Anatolian sherherd

Contrary to what its name suggests, the Australian Shepherd is a dog developed in America. The Aussie, as it is affectionately known, was considered by the American Indians to be a ghost dog because of its piercing blue eyes, and it is legend that the Indians left the owners of the ghost-eyed dogs alone.

 History:

It is unlikely that we will ever know the exact history of the Australian Shepherd. Dogs very similar in looks and ability to the Aussie have been around since the early 1600s and were used by the Spanish to move and protect the sheep that were shifted from winter pastures. Similar breeds exist around the world - the English Shepherd in America, the Coolie in Australia, the Welsh Bob-Tail in Scotland, and the Berger Pyrenees in France. Any or all of these may be related, and it is most likely that the early Spanish dogs were spread around the world and developed independently.

 The similarities between the breeds can be attributed to the similar task for which each of these breeds was used. The Aussie was so named because it was thought that the Basque shepherds who came to America in the early 1900s brought them from Australia along with the sheep that they were tending. Aussies were brought to the public eye by Jay Sisler, who used his dogs as rodeo acts and as the stars in a number of Disney movies, including Run, Appaloosa, Run and Stub, The Best Cowdog in the West. In June 1957 the first Australian Shepherd Club was formed.

 Physical characteristics:

The most striking feature of the Aussie is its bob-tail. Roughly 50% of dogs born have a natural bob-tail, and the rest are docked. This gives the dog a characteristic tail-wagging action that Aussie lovers call the "wiggle-butt," because the whole rear of the dog gets involved. Height: 18 - 23 in (46 - 58 cm). Weight: 35 - 70 lb (16 - 32 kg). They come in an amazing variety of coat colors and patterns and can be black, red, blue-merle (black base with a mottled pattern) and red merle, all with or without white and/or copper trim.

 The coat is of moderate length with an undercoat that is suitable to the climate in which it lives. It should not be silky or harsh, and is an all-weather coat. Unlike the Border Collie, whom they resemble, Aussies are not known for their ability to "eye" stock. They do, however, have a penetrating and very intelligent gaze from their brown, blue, green or marbled eyes.

 Behavior:

The Australian Shepherd is a natural athlete and is a joy to watch when it is working. This is an intelligent dog with a great aptitude for work. The Aussie is determined enough to work stock, but also remains gentle enough to be a companion animal. Its alert manner makes the Australian Shepherd perfect for the role of watch-dog. The insistent bark of the Australian Shepherd serves as a real deterrent to would-be intruders.

 The Aussie is one of the few working dogs that makes a great companion for singles, couples and families alike. Of course it is wise to allow proper socialization with a range of people when the dog is young. There can be an element of competition between the Aussie and other dogs, but generally it is very sociable.

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