There are several theories about the origin of the Australian Shepherd,
but this one is the most common.]
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd as we know it today was
developed completely within the United States. In the late 1800's
and early 1900's the forerunners of today's "Aussies"
came to the western and north-western states as stockdogs for the
Basque shepherds that accompanied the vast numbers of sheep then
being imported from Australia. These hard-working, medium-sized,
"little blue dogs" impressed the American ranchers and
farmers, who began using them as well. Breeding was done for working
ability rather than appearance, and occasionally dogs of other herding
breeds were bred into the lines. However, today's Aussie still resembles
the dogs that came from Europe via Australia, and great numbers
of Aussies are still working stock on ranches and farms in the United
States and beyond.
During the 1960’s, a Californian Australian
Shepherd enthusiast acquired several small working Aussies from
the rodeo circuit. Intrigued by their compact size, she worked with
a veterinarian to develop a breeding program in order to preserve
the trait, which quickly resulted in litters producing both dogs
only 13 to 14 inches tall as well as larger Australian Shepherds.
The smaller dogs eventually became known as "miniature"
Australian Shepherds.
The mini Aussie soon attracted the attention of experienced Australian
Shepherd breeders and eager newcomers. Lines were researched and
educated breeding to full-size Aussies was and is strongly encouraged
to diversify the gene pool and improve conformation and type of
the mini Aussies. Herding instinct, intelligence and drive were
preserved and many mini Aussies continue to work a variety of livestock
today.
Size:
Size--The preferred height is 14 to 18 inches with a corresponding
weight of approximately 20 to 40 pounds Quality is not to be sacrificed
in favor of size. Proportion--Measuring from the breastbone to rear
of thigh and from top of the withers to the ground the Australian
Shepherd is slightly longer than tall. Substance--Solidly built
with moderate bone. Structure in the male reflects masculinity without
coarseness. Bitches appear feminine without being slight of bone
Coat
Hair is of medium texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant and
of medium length. The undercoat varies in quantity with variations
in climate. Hair is short and smooth on the head, ears, front of
forelegs and below the hocks. Backs of forelegs and britches are
moderately feathered. There is a moderate mane and frill, more pronounced
in dogs than in bitches. Non-typical coats are severe faults.
Color
Blue merle, black, red merle, red-all with or without white markings
and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preference. The hairline
of a white collar does not exceed the point of the withers at the
skin. White is acceptable on the neck (either in part or as a full
collar), chest, legs, muzzle underparts, blaze on head and white
extension from underpart up to four inches, measuring from a horizontal
line at the elbow. White on the head should not predominate, and
the eyes must be fully surrounded by color and pigment. Merles characteristically
become darker with increasing age. Disqualifications White body
splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on
sides between elbows and back of hindquarters in all colors
