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Australian Shepherd

While there are many theories as to the origin of the Australian Shepherd, the breed as we know it today developed exclusively in the United States. The Australian Shepherd was given its name because of the association with Basque Sheepherders who came to the United States from Australia in the 1800's. The Australian Shepherd's popularity rose steadily with the boom of western horseback riding after World War II, which became known to the general public via rodeos, horse shows, movies, and television shows. Their inherent versatile and trainable personality made them assets to American farms and ranches. The American stockman continued the development of the breed, maintaining its versatility, keen intelligence, strong herding instincts, and eye-catching appearance that originally won their admiration.[1]

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent working dog of strong herding and guarding instincts. He is a loyal companion and has the stamina to work all day. With an even disposition, he is good natured, seldom quarrelsome. He may be somewhat reserved in initial meetings.

Australian Shepherd
Photo courtesy of hundund.de
Coat
The coat is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and of medium length. The undercoat varies in quantity with variations in climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, ears, front of forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of forelegs and breeches are moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced in dogs than in bitches.

Color
The colors are blue merle, black, red merle, red – all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preference. The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point of the withers at the skin.

People who wish to have a doormat dog should consider a stuffed animal a "pet rock" instead of an Australian shepherd. The breed is intelligent, active and protective. This combination of qualitites requires a dominant owner. Aussies have attained success in trackin, narcotics detection, search-and-rescue, and as hearing dogs for the deaf. They love all physical activities and are quick to learn all kinds of sports.

Size 18-23 inches at shoulder.


 

 

DOG BREED GROUP:

Sheepdogs

Australian Kelpie
Belgian Shepherd Dog

  • Groenendael
  • Laekenois
  • Malinois
  • Tervuren

Schipperke
Czeslovakian Wolfdog
Croatian Sheepdog
German Shepherd Dog
Majorca Shepherd Dog
Beauceron
Briard
Berger Picard)
Pyrenean Sheepdog
Bearded Collie
Border Collie
Collie Rough
Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
Shetland Sheepdog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Bergamasco
Maremma and Abruzzes Sheepdog
Komondor
Kuvasz
Mudi
Puli
Pumi
Dutch Shepherd Dog
Saarloos Wolfdog
Dutch Schapendoes
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Tatra Shepherd Dog
Portuguese Sheepdog
Slovakian Chuvach
South Russian Shepherd Dog
Australian Shepherd

Cattle Dogs

Australian Cattle Dog
Ardennes Cattle Dog
Bouvier des Flandres

 

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