The ASCA standard states “the Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts.  He is an exceptional companion…” This is the standard at Hardin’s Aussies.  The strong herding (working) instincts are critical to the average cattleman.  Most cattlemen are not dog trainers.  Therefore, they rely on the dog to know more than they do about gathering and controlling cattle.  The dog’s intelligence, ability to evaluate situations and make good decisions are critical.  There are a few other traits that I see slipping away in some Aussies.  These are the traits are the ones that I have at the top of my genetic trait selection list:

• Gathering Ability— the instinct to keep the stock together
• Eye—concentration on the stock and power to move stock with eye
• Power—the ability to move stock with sheer presence
• Bite (Grip)—a tool that working dogs must have (when needed) to control cattle

All Australian Shepherds bred by us will carry all of these traits. Please check our PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE pages to see the aussies of HARDIN STOCKDOGS.