Australian Shepherd

History

Though the actual origination of the Australian Shepherd (aka – Aussie) is unclear, many agree the development of the breed occurred in the late 1800s. As settlers from countries including Great Britain, Scotland, Spain, Australia and Latin America immigrated to North America, they brought along their favorite herding breeds to control their flocks of sheep.

It is unclear whether the ancestors of the breed were native to the Spanish Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains or from Germany. Basque sheepherders, their dogs and sheep migrated to Australia in the early 1800s, where it is believed that crossbreeding occurred with dogs of the region. However, the Basque dogs were smaller and leaner with wiry coats and without white coloring often found in Aussies.

Meanwhile, herding dogs from Germany called German Tigers were brought to Australia in the early 1800s. They became known to Australians as German or Australian Coolies. These dogs, with their merle markings of blue, red, and black with hints of white around the face and collar, have greater similarities than the Basque breed to today’s Australian Shepherd. Even the common combination eye colors – often one eye is blue while the other is brown, hazel, or black – can be traced to the breed’s German ancestors.

While Spain and Germany claim a lineage to the Australian Shepherd, it is also thought that Scotch Collies, Border Collies and English Shepherds are all contributors to the Australian Shepherd gene.

Due to this history and not surprisingly, Australia does not recognize the breed as native to their continent even though it carries their namesake. Many opinions agree the breed’s name should actually be the “American Shepherd” since the breed has been dubbed ‘made in America’ by ranchers and farmers across the nation.

The breed became popular in America in the late 1920s and early 1930s as it was often featured in rodeos, horse shows and throughout the media, such as television and films. In fact, Australian Shepherd, “Bunk” appeared in many movies with cowboy star Jack Hoxie. He also appeared with Hoxie in the 101 Ranch Wild West Show and the Downie Brothers Circus. Bunk, a blue merle, was also featured in the 1928 versions of “Shepherd of the Hills” and “Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.”

By 1957, the breed was officially recognized with the formation of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, though the current breed description as we know it today was not written until 1977. In 1991, Australian Shepherds were recognized as the 135th breed in The American Kennel Club (AKC) and by 1993 were accepted into the herding group.

Throughout history, breeders have maintained the Australian Shepherd’s adaptability, high intelligence and natural herding instincts. In North America, the breed has evolved to include notable characteristics to fit varied weather and working conditions often found on ranches and farms across the United States. For instance, Aussies have what is known as a loose to medium-eye—meaning they do not make constant eye contact with the livestock and instead use their body to control the situation, making them excellent herders. Today, Aussies, while still used as working dogs, are far more versatile. They are trained as guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, pet therapy dogs, drug detectors and search and rescue dogs.