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The Australian Shepherd is a breed of
working dog that was developed in the
United States in the 19th Century from
several different breeds. Despite its name,
the breed, commonly known as the Aussie,
did not in fact originate from Australia.

About The Australian Shepherd

History

The coat comes in several colors: blue
merle, red merle, solid red, or solid black;
all can occur with or without white
markings, tan (called "copper") points, or
both. Dogs with tan and white along with
the primary color are called tricolor. Dogs
with white only along with the primary
color are called bicolor.

There is also great variety in the Aussie's
eye color. An early nickname for the breed
was "ghost-eye dog". Aussie eyes may be
green, hazel, amber, brown, or blue; they
may have two different colored eyes, or
even have bicolored or "split eyes" (for
example, a half-brown, half-blue eye). Any
combination of eye color is acceptable in
the breed standard, so long as the eyes are
healthy. In general, however, black Aussies
tend to have brown eyes, while red Aussies
tend to have amber eyes, frequently with
one eye totally or partially unpigmented
(that is, blue).

The Mini Aussie stands between 12-18
inches tall.

A hallmark of the breed is a short bobbed
or docked tail in countries where docking is
permitted. Some Aussies are born with
naturally short bobbed tails, others with
full long tails, and others with natural
partial bobs, where the tail is midlength
and appears stubby. Most breeders dock the
tails when the puppies are born.

Appearance

It is an energetic dog that requires exercise and
needs a job to do, whether it is learning and
practicing tricks, competing in dog agility, or
any other physically and mentally involving
activity. It needs to run, or go on walks,
regularly. It is usually a sweet and affectionate
dog who is faithful to its owners and is good
with children.

It is intelligent, learns quickly, and loves to play.
Whether it be with a child playing ball, frisbee,
or a stick. They also like to go on camping and
fishing trips. These dogs love to work cattle,
sheep, and herd geese. They love the water.
Whether it be the lake, ocean, or the kiddy pool
in the back yard, you can't keep them away
from it. If you have a bucket full of water they
will dig their feet in it and treat it like a bath
tub.

The Australian Shepherd has a reputation as a
highly intelligent and versatile stock dog with a
relatively easygoing working style and a "soft
mouth" (compared with more intense breeds
like the Border Collie or Australian Cattle Dog).

Temperment