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A blue merle Australian Shepherd stands in a flowery meadow as a line of ducklings follows behind her. 8 / 33

The Aussie Took the Lead and a Tiny Yellow Line Fell in Behind

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She walks in front, they walk behind, and the whole meadow seems to know who is in charge. A blue merle Australian Shepherd stands in tall grass dotted with tiny white wildflowers, head turned back toward the line of ducklings trailing behind her. The leader of the little parade is a step ahead of the rest, bill up, as if it has been given an important message to deliver. Petals and grass blades brush against their fluffy chests as they trot, and not one of them is falling behind.

Australian Shepherds are herding dogs with plenty of brains and stamina. They love to move, work and keep their group together, so a line of small followers is exactly the kind of job that suits the breed. That also means they need daily exercise and mental challenges, such as training games or puzzle toys, or they can invent their own entertainment. Their beautiful merle coat, patched in blue gray and black, can come with striking eyes, often blue or part blue.

If you are ever walking a herding breed near wildflower fields, it is worth checking their coat afterward for seeds and ticks, since long fur can hide a lot. A quick brush at the end of the walk keeps everybody comfortable.

The meadow is wide, the sun is warm and the parade has no particular destination. That is, of course, the very best kind of walk.

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