Origin of the Breed"While there are many theories as to the origin of the Australian Shepherd,
the breed as we know it today developed exclusively in the United States.
The Australian Shepherd was given its name because of their association with the Basque sheepherders
who came to the United States from Australia in the 1800's. The Aussie rose rapidly in popularity with
the boom of western riding after World War II, becoming known to the general public via rodeos, horse shows,
movies and television. Their inherent versatility and trainability made them useful on American farms and ranches.
The American stockmen continued the development of the breed, maintaining the versatility, keen intelligence,
strong herding instinct and eye-catching appearance. Australian Shepherds have been registered by various
registries since the early 1950's".
The breed is recognized world wide through many registries including The Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Click here to read the CKC Breed Standard (it will open in a new window) |
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What can Aussies do?Aussies' intelligence, athleticism and desire to please makes them naturals for all the recognized dog performance sports and they can be found competing successfully in Agility, Herding, Tracking, Fly-ball, Rally-O and Obedience. Aussies can be found on a great many ranches and farms in North America earning their keep as working stock dogs. There are Aussies that have full time jobs as Therapy Dogs and some are Search and Rescue Dogs (there were Aussies at "Ground Zero" of the World Trade Center disaster). Their attractive conformation and lovely variations in coat colours makes them "stand outs' in the show ring. An Aussie won the "Pastoral Group" at the prestigious Crufts (the world's largest dog show) show in 2004 and another Aussie was Herding Group 2nd at North America's largest dog show, Westminster, in 2005! With their "all weather coats" and hardy constitutions they are ideal companions for people with active, outdoor lifestyles. There is nothing an Aussie likes better than a good hike through the woods with his people (no matter what the weather) and if the hike affords an opportunity for a swim the Aussie is up for that too! For those with a less active life style the Aussie can adapt quite readily (as long as he manages to get a reasonable amount of exercise) and will happily act as a "foot warmer" while his person reads or watches TV. Whatever his person's lifestyle the Aussie can be full time friend and devoted protector - provided that an Aussie is the right "match" for the person... |
Is an Aussie the right dog for you?Adding a dog to your family entails a lifelong commitment to the dog - time spent researching the breed will be repaid a hundred fold over your years together. Aussies are attractive, active, athletic, intelligent, loyal and loving companions - but they are NOT for everyone. Before you fall in love with that appealing little bundle that all Aussie puppies are do your homework and make SURE that the breed is the right choice for you, your expectations of what you want in a dog and your lifestyle... And when you are sure that an Aussie is the only breed you should do just as much research to find a reputable breeder to buy that puppy from! |
What is a "Reputable Breeder"?A reputable breeder will provide you with proof that the puppy's parents have been cleared for such things as hip dysplasia and eye problems and that the puppy has been examined by a certified canine ophthalmologist and received its first set of immunizations. Reputable breeders sell their puppies under some form of written "contract" specifying their expectations from the puppy buyer and their commitments to the puppy buyer. For example, there may be a "Spay/Neuter" clause which requires the buyer to have the puppy spayed or neutered and/or there may be a clause requiring the buyer to agree to ONLY return the dog to the breeder if they can no longer keep it. Reputable breeders only breed from stock that they know is clear of genetic defects, that "lessens" the chances of defects in the offspring but it cannot "assure" that it will not happen. Reputable breeders will "guarantee" their puppies against any debilitating hereditary defect, and offer a replacement. |
And DO consider Aussie Rescue...If you want an Aussie but you're not into going through "the puppy phase" then do consider Aussie Rescue (see the Links page for Ontario Aussie Rescue). It is an unfortunate fact that there are always large numbers of dogs that, through no fault of their own, end up being abandoned or placed in shelters or with Rescue Organizations - Aussies are, unfortunately, no exception! The dedicated volunteers with ARPH (Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline) work tirelessly to "match" rescued dogs with the right people for "forever homes"... |
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