Buzz
With its distinct coat patterns and captivating blue eyes,
it's impossible to miss an Australian Shepherd as it struts past you on the sidewalk. Discover more about this fluffy companion and its unexpected history.
1. AUSTRALIA ISN'T THEIR PLACE OF ORIGIN.
The story behind the Australian Shepherd is almost mythical, but one thing is certain: they did not originate in Australia. It's widely believed that these dogs trace their origins to the Basque region in the Pyrenees Mountains. This small area, spanning only about 191 square miles, had limited work for its herders and their dogs. According to one version of the story, these herders arrived in the U.S. in the late 1800s. Some claim they made a stop in Australia, while others suggest the name refers to the connection between the breed and Basque shepherds who came from Australia. However, the Basque shepherds differ greatly from the Australian shepherds we know today.
2. IN REALITY, THEY'RE DEFINITELY AMERICAN.
Although their beginnings may be unclear, the breed was truly honed in the United States. Herders from across the globe brought their dogs to the West Coast, leading to much crossbreeding. Stockmen selectively bred these working dogs to be alert, intelligent, nimble, and versatile across various terrains, with little focus on appearance or standards. The Scotch collie, Border collie, and English shepherd are all thought to have contributed to the Australian shepherd’s lineage. Another possible contributor is the Australian koolie, a breed with strikingly similar traits, like a merle coat and vivid blue eyes.
3. THE RODEO TURNED THEM INTO CELEBRITIES.
Australian Shepherds saw a surge in popularity after World War I. As more people moved West, these energetic dogs found new roles beyond herding sheep. Highly intelligent and easily trainable, they quickly became stars in the rodeo. A particularly famous dog show was the Jay Sisler show, where he and his team of trained dogs appeared in the Disney films *Run, Appaloosa, Run* and *Stub: The Greatest Cowdog in the West*. Audiences nationwide were captivated by the talented dogs—Stubby, Shorty, and Queenie—as they performed impressive tricks like jumping rope, running through barrels, and more.
4. THEY'RE HARD TO MISS.
When people picture an Aussie, they often imagine their striking, crystal blue eyes. In fact, some Native American tribes referred to the breed as the *ghost eye dog*, due to their eerie, almost otherworldly gaze. These eyes were thought to be sacred and often avoided.
5. THEIR EYES CAN BE UNEVENLY COLORED.
Not all Australian Shepherds sport blue eyes. Their eyes can range from green, amber, hazel, or brown, and sometimes, they have two different-colored eyes. Occasionally, the dogs may even have *marbled eyes*, where each eye features a blend of two or more colors.
6. THE MAJORITY HAVE MERLE COATS.
Among the four officially recognized colors of Aussies, the blue merle stands out as the most iconic. Breeders once tried to eliminate the other color variations, but discovered that dogs with the double merle gene often experienced serious health issues, such as blindness. Nowadays, Aussies come in many different colors, though only black, red, red merle, and blue merle are recognized by the American Kennel Club.
7. THEY'RE OFTEN BORN WITHOUT TAILS.
When working hard, like during herding, long tails and ears can be a hindrance. To prevent injury, many workers would dock their dogs' ears and tails. The tail has even been somewhat bred out of this breed, with one in five Aussies born with a *naturally bobbed tail*. Show dogs are expected to have either docked or naturally bobbed tails.
8. THERE'S A WIDE RANGE OF TASKS THEY CAN DO.
Thanks to their strong working dog heritage, Aussies excel at a variety of tasks. In addition to herding and performing tricks, they are also highly skilled as *search and rescue dogs* and make excellent therapy dogs.
9. THEY MIGHT START HERDING YOUR KIDS.
Aussies are incredibly affectionate, but they thrive on activity. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, they may become bored and restless. Left unsupervised, their natural herding instincts might kick in, and they could end up herding anything around the house—even your children! (Be careful as they might corral them into a neat little group and push them into a corner.)
10. THEY'RE A FAN FAVORITE.
As reported by the *AKC*, this one-of-a-kind breed ranks as the 18th most popular in the United States. This places them ahead of breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
11. ONE BECAME A FRISBEE LEGEND.
In the 1970s, Australian Shepherd Hyper Hank and his owner Eldon McIntire became famous for their impressive Frisbee routine. This dynamic duo dominated competitions nationwide, performed at the pre-show for Super Bowl XII, and even had the opportunity to spend time with the Carters at the White House. True to his name, the energetic pup had plenty of vitality to show off.
