About Australian Shepherds

History

• Despite their name, Australian Shepherds did not originate in Australia. It is believed that Basque shepherds brought the breed to the United States in the 1800s, and since this particular group was arriving from Australia, the dog became affiliated with that continent.

Time Frame

• Australian Shepherds became popular in the United States after World War II when interest in horseback riding and rodeos escalated. Ranchers used Australian Shepherds because of their ability to effectively herd large numbers of cattle. These ranchers helped in part to improve the Australian Shepherd breed by honing the dogs' skills and promoting their adaptability to different work situations. The American Kennel Club approved recognition of Australian Shepherds as a breed in 1991.

Types

• Australian Shepherds have been called by many names over the course of their existence in the United States, including Blue Heeler, Bob-Tail, California Shepherd, New Mexican Shepherd, Pastor Dog and Spanish Shepherd. Unique coloring is common in Australian Shepherds, with coats ranging from blue merle (gray and black marbling), black, red merle (red and silver or buff marbling), or red. White and tan markings are also quite frequent in Australian Shepherds, often on the chest, legs, and head. Typically Australian Shepherds with merle coloring will get darker as they age.

Features

• In appearance Australian Shepherds are of medium size, with males weighing between 50 to 65 pounds with a height of 20 to 23 inches and females weighing between 40 to 55 pounds with a height of 18 to 21 inches.
  Australian Shepherds are not noted for having broad chests or particularly large heads, but the coloring of their eyes is a much remarked-on feature, with blue, amber, hazel, and various shades of brown all common in the breed.
  The coats of Australian Shepherds are of medium length and texture and can appear either straight or wavy. Their tails are bobbed naturally but can be docked as puppies.

Considerations

• In temperament Australian Shepherds can be shy with strangers but will overcome that to become devoted, loyal pets. However, many Australian Shepherds are abandoned because their owners were not prepared for the active nature of the breed and their need for lengthy, routine exercise. When Australian Shepherds are cared for properly they can be very intelligent dogs with an overall calm, even temperament.
  Australian Shepherds are extremely adaptable to performing different tasks successfully aside from their traditional use in herding cattle. Today Australian Shepherds are used as drug dogs, search and rescue dogs, hearing dogs for the deaf and guide dogs for the blind.