The Australian Shepherd or the Aussie, is a breed that comes with many names and frequently misrepresented.
Despite its misleading name, the Aussie is believed to have been bred in the Pyrenees Mountains somewhere between Spain and France.
The Australian Shepherd has been called the Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, Blue Heeler, New Mexican Shepherd and California Shepherd. However, Australian Shepherd enthusiasts who professed to the breed's origins believed that sheep imported from Australia was reason for why the name, Australian Shepherd, came to being.
Today, the Aussie is so much more than what its name suggests but appreciated and valued by its high intelligence and versatility. They love their job and feels right at home when tasked at herding livestock or an all-purpose farm and ranch dog on the field.
The Aussie's strong herding and guarding instinct requires daily vigorous exercise. Their thick coats can be black, blue or red merle and red with or without white markings. Their thick coats require weekly brushing.