There are few moments in life as special as watching a dog you have raised performing the job he was bred to do, and doing it well. The process of growing from a bumbling pup to a skilled performer is something that takes a combination of good genetics, conscientious husbandry, and training. One must only observe a happy Australian Shepherd and his diligence to complete his duties to realize that this is a breed that thrives on working.

The "Working Aussie" is the term I use to describe a dog who has one or more clearly defined jobs that he understands to be his own. A Working Aussie may be fetching a ball, working livestock, or watching the kids. No matter how great or small the task, it is his task, and he doesn't take it lightly. This does not mean that owning a happy Working Aussie is limited to farmers and ranchers with livestock and lots of land. However, to have a truly balanced dog, it is best to introduce your pet Aussie to an activity he can call his "job". Your dog's task may be anything from guarding the home, to performing tricks, to the rewarding work of volunteering as a therapy dog. To you it may be just spending quality time with your furry friend. To him, it is his reason for being.

"Lena" (Lacey x Poncho litter of '06) is a working Blood Trailer who boasts nearly 100% success rate in the field. In addition to Blood Trailing, Lena is proof of the Aussie's versatility. She teaches young hounds and cur dogs to bay wild hogs, she works our goats - even trusted to move baby fainters, babysits the kids, and at the end of the day she makes a great rug on the dining room floor. Lena is currently working with Terri Carver of Maximum Aussies so that she may soon be on the ASCA trialing circuit.

Circle C's dogs are family members who occasionally produce a litter of pups. Our Aussies are a part of our farm, each one having a "job" that they are well suited for. "Leroy" and "Lacey" (a neutered rescue and one of our best bitches) guard our farm's gate and greet guests. They have the run of the front barnyard, and make sure that all is well at the farm. "Jesse" (Honey Island Lolita CC) is an exciting addition to the Circle C family. She is of Las Rocosa, Weissacre, and Los Pinos breeding, and will hopefully take Circle C's Blood Trailing Aussies into the show ring to prove that a working dog can also be a show dog. Of course, Jesse will prove herself in the field before she gets an opportunity to show.