Australian Shepherd Breed description: Character & Co

What is the origin of the Australian Shepherd?

Contrary to what the name might suggest, the Australian Shepherd does not originate in the Down Under, but in the United States: Their ancestors probably traveled  from Europe to the United States with settlers. They followed the call of the gold rush around the year 1840. It is believed that emigrants from the Basque Country initially reached Australia with Merino sheep typical for their home country. The export of Spanish animals was prohibited with the consequence of the death penalty until the 18th century. When restrictions were eased, shepherds moved to the New World and Australia. In the USA, this breed of sheep was simply called "Australian Sheep" and its keepers were given the logical name "Australian Shepherd". To this date, it is still not entirely clear which breeds of dog were included. Cynologists suspect that the old German winner, the Cumberland Sheepdog and the Scottish Shepherd were crossed. In the USA, the breed soon gained great popularity among shepherds and in competitions. At shows they demonstrated their skills in operating and herding. Although a uniform standard was defined in 1957, the Australian Shepherd was not recognized by the FCI International Dog Association until 1996.

What are the breed characteristics of the Australian Shepherd?

Australian Shepherds are characterised by a light but muscular build. They move smoothly and skillfully. Also typical for them are the high triangular ears, which the animal tilts to the side or to the front when alert. Some animals are born with a congenital butt rod, also known as a natural bobtail. If you want to buy an Australian Shepherd, you should know about the existing two lines of breeds. The working line has retained its excellent herding skills and is known for their temperamental spirit. If you are looking for a loyal family companion though, it is better to choose the quieter show line. These dogs also need a lot of work, but they are less energetic.