Temperament
Australian Shepherds are easy-going,
remaining puppy-like even in their adult years.
This courageous dog makes a good watchdog for the home. Aussies are
excellent with children, even with an active child, as they love to
play. A devoted, loyal
friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Affectionate, very lively, agile and
attentive - they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner
wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train.
Characteristics
The Australian Shepherd is a well balanced dog of medium size and bone.
He is attentive and animated, showing strength and stamina combined with
unusual agility. Slightly longer than tall, he has a coat of moderate
length and coarseness with coloring that offers variety and
individuality in each dog. An identifying characteristic is his natural
or docked bob tail. His gait is smooth, free and easily shows agility
and efficiency of movement.
The Australian Shepherd is intelligent, primarily a working dog of
strong herding and guardian instincts. He is an exceptional companion.
He is versatile and easily trained, performing his assigned tasks with
great style and enthusiasm. He is reserved with strangers but does not
exhibit shyness.
The only recognized colors are blue merle, red merle, solid black, and
solid red. Blue merles and blacks have black noses and eye rims while
red merles and reds have liver (brown) noses and eye rims. All colors
may be with or without white and/or copper trim. Preferred height for
Miniature Aussies is 14-18 inches at the shoulder, while Toy Aussies are
usually 10-14 inches.
Australian Shepherds are considered by many people to be the ideal dogs.
Their uncanny intelligence, whether herding livestock or being a
companion, is always at work. The Aussie's loyalty and devotion are
beyond question. If you are looking for a dog to be an active part of
your work or play, consider the Australian Shepherd.
Origin and History
Despite the misleading name, the Australian
Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed most likely in
the Pyrenees Mountains somewhere between Spain and France, and refined
in the U.S. to
work as a herding dog on ranches. The breed's principal fore bearers
were most likely
Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of fine
Merino
sheep exported to both America and Australia in the early days of
the colonies.
At some point it probably crossed with Collie Stock.
The Aussie has had many names in the past including the Pastor Dog, Blue
Heeler, Spanish Shepherd, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, and California
Shepherd. Its many talents include, retrieving, herding,
watchdog, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, search &
rescue,
agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks.
