His name suggests that his origins are Australian but in fact this is an American breed and, until recently, was unknown in Australia.

It appears likely that many breeds played a part in the make-up of the Australian Shepherd, among them Border Collies imported from Australia around the turn of the last century.

The Aussie resembles the Border Collie with a docked tail. It is a medium sized dog and they come in a variety of colours - blue merle, red merle, solid black, tri-colour, solid red, with or without white markings.

The Aussie is primarily a working dog with strong herding and guarding instincts, very intelligent, very agile and very active. These virtues in a working dog can be a drawback to his suitability as a suburban pet. Few typically suburban households can provide this breed with the exercise and mental stimulation it needs. In a suitable home the Aussie is an exceptional companion, gentle, loyal and devoted, but reserved with strangers.