Despite what its name suggests, the Australian Shepherd does not come from Australia but from ranches in the American West, where it was developed in the 19th and 20th centuries for herding livestock — probably descending from Basque herding dogs that transited through Australia.
Physical characteristics
- Height: 51-58 cm at the withers for males, 46-53 cm for females
- Coat: medium-length, varied colors (blue merle, red merle, black, red tricolor)
- Eyes: often heterochromatic (different colors), a distinctive trait of the breed
Temperament
Intelligent, energetic and deeply attached to its family, the Australian Shepherd shares many traits with the Border Collie: a strong need for mental stimulation, a tendency to develop compulsive behaviors without sufficient activity, and excellent learning ability.
Careers and disciplines
Herding (its historic role), agility, disc dog, obedience, flyball — the Australian Shepherd excels in practically every discipline requiring liveliness and working intelligence.
Health and longevity
Life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Important genetic point to watch: certain lines carry a mutation (MDR1) affecting sensitivity to certain medications — genetic screening is recommended for breeding stock and useful to know for any future veterinary treatment.