These breed ancestors came from the Pyrenees Mountains in the area between what we know now as Spain and France. In the beginning they were called by other names like Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd. Regardless their confusing naming the breed gained popularity because of their natural herding ability, their easy-going personality, versatility and trainability.

Physical Traits

Standard Physical Characteristics

The “Aussie” another affectionate way to call this breedis a solid medium size dog. The deep chest meets a very well proportionate head compared to the body. The muzzle is either the same length or smaller than the back skull. The legs are very hairy and straight at the front ending up with oval like feet. The eyes are also oval shaped and can have different colors. The high sided ears are triangular with a rounded end and smooth short hair. Their coat consistency is from soft to medium. The volume of undercoat is directly linked to weather type. This breed is an average shedder. The tail can’t be longer than four inches, according to the AKC standards, but you can find dogs with a docked bobtail as well.

Care, Grooming and Health

Major concerns for this breed are cataracts and CEA. Other concerns can be nasal solar dermatitis, anemia, hip dysplasia, lumbar sacral syndrome, epilepsy, distichiasis and iris coloboma. Certain lines also have a very sensitive gene to some drugs so testing your dog is always important. Their genetics also carries a blind/deaf factor in Merle colored dogs.

Living Conditions

This dog isn’t for an apartment living. Needs always to be doing something and also get plenty of daily exercise like long walks. Need also lots of space to run or play. If it doesn’t get the required exercise the dog can become agitated and even can get destructive.

Temperament

Aussies are very outgoing. Their always alert herding instincts made them excellent watchdogs. They are very nice with humans, but aggressive when herding. They are very cautious with strangers and too energetic for some people. They are also fantastic with children due to their playful nature. They get easily bored when they are in small spaces, like apartments. They need space and also a strong pack leader. They are usually not aggressive but have the tendency to believe that can herd anything and in occasions will try even to herd people.They are very affectionate, protective, loyal and many times seem to almost read their owners’ minds. This dog is very smart, easy to train and enjoys any type of work from competing doing tricks to serve as a guide therapy dog or other complex tasks such as rescue and detection.