What is an Australian Shepherd

There are many theories about the origin of the Australian Shepherd. Despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all but was developed most likely in the Pyrenees Mountains in the 1800’ssomewhere between Spain and France, and refined in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches. The breed’s principal forebears were most likely Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of fine Merino sheep exported to both America and Australia in the early days of the colonies. At some point, it probably crossed with Collie stock. The dog has had many names in the past including the Pastor Dog, Blue Heeler, Spanish Shepherd, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd. Its many talents include retrieving, herding, watchdog, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, search & rescue, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks.