dogs that most shelters work very hard to place with owners with previous experience with the breed (or dominent breed within the mix). Out west, the shelters are surely full of them as they are especially popular with ranchers and others in Colorado, WY, UT and surrounding. The herding expositions at rodeos and stock shows in this region are always a very popular draw.
I have an 11 month old Aussie mix that the shelter specifically called me about, knowing I'd had a previous Aussie mix breed. She's a doll, but that high energy and need for stimulation means I get out to walk her five miles daily AND give her at least one trip to the off leash dog park--DAILY--whether I feel like it or not. Actually that is very good for ME and my tendency towards "couch potatoism", but it is a definite commitment.
She is so smart, that she has foiled every means of containing her in the house should I need to go somewhere without her. I now resort to a large kennel in the nice cool basement WITH TWO padlocks on the opening gate--as even with one on the top, she was able to find a way to push open the bottom enough to squeeze out! She's not destructive, fortunately, but just doesn't want to be confined--even for a few hours a day.
But she is loving, friendly to other dogs and every human and just a doll. Note that some herding breeds can be more aloof or territorial and some can really be obnoxious about barking (thank the "gawds" mine is not), so that is something to check out as well.
But, these dogs are highly intelligent, highly trainable and can be wonderful companions--for the right person. But, probably a disaster for someone not prepared or committed to making the changes necessary for happy coexistence....
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