information on this page can be found at the Australian Shepherd Club of America website: https://asca.org/aussies/about-aussies/the-australian-shepherd/ and the AKC Website: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-shepherd/.

The Australian Shepherd (ASCA website)

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. Although an aggressive, authoritative worker, viciousness toward people or animals is intolerable.

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 males is 20-23 inches and for females 18-21 inches at the shoulder.

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.

History of the Breed:

Would it surprise you to learn that the Australian Shepherd is the only livestock working breed developed in America? Contrary to his name, the Australian Shepherd is not an Australian breed at all. We can trace his early ancestors back to dogs that worked sheep on the west coast, many of those sheep were brought from Australia. Basque shepherds on the west coast were known to have “little blue dogs with bob tails” in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Sheep were imported from France, Spain, England, New Zealand, and Australia along with shepherds and their dogs. In the western United States, the Basque shepherd and his little blue dogs came to represent shepherding as much as the Scotsman and his Collie in Britain. In Australia, there are dogs similar to Aussies called German Coolies.

Other breeds have been observed in the above countries exhibiting some of our Aussie’s characteristics. Although their exact origin is unknown, there is no doubt that the breed was developed in the western United States by livestock producers who used the dogs for working. The fact that the dogs also excelled as a cattle dogs made them ideal for our many diverse farm and ranch operations. The breed evolved to meet the demands of their farm and ranch owners.

Aussies have been used for many purposes. Their use with livestock demanded a natural worker who was easy to train. Their devotion to their owners made them the ideal family farm dog which was needed to guard the homestead. Modern times have seen these talents used in even more diverse ways such as Search and Rescue, Drug Detection and Hearing and Handicap work. The original purpose of the breed as a working stock dog is still maintained across America on ranches and farms as well as through competition at stock dog trials. He is truly: MADE IN AMERICA BY AMERICANS!

Breed Specific Needs: (AKC website)

-> Training:

Early socialization and obedience training are both musts for the Australian Shepherd. One of the most frequent reasons Aussies end up in rescue situations is owners couldn't (or wouldn't) constructively channel the breed's boundless energy through training. Aussies bond strongly to their families and so can be territorial and overprotective of their owners' property, and they can become destructive if left without companionship for long periods too often. Fortunately, that loyalty combined with the breed's keen intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train. 

-> Exercise:

A high-energy, athletic dog, the Aussie needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis. At minimum, he should have a large, fenced-in yard to run around in for at least an hour or two daily. Aussies bond closely with their owners and love to accompany them on long walks'¿or, better yet, hikes. Once an Aussie leaves puppyhood behind, and his skeletal system is fully formed, he can make a great running companion. The best course, however, is to give the Aussie a job, whether that is herding livestock, shepherding children, or competing in canine events such as obedience, herding or agility trials, or dock diving.

-> Grooming:

In general, weekly brushing sessions will keep the Australian Shepherd's waterproof, double-layer coat looking its best. During shedding season, though, more work will be required. During this period an undercoat rake can be used every two or three days to remove the abundant dead hair, followed by a cleanup with the wire brush.

 Aussies often work and/or play outdoors, so it's not unusual for them to come in dirtier then they left. But unless they've gotten into a particularly messy situation, they require a bath only occasionally. As with all breeds, the Aussie's nails should be trimmed regularly.