Australian Shepherd

Despite its name, the breed may not originate from Australia but from the Basque Country. However, it developed in the United States and North America. The Asturians and Basques, a pastoral people, had dogs resembling the Australian Shepherd for hundreds of years. Basques emigrated to other regions seeking employment and are said to have brought their dogs with them. Some went to Australia, a country known for its sheep farming and wool production, then later to the United States. American farmers then developed this breed, quickly appreciated for its agility, versatility and learning abilities. Because this dog arrived from Australia, they named it Australian Shepherd Dog (or Australian Shepherd), often abbreviated as Aussie as it is nicknamed today. The breed returned to France in the 1980s and the Société Centrale Canine recognized its provisional standard in 1996 and officially in 2007. In 2007, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) registered the breed under the name Australian Shepherd ("Aussie"). Its standard was attributed to the United States with a modification concerning the tail for European standards. It is still used in the United States for herding livestock, particularly sheep. In France, the breed developed and in 2000 over 1,700 individuals were recorded.

The Australian Shepherd is described as a lively dog, very suitable for athletic owners, and recognized for its speed. These qualities make it very well adapted for herding livestock (cattle, sheep, etc.) or for sporting disciplines such as canicross or agility, as well as for search and rescue or rubble excavation. It is also a sociable and affectionate animal that readily tolerates its peers and adapts well to family life with children. Dogs of this breed are also intelligent. Thanks to its intelligence, the Australian Shepherd appears in many rankings. The Australian Shepherd is thus the preferred dog breed of the French for several years (notably from 2018 to 2023). The Australian Shepherd is a very affectionate dog, sometimes to the point of becoming intrusive, and it does not tolerate isolation well. It is not a suitable companion for sedentary people, as it requires an active lifestyle to fully thrive. Living confined or simply taking walks in a large garden is not enough to meet its needs. It greatly prefers to accompany its owner in intense physical activities, such as trail running, cross-country skiing, mountain biking or horse riding. This dog is particularly well-suited to demanding athletic programs, potentially including several tens of kilometers per week. Very sensitive and close to its owners, the Australian Shepherd requires almost constant mental stimulation. It needs the company of its loved ones to be fulfilled and gets bored quickly if it has nothing to do, particularly when it finds itself alone.

The height is 50 to 60 cm for the male, 45 to 55 for the female. Weight varies from 20 to 35 kg. The ears are of medium proportion and triangular shape. They are pendant and attached high on the head.