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Breed History
Certain
early ancestors of today’s Australian Shepherd may have
migrated with Basque shepherds from continental Europe
directly to North America. The blue merle color phase is
still present in the modern Berger des Pyréneés. The breed
may have acquired its name via Australia where the Basques
are known to have accumulated larger flocks of sheep. By
whatever path, Aussies had arrived in the United States by
the late 19th century where the dogs’ qualities became
recognized by local ranchers, who used the dogs to work
cattle, sheep and other livestock.
Working ability was the paramount consideration during the
early years, rather than any particular conformation but a
distinct breed of moderate coat and size, superb herding
instinct and often of unusual blue merle coloring emerged,
still bearing a marked resemblance to Pyrenean ancestors,
although undoubtedly influenced by various British and
American working breeds, such as the Scotch Collie, Border
Collie and English Shepherd. The "little blue dogs" were
soon highly esteemed on ranches and farms throughout western
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Jay Sisler popularized the Aussie with the American public
through his trick dog acts performed at rodeos throughout
the United States during the 1950’s and 1960’s. His dogs
also appeared in movies and several figure prominently in
the pedigrees of the modern Australian Shepherd.
The Aussie is a relative newcomer to purebred registries,
only being formally recorded since 1957. The first
organization to register the Australian Shepherd was the
National Stock Dog Registry (AKA International English
Shepherd Registry). The Australian Shepherd Club of America
(ASCA) established recording services in 1971, taking over a
majority of Aussie registrations. ASCA adopted a unified
breed standard in 1977.
Characteristics
They come in a variety of coat and eye colors. The Blue
Merle has patches and patterns of black on a background
varying from slate gray to powder blue. The Red Merle has
patches and patterns of red on a cream colored background.
The Black has a solid black body.
They may have white trim, in which case they would be a
Black Bi, or black, copper and white, which would be a Black
Tri. The Reds vary in intensity from a deep mahogany to a
brownish-red color. As with the Blacks, a Red and white is
known as a Red Bi; add copper points and the dog is a Red
Tri.
Their eyes may be blue, brown, amber, or one blue, one
brown, flecked or marbled. Tails are sometimes natural bobs,
longer ones are docked.
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They are sensitive, easily trained, excellent natural
guardians of the home and they possess varing degrees of
herding instincts. They are calm and confident, usually
suspicious of strangers. They are entirely devoted to their
masters and will go to great lengths to please them. Their
unique size makes them perfectly suited to our growing urbon
lifestyle, as well as making excellent traveling companions.
With their many attributes you will find this amazingly
versatile and affectionate companion great with children.
They are a devoted friend and guardian, for they are
naturally protective. They are eager to please and seem to
have a sixth sense about what the owner wants.
Their coat is easy to groom and needs little attention.
Brush occasionally with a firm bristle brush and bathe only
when necessary. They are an average shedder.
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IMPORTANT HEALTH INFO
All
breeds of dogs have genetic health issues associated with
their breed. When choosing a puppy it's important to buy
from a breeder that tests their breeding dogs. These puppies
will be more expensive, but they'll be less likely to have
genetic health problems. We want you to be aware of issues
that can affect the Mini Aussies, so please visit the
websites below for more information.
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Find your tests here:
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/39/
Place your order at
https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/ or call them
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm pst at 509-483-5950.
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