and in the following year won a coveted Maxwell Award as Best Breed Book in the annual Dog Writers Association of America writing competition. It was also awarded Honorable Mention in the San Diego Book Writers competition.

In 1995, Australian Shepherds had not yet been recognized by the American kennel Club and were registered primarily through the Australian Shepherd Club of America or one of the various stock dog registries.

Although the cover of this book is different, this is the original award-winning text without any revisions. The only changes consist of this foreword and updated appendices. The Australian Shepherd, Champion of Versatility does contain some breed history, but is not a book filled with the breed “begats”; other books do that quite well. Instead, this book is for those people who love the breed and for those considering adding an Aussie to their family.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1-The Australian Shepherd

2- Is an Aussie the Right Dog for You?

3- Bringing Home Your New Aussie

4- Training Your Australian Shepherd

5- Conformation Competition

6- Obedience Competition

7- Herding Heritage

8- Versatility Is the Name of the Game

9- Caring for Your Aussie

10- The Health of Your Aussie

11- To Breed or Not to Breed

Appendix A: Internet Resources

Appendix B: Active Dog First Aid

Appendix C: Conformation Competition

Appendix D: Aussies in Freestyle and Flyball

Appendix E: Herding Competitions and Titles

Appendix F: Agility Competitions and Titles

Appendix G: Obedience Tracking and Therapy Dog Titles

INTRODUCTION

By Liz Palika

Today, Aussies are rapidly climbing the AKC annual breed statistics of litter and individual registrations. This popularity is a double-edged sword. Those of us who love the breed are thrilled to see other people join us in our addiction! However, this breed is not for everyone, and that has resulted in increasing numbers of Aussies needing new homes. Aussies are very intelligent (smart enough to get into trouble when bored) and very athletic (requiring daily vigorous exercise). Aussies have a strong drive to work and, when not provided with a job, will find something else to do – and that might not be what the owner wishes the dog to do. Chapter 2, “Is An Aussie the Right Dog For You?” is just as relevant today as it was eight years ago!

My husband, Paul, and I have now owned Aussies for more than 20 years. We are not breeders; we simply love the breed. Our Aussies have herded sheep, caught Frisbees, played flyball, pulled wagons, worked their way through agility courses and competed in obedience. They have trained in Schutzhund and are certified therapy dogs. They have learned their A, B, Cs and have been trained detection dogs. If I can figure out how to teach them a new skill, my Aussies are wiling to learn it. That’s a versatile dog, and that’s why I love this breed so much.

Please enjoy this reissue of my book!

Liz Palika, with Dax and Riker

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