The Australian Shepherd – or Aussie – isn’t Australian at all. The breed took a circuitous route to America, and likely started with Pyrenean Sheepdogs brought to Australia by Basque shepherds finding work on immense sheep stations. These men were known to have “little blue dogs with bob tails” in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, dogs eminently suited to control huge flocks of Australian sheep. It’s said that the dogs were crossed with Collies, and resulting pups were taken to California in the mid to late 19th century where the Basque shepherd and his little blue dogs came to represent sheepherding. Because the dogs, truly European in origin, arrived from Australia, California farmers called them Aussie Sheepdogs, and voila, a name was born, however erroneous. The fact of the matter is that the Australian Sheepdog may be the only real livestock working breed developed in America, and most certainly its development took place on American ranches. There, the breed evolved to meet the needs of farm and ranch owners, many of whom came to see how excellent the dogs were with cattle, as well. The breed grew in popularity with exposure at rodeos, horse shows, and Disney movies made for television. For a time, everyone claimed the breed as its own, and that lead to a variety of names that included the California Shepherd, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, Spanish Shepherd, and Pastor Dog.

Ranchers in Boulder, Colorado, began breeding the dogs when it proved to be a tireless worker the high altitude of the Rocky Mountains.  Whatever the altitude, Aussies have been a highly valued and popular working dog in the U.S. for over a century. The breed’s work ethic is greatly admired, and it was only a matter of time before other uses were found for this versatile breed. From Search and Rescue and Drug Detection, to service dog, guide dogs, and therapy dog work. And oh, have you seen this breed rock an agility and obedience ring? It’s a credit to breed owners that the original purpose of the breed as a working stockdog has not been forgotten, and the breed still makes its mark at stock dog trial competitions. As the parent club states: The Australian Shepherd is truly MADE IN AMERICA BY AMERICANS.

Australian Shepherd by Nadi Spencer
NadiSpencer.com
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