Though named Australian Shepherd, and in being called the “Aussie”, there is nothing Australian about this breed of dog. The only possible reason behind the name can be the arrival of some Australian herd dogs in the U.S. and the gradual origin of this breed from them. Another opinion traces the origin of the Australian Shepherd back to the Pyrenees Mountains, which sits somewhere in between Spain and France. This is a rustic dog having a greatly balanced body, and is good almost in any work. Be it herding, acting as a watch dog, guide dog, disaster dog, therapy dog or even a detection dog, this breed can perform well.

Australian Shepherds are basically herd dogs that are very agile. They are medium sized dogs and give an impression of being quite powerful. They have ears that are triangular in shape, where the tip is a bit rounded. The ears are located high and sidewise on the head. According to the standards set by the American Kennel Club, the body of the Australian Shepherds should be a bit longer than the height of this breed. It has a deep but not broad chest, the lowest point of which almost reaches the elbow.

Australian Shepherds have double coats. The hair on the coat is generally of medium texture and is straight to slightly wavy sometimes. The coat of this breed is weather resistant and not very long or short. The undercoat quality in Australian Shepherd varies with climate. These dogs usually shed a lot. On the head, below the hocks, in front of the forelegs and outside the ears, this breed has short and smooth hair. However, the back of the forelegs are feathered in them. Moreover, Aussies have moderate amount of mane and frill, which is more prominent in the males of this breed rather than the females.

Australian Shepherds have natural bob or docked tail and the tail is generally straight. According to the American Kennel Club standards, the tail in this breed should not be more than four inches long. Aussies have straight forelegs, which are perpendicular to the ground. These dogs have oval feet with well arched and close knit toes. Generally, the rear declaws in this breed are always removed but it is not so with the front declaws. In Australian Shepherds, the muzzle should be either equal or a bit shorter than the size of the skull. The teeth in this breed should be forming a scissor or level bite.

Just like the coat color in Australian Shepherd, the eye color can vary as well. Eyes in Aussie can be of brown, blue, or amber color and there can be variations or combination of flecks and marbling. They can have different color coats as well. Coat colors can be of red, black, blue merle, or solid red, with or without white patches, tan or copper patches etc. Among this breed, the males are generally of 20 to 23 inches in height while the females usually measure between 18 and 21 inches. Australian Shepherds have a sweet nature and love to spend time with others. In fact, even when they have grown up, their puppy-like habits can remain, which many owners find to be adorable.