Australian Shepherd
The Origin Of The Australian Shepherd
Numerous popular stories revolves around the origin of the breed, namely the Australian Shepherd and how they arrived in America. As the western parts of this country were settled and the population of sheep and settlers in California grew, so did the need for sheepdogs. Some says it revolves around the immigration of Basque Shepherds from Australia to the U.S. The dogs that came over from Australia with the importation of sheep were nothing like today’s Australian Shepherd. While others say it coincides with the mass immigration of settlers to America associated with the California Gold Rush in 1849. Another theory is that it started with expedition’s way back from Columbus in 1493 and later Cortez in 1519, who took sheep and shepherds from Australia to South America. The Basque Shepherds in South America then took heed of the Gold Rush in 1849 in California in search of wealth, brought their dogs with.
Farmers, mostly settlers, in the western parts of America realized that the conditions there were quite the opposite of the type of conditions they were accustomed to in the eastern parts. Settlers soon found out that the western parts of America were very much unlike the eastern parts. Extreme hot and cold conditions were something that the immigrants and their dogs were not accustomed to. Settlers soon found out that the western parts of America were very much unlike the eastern parts. The western portions of the country were a lot harsher in terms of the heat, especially in the arid southern regions. It was much hotter than what the immigrants or their working dogs had known before. And in the northwestern areas, it was much colder than what they were accustomed to.
Consequently a need aroused for a dog that could thrive under these conditions – thunder storms , almost appalling heat and icy cold weather. There grew a great need for a dog that could thrive in these unique conditions — blinding storms, almost unbearable heat, and frigid cold. The Australian Shepherd was originally bred as a companion dog. A lot of breeding occurred during this time in order to produce the ideal ranch or farm dog. They needed a breed that could react instantly to the movements of the sheep, as well as their owner’s voice. Breeders during this time brought the “Aussie” to the fore. And so the Australian Shepherd that we know today was born. The uniqueness of the Australian Shepherd is that they could adapt to nearly all environments, from the Artic to the plains of Texas. These dogs are “natural” animals around livestock and once trained, can master almost any herding requirements. But the uniqueness of the Australian Shepherd is not really his style of work. It is the amazing relationship he chooses to have with his master throughout his life.
Currently many Australian Shepherds play the same role in California as they did many years ago. Today, many Australian Shepherds play the same role in the state of California as they did many generations ago. The Australian dog became the first Australian Shepherds Club of America ( ASCA ) breed champion as a companion dog. Secondly, they can still be found as working ranch or farm dogs. But now there are two types of Australian Shepherds. They can still be found as working ranch dogs. But now there are two types of Australian Shepherds. The majority however are bred for conformation shows, canine performance events or merely for pets. Like their forefathers of the Australian Shepherd in Australia they are still bred to make the livestock work at hand easier.This type of Aussie possesses an inherent grit and stock savvy to do its job. However, there are still Aussies that are specifically bred for working livestock. This type of Aussie possesses an inherent grit and stock savvy to do its job. They are loyal, responsible, highly intelligent, and active and do best in an agricultural environment, doing what they were bred for: herding livestock. It will tend to be more athletic, less heavily-built, and will carry less coat than a show-bred Aussie. They are not “hyper” dogs, but they are highly intelligent and active. They are loyal, responsible, and protective when necessary. This type of Aussie possesses an integral ability to do its job and is not recommended for most suburban pet homes as they require daily hard exercise and mental challenges. These Aussies are not recommended for most suburban pet homes, since they require both daily hard exercise and mental challenges.
The subsequent development of the Australian Shepherd has rested solely on its place in society. As family owned livestock operations have decreased in numbers, the popularity of the breed has not decreased. The tremendously popular breed has enjoyed speedy growth as they are extremely adaptive to such modern disciplines as obedience, agility, tracking, search-and-rescue, therapy dogs and companion animals. The original purpose and the origin of the Australian Shepherd remains rooted and tied to the development of the West.
The fact of the matter is that dogs coming with flocks of livestock from the Midwest and East were predominately of the collie type, often called shepherds, which came to America with settlers from Great Britain. The Rough Collie and the Border Collie, as they were developing in the 19th century, were constantly being imported to America because of the influence of conformation shows and sheepdog trials. A lot of confusion was created over the collie name because the American farmers and ranchers were still enthusiastically breeding their working dogs of the old collie/shepherd type.
The “English Shepherds” were the name used for the working dogs in the East and Midwest, and the equivalent working dogs in the West were called the “Australian Shepherd.” The old collie colors of tricolor, black-and-tan and black-and-white is shared by both English Shepherd and the Australian Shepherd, but the sable of the English Shepherd is not recognised by the Australian Shepherd standards these days.
Numerous names were given to working type dog locally, but ultimately as the breed developed the name “Australian Shepherd” is the one long standing. The Australian dogs made contributions to the stockdogs of the American West, hence the name.
The Australian Shepherd is thus an American breed which was developed over a very long period of time in the American West, with definite connections to the British Isles, Spanish/Basque and the name from Australia.
Dogs 101: Australian Shepherd
|
|
Australian Shepherd Dog Property Laws Fridge Magnet $5.99 Wonderful large 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch (9cms x 6.5 cms) rectangular fridge magnet featuring this adorable breed. The magnet is printed to a very high quality gloss finish on a sturdy metal casing. The back of the item features a very strong full size magnet. These items are professionally factory manufactured…. |
|
|
Australian Shepherd Cutting Board $29.95 Our beautiful, dog breed cutting boards will enhance any kitchen. They make great gifts, are made of tempered glass and measure 9″ x 12″. They are heat resistant, scratch resistant, virtually unbreakable, easily cleaned and dishwasher safe…. |
|
|
Australian Shepherd Dogs 3 3/4” tall Magnetic Salt and Pepper Shakers $10.99 This very cute Aussie Salt and Pepper Magnetic set is made of ceramic and held together with strong magnets. Fun addition to any collection and also make a great gift for someone special. Set measures approx 3.75 inches tall per each dog. Comes with a box…. |
|
|
Dog Rules Australian Shepherd Wall Decor Pet Saying Dog Saying $18.95 (All breeds available) This hilarious poem shows how control gradually shifts from humans to their pets. The 11×14 double mat has an extra opening for your favorite dog photo. The “Australian Shepherd Rules” is shown in hunter green over burgundy. Available in all colors…. |
|
|
Australian Shepherd / Aussie Wood Welcome Sign 5” x 10” $8.95 A perfect welcome sign to décor your home, and hang in any room to show the passion about this cute dog breed. Indoor only. Size: 5”x10” & Made in USA… |
|
|
Australian Shepherd (Love is being owned by) Door Sign 5”x10” $9.99 A perfect item to décor your home, and hang in any room to show the passion about this cute dog breed. Indoor only. Size: 5”x10” & Made in USA… |
|
|
The Sundowners $5.12 Robert Mitchum stars as the patriarch of a sheepherding family on the frontier of 1920s Australia who finds his desire to maintain a nomadic lifestyle putting a strain on his relationship with his wife and teenage son who want him to settle down and buy their own farm. Deborah Kerr, Peter Ustinov, Glynis Johns also star in director Fred Zinnemann’s lush drama, based on the novel by Jon Cleary. 133… |
|
|
A Cry in the Dark $8.97 An Australian woman stands trial for the murder of her child, which she claims was stolen by a dingo. Based on a true story.Genre: Feature Film-DramaRating: PG13Release Date: 3-FEB-2004Media Type: DVD… |
|
|
Stub: The Best Cowdog in the West $19.05 From the Wonderful World of Disney, for the first time on DVD. Journey to California’s picturesque Santa Inez Valley as a wild Brahma bull threatens the area’s prize cattle herds. The rancher’s best hopes for corraling the 1800-pound horned hooligan are three Australian “cow cutter” shaepherd dogs- Stub, Queen, and Shorty. Stub has more than just good cow sense. He keeps a few tricks “up his sleev… |
|
|
Oster 78005-010 Golden A5 Single-Speed Clippers $105.99 Oster Golden A5 Dog Hair Clippers When you’re looking for an economical, reliable dog clipper the Oster(R) Golden A5(R) Single Speed Clipper has been the industry standard for years. Single speed dog clippers wear out less frequently than 2 speed or variable dog clippers. The Oster(R) Golden A5(R) Clipper has an insulated face plate that keeps the blade surface cooler. These clippers handle everyt… |
Tags: aussie, australian, australian shepherd, australian shepherd breeders, australian shepherd puppies, australian shepherd puppies for sale, australian shepherd rescue, dog, dogs, shepherd
This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 at 12:39 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.