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Most of these dogs are high energy but some individuals may be less so: check with your local purebred rescue or shelter for appropriate pooch. Also, a more mature adult dog might be somewhat less exercise intensive.

I've owned Aussies for Over 30 years (I have 2 right now). They are very similar in temperament to Border Collies. Both breeds are a bit leary when it comes to strangers, but warm up quickly. This is because of their protective nature to their leader (You). Both are great family dogs and need equal amounts of stimulation and exercise. 2-4 hours a day, broken up Morning, Noon and Night will be fine. Weather doesn't matter - I live in the Chicago Area and we get below freezing temperatures and snow this time of year - I'm still out there with the dogs. Herding breeds naturally herd anything they can, including children. They are not hunters and would more happily herd something than kill it. My older dog caught a rabbit, sat there with his arms crossed around it, then let it go and chased it some more. I have also owned Rats and Aussies at the same time and had no problems - I even have a picture of the Rat on the dog's back. They do need training however and to be kept busy - they need to be taught from an early age that herding humans is not acceptable. If they become bored, they will "Invent" games of their own, which you might not think are so funny. As far as compassion goes, that just depends on the dog. Some can be more mellow than others and some are very active and won't sit still for a minute. Look for a reputable breeder in your area and make sure you've got the time to commit to a herding breed before getting one.

If you're sure you really want a dog, then consider adopting an older BC or Aussie through a breed specific rescue. Many of the older dogs are much lower energy.

Why do I say "if you're sure you really want a dog"? Because dogs are living creatures, and a dog of *any* breed might be "high-maintenance." You say you love BCs and Aussies... but you don't, really. You just like the way they look and the idea of their being intelligent. The person who said "you can't" get a substitute is on the money. I do Aussie rescue and we get a lot of dogs from people who loved the look, cannot handle the intelligence.

But you might be able to give a good home to a mature adult (over age 6) if you have dog experience and are willing to do some work.

You can't. The reason why BCs and Aussies are so high-maintenance is BECAUSE they are so intelligent. If they didn't have all that mental energy, they wouldn't need so many outlets to expend it. Likewise, any dog with the same amount of focus and drive - which is what makes the BCs and Aussies so trainable - will equally need a working job, tons of mental stimulation and exercise to work it all off.

Plus, if there was such a dog, I would have it already!

Tough one. Collies are too energetic for me, too. I don't want a dog smarter than me.

Poodles are high intelligence with less of the guarding and herding.

Check out petfinder.com. There are usually plenty of BC and AS mixes that may or may not be as energetic.

Golden or labrador retrever,very smart and affectionate, they don't guard though, coz they are sweet, non-aggresive dogs.