About Us
Trusted Breeders
Welcome to Bernard Aussie Pups, where passion for the Australian Shepherd breed meets dedication to responsible breeding practices. Our journey began with a simple love for these remarkable dogs and has grown into a commitment to raising healthy, well-socialized puppies that will become cherished members of your family.
At Bernard Aussie Pups, we believe that breeding Australian Shepherds is more than just a business—it’s a calling. We carefully select our breeding pairs based on health, temperament, and adherence to breed standards. Each of our dogs undergoes comprehensive health testing to ensure we’re producing puppies with the best possible start in life. Our breeding dogs aren’t just our stock; they’re beloved members of our family who live in our home and receive the love and attention they deserve.
We raise our puppies using time-tested early socialization methods, exposing them to various sounds, surfaces, and experiences during their crucial developmental weeks. From the moment they’re born, our puppies receive individual attention, gentle handling, and enrichment activities designed to build confident, adaptable dogs. They’re raised underfoot in our home, ensuring they’re comfortable with everyday household activities and ready to transition smoothly into your life.
The Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, was actually developed in the United States during the 19th century. The breed’s ancestors likely came from the Basque region between Spain and France, and the dogs accompanied shepherds who emigrated to Australia and then to the American West. The “Aussie” name stuck because of this Australian connection, even though the breed was refined and standardized in America.
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 40-65 pounds, with males being larger than females. They have a distinctive, eye-catching appearance with a medium-length double coat that comes in several color variations including blue merle, red merle, black, and red, often with white and copper markings. One of their most striking features is their eyes, which can be brown, blue, amber, or even heterochromatic (two different colors).
These dogs are exceptionally intelligent and energetic, consistently ranking among the smartest dog breeds. They were bred as herding dogs and retain strong working instincts, which means they need significant mental stimulation and physical exercise daily. Without adequate activity, they can become bored and develop destructive behaviors. They excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, flyball, and disc competitions.
Australian Shepherds are known for their loyal and affectionate nature with their families. They tend to be good with children and can get along well with other pets when properly socialized. However, their herding instinct may cause them to try to herd children, other pets, or even adults by nipping at heels. They can be reserved with strangers, making them good watchdogs.
Training an Aussie requires consistency and positive reinforcement methods. They’re highly trainable and eager to please, but their intelligence means they need an owner who can provide firm, patient guidance. They thrive when given a job to do and enjoy having a sense of purpose, whether that’s actual herding work, participating in dog sports, or learning complex tricks and commands.