Description:
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, athletic dog breed who is well balanced and slightly longer than tall. He is fast and agile, with enough stamina to work all out, all day. Devoted and loyal, the Australian Shepherd enjoys pleasing his owner.
Breed History
The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog that was developed on ranches in the Western United States. Despite its name, the breed, commonly known as an Aussie, did not in fact originate in Australia.They acquired their name because of its association with sheepherders who went to the United States from Australia.Australian Shepherds rose rapidly in popularity with the boom of western riding after World War II. They became known to the general public through rodeos, horse shows and through Disney movies made for television.For decades, Aussies have been valued by stock-men for their inherent versatility and train-ability. While they continue to work as stock dogs and compete in herding trials, the breed has earned recognition in other roles due to their train-ability and eagerness to please and are highly regarded for their skills in obedience. Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive and usually needs a job to do. It often excels at dog sports such as dog agility, fly ball and Frisbee. They are also highly successful search and rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, and guide, service and therapy dogs. And, above all, they are beloved family companions. Aussies are very protective and may not be kind to strangers, but do not have a tendency to be aggressive. Aussies will also try to herd anything that moves, including people and all other types of animals.