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A red merle Australian Shepherd with blue eyes wears a brown cowboy hat and a denim bandana on a porch with a pumpkin. 19 / 24

An Aussie in a Cowboy Hat Squinted Into the Sunset on the Porch

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Squinting a little into the late-afternoon sun, a red merle Australian Shepherd poses on the porch in a brown cowboy hat and a denim bandana. His coat is a beautiful mix of copper, white, and gray speckles, one eye is icy blue, and his fluffy chest ruff glows in the light. Behind him, the porch steps lead to a front door with a jack-o'-lantern, a pot of orange mums, and some corn stalks tied to the rail. The yard stretches off in soft green. Let's call him Tex.

Australian Shepherds, despite the name, were developed in the American West as ranch dogs. They're smart, athletic, and driven, and their herding instincts mean they love having a job. Without enough exercise and mental work, they may get restless and herd the family, nipping at ankles. Training games, puzzle feeders, long hikes, and agility are great outlets. The merle coat pattern is striking, and it can come with blue or mixed-color eyes. Responsible breeders know the health aspects of the pattern.

If your Aussie is a costume fan, a hat is best used for a quick photo. A hat strap under the chin should be loose and soft, the brim shouldn't cover his eyes, and a bandana should be loose enough to slip two fingers under the knot. Many herding dogs are sensitive to their surroundings, so if he seems uncomfortable, take it off right away. A treat and a bit of praise make the outfit a positive experience.

Tex wears the look well, steady and calm, like he's been herding cattle all day and has only just come up to the porch. A cowboy never looked friendlier.

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