History
While there are many theories about the origins of the Australian Shepherd, the breed as we know it today was developed in the United States. It emerged in California in the 19th century as a herding dog for Californian shepherds. The Australian Shepherd got its name due to its association with Basque shepherds who arrived in the U.S. from Australia. The breed quickly gained popularity with the rise of Western-style horseback riding after World War II, becoming widely recognized through rodeos, horse shows, movies, and television.

Their high learning ability, discipline, work drive, and focus made them valuable on American farms. Americans continued to develop the breed, preserving its loyalty, intelligence, strong herding instinct, and appealing appearance. Various registries began to recognize the breed in the early 1950s.

In 1990, the Australian Shepherd Club of America was established as the breed’s parent club, representing it to the American Kennel Club (AKC). On September 1, 1991, the AKC officially recognized the Australian Shepherd, and on January 1, 1993, it was included in the Herding Group.

Breed Group: Herding Dog
Average Height: 46-58 cm (18-23 inches)
Average Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Lifespan: 11-13 years

(Males are typically larger than females)

colors

Characteristics
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, intelligent dog with strong herding and guarding instincts. They are also amazing companions, loyal, and great family dogs. They love to be part of everything and are a breed that just wants to be with their owner.

As working dogs, they diligently perform their tasks, whether it's herding livestock or guarding against predators and intruders. This breed is among the most intelligent and can be easily trained. They are family-friendly, loyal, and eager to please. Unlike some other herding breeds, they are not obsessive, so after expending energy, they can relax calmly next to their owners at home while watching television. However, it's important to remember that this breed requires regular physical and mental exercise, as well as a lot of attention from their owners.

Due to their quick learning ability and being an amazing family dog, energetic, sensitive, and attentive, this breed has become very popular in dog dancing, trick shows, agility competitions, and as a leading breed in therapy dog work.

In terms of appearance, the breed can come in several color patterns, with varying eye colors, including two eyes that are different colors. Additionally, this breed can be born with different tail variations, including no tail at all (NBT), a bobbed tail, or a full tail. In some countries, it is customary to dock the tails of puppies born with them, but in Israel, we do not do this, and their tail length is approved by the Israel Kennel Club in all its forms.

In Israel, there are four common color patterns:

Black tricolor:
characterized by a coat with three colors—black, white, and copper (brown).

Red Tricolor
Characterized by a coat with three colors: red (a rich brown), white, and copper (tan).

Blue Merle

Characterized by mottled fur such as grayish and black marble, cooper (brown) with mostly white on the legs, neck and center of the face

Red Merle

Characterized by mottled fur such as marble, cream beige, cooper (brown) with mostly white on the legs, neck and center of the face

Additional colors in the breed:

Bicolor Red Marl

Red and Tan (red and copper)

Bicolor Blue Marl

Black and Tan (Black and Cooper)

Red bicolor

Salaf Red

Black bicolor

Salaf Black

I am exclusively dedicated to documented purebred dog breeding. All my dogs undergo genetic testing and profiling, participate in shows, and have approved breeding certifications. I am committed to developing and promoting these wonderful breeds under the strict guidelines of the Israel Kennel Club. Every puppy that leaves my care does so with vaccinations, a microchip, a veterinary check, breed club inspection, and, of course, an official certificate from the Israel Kennel Club. I strongly oppose unregulated, unauthorized breeding, which lacks proper oversight and control.