Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a true herder, an excellent working dog, bred from old herding breeds. The nomenclature "Australian" is deceiving, since the breed is "made in America" and perfected to type in the USA. The Berger de Pyrenees, brought to America by the Basques, is one obvious ancestor. Other herding dogs, such as the Smithfield, Collie and Border Collie, also contributed to its prototype. It is believed the Aussie's immigration to America (in the late 1800s) was not by direct route, but through a detour to Australia, where Basques accumulated flocks of hardy Australian sheep. When the Americans saw dogs working these sheep, they assumed the dogs, also, were Australian. The Australian Shepherds were received enthusiastically as hard-working stock dogs and sometimes the only companion for an isolated shepherd.
The Australian Shepherd is well known and in demand on American farms and ranches. Aussies have been a fixture around stables and with horse people for many years as well. Northwest Indian tribes hand down tales of "ghost-eyed dogs," an apt description for the breed with its blue eyes. Despite the fact that they have been in America for more than a hundred years, they have not solicited recognition as a show dog and are only recently entering that arena. The Australian Shepherd Club of America is a strong parent organization and emphasizes working abilities, awarding titles to qualified animals. The breed's herding instincts remain strong.
People who wish to have a doormat dog are instructed to consider a stuffed animal or a "pet rock" instead of an Australian Shepherd. The breed is intelligent, active and protective, a combination of qualities which require a dominant owner who is willing to take the time to turn these tendencies into attributes. Those "hot-blooded" specimens are the choice for active work and families. More laid-back Aussies suit the family looking only for a companion.
Aussies not only have become entertainers but have attained success in tracking, narcotics detection, search-and-rescue, and as hearing dogs for the deaf. They love all physical activity and are quick to learn such sports as Frisbee™, fly ball and obedience.
Eyes may be brown, amber, blue, flecked or even odd-eyed. The tail is naturally or surgically bobbed. The breed tends to be reserved with strangers. Yet its proponents feel there's no other dog like the Aussie. In fact, as noted in Stodgehils Animal Research Magazine one stockman states he only maintains his sheep as an excuse to continue raising Aussies!