There will always be secrets left about the origin of the Australien Shepherd and about which dog breeds have participated in his development. His ancestors developed in the 19th century, when there was not only an increasing demand for wool in the USA, but also for sheep, shepherds and reliable sheepdogs.
The biggest part of sheep came from Australia - and with them came shepherds and dogs, which already had proofed on the fifth continent. As result of a combination of these dogs with American dogs and old European breeds, the type of dog which was needed most in these days developped:
A reliable sheepdog, extremely intelligent, and 100 percent loyal to his family.
The Australian Shepherd owes a big part of his high familiarity to people to a man named Jay Sisler. His Australian Shepherds knew incredible tricks and during the 50ies and 60ies he toured on rodeos in the USA and in Canada. Descendants of his dogs are the founders of the most popular American bloodlines.
Today's Australian Shepherd is a pure American breed. Systematic breeding started in the USA. There the first breeders' associations, breed books and shows appeared. Any of the dogs which are so popular now, shows ancestors in the United States in his pedigree.
In former days, the tail of the Australian Shepherd was docked (docking is still common in USA, where it is one of the breed standards and will probably also continue to be one). Since docking is no longer allowed in Germany as from 01.06.1998, the tails are left as they are, though inborn bobtails, called natural bobtail (NBT) in different lenghts may occur.
Another characteristic feature is the gait. The Australian Shepherd has a smooth, free and easy gait with a ground covering stride. First condition for a clear gait is well function of the motion apparatus. The Aussie was bred for herd work. Therefore health is a condition for tireless work and mobility. Meanwhile it's a MUST for respected breeders to have their dogs x-rayed on the feared hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED). Only healthy dogs should be taken for breeding. Responsible breeders should also have their dogs checked regularly by an ophtamologist for hereditary eye diseases.
Character:
The Australian Shepherd is an extremely intelligent and attentive dog, primarily a working dog of strong herding and guardian instincts.
As a sheepdog the Aussie needs daily physical and mental work! To recognize and to support his talents is up to the attention of the owner. He is not the right kind of dog for people who love to spend their time on the sofa.
Although the Australian Shepherd is a very active dog, he gets integrated into the house easily and is very calm there. His friendly and easy character makes him a popular family pet, also getting on very well with other dogs, cats, horses and children.
Characteristics:
Due to his intelligence he is very easy to train and he is suitable for various kinds of dog training like agility or obedience. He is suitable as a rescue or guide dog as well. The Aussie is also popular as an escort dog for riders because of his low hunting instinct and the big motor activity.
However, due to lack of activity and training the clever sheepdog can also develop bad habits as easy as he is learning the right things.
Usually an Australian Shepherd has a long life expectancy and is a robust dog.
Colours:
Colouring offers variety and individuality in each specimen. The recognized colours are blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black and solid red (liver) all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points with no order of preference. The coat is of medium texture and moderate length, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant and easy to care. The Aussie should be brushed once or twice a week.
The blue merle and black have black pigmentation on nose, lips and eye-rims. Reds and red merles have liver pigmentation on nose, lips and eye-rims.
The colour of eyes is brown, amber, blue, or any variation or combination including marbling and flecks - even two differently coloured eyes may occur.
Features:
The Aussie is a medium-sized dog. Preferred height at the withers for males is 20 to 23 inches - females are a little smaller with 18 to 21 inches.
There are Aussies with a complete tail, meaning they have a long tail with a white tail tip, but also dogs with an inborn bobtail which is called “natural bobtail” (NBT).