We'll get to "Robbie Day" in just a moment.... but let's start off with a few basics, per the AKC...
The Australian Shepherd, a lean, tough ranch dog, is one of those 'only in America' stories: a European breed perfected in California by way of Australia.
Fixtures on the rodeo circuit, they are closely associated with the cowboy life. The Australian Shepherd, the cowboy's herding dog of choice, is a medium-sized worker with a keen, penetrating gaze in the eye.
Aussie coats offer different looks, including merle (a mottled pattern with contrasting shades of blue or red). In all ways, they're the picture of rugged and agile movers of stock.
Aussies exhibit an irresistible impulse to herd, anything: birds, dogs, kids. This strong work drive can make Aussies too much dog for a sedentary pet owner. Aussies are remarkably intelligent, quite capable of hoodwinking an unsuspecting novice owner.
Yep.... they LOVE to herd. I love that they were not "developed" in Australia. I guess a California Shepherd wasn't a good fit with the 'surfer lifestyle'??? Kidding of course...
Now we get to Robbie. Our newest family member. Our Auntie saw his story on the rescue that we support, Love Connection Dog Rescue of AZ, sharing a story of his rescue from northern Arizona and the amazing volunteers and town citizens that had fed him for who-knows-how-long, tried to catch him to help him. To the shelter that recognized that he wouldn't make it long as it was a full, kill shelter with an older surrender. And he was as friendly and sweet as can be. Our rescue partner was contacted and the transport plan kicked off and Robbie came south to the Phoenix area.
His first foster family couldn't have been better peeps! We wish we had met them years ago. We love them. There are no words. We went to pick up Robbie as a Foster-to-Adopt for our Auntie and to meet Harley, the super lovable German Shepherd, adopted 2 years ago and is about 5-ish now.
Robbie appears to be predominantly Aussie. He herds. Everything. Everyone. He is so attentive to each family member. His Mom is HIS person. No doubt. He and Harley have become a bonded pair of brothers.
As with Aussies, he's very smart, loyal, has made guarding his new home and family his priority. He loves having a job and his Mama figured that out after watching a lot of YouTube videos. It's a completely new breed for our family. He needs a lot of exercise (thankfully Harley has that covered with synchronized zoomies). He needs a LOT of reminders about respecting personal space. He needs a lot of grooming.
He's compact but full of heart. A testament to his breed. We're now a GSD-Golden-Labrador-Aussie family. If you are interested in Robbie's new life in pictures, make sure you follow us on Instagram. He's going to be our new 'model' for our shop. His size and people-pleasing demeaner has been so wonderful to have around for the shop too! We'll share their handle when our Auntie gets one.
Happy Aussie/Robbie Day!
#nationalaustralianshepherdday #aussies #australianshepherds