Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a breed of working dog that was developed in the Western United States in the 19th century from several different breeds. Despite its name, the breed, commonly known as an Aussie, did not in fact originate in Australia.Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive and usually needs a job to do. It often excels at dog sports such as frisbee and dog agility.
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Black Australian shepherd with white markings and copper points.
Photo: Ashbey Photography

Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 35-75 lbs.
Life Span: 12-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Herding Dogs 
Overview
Australian shepherds, although reserved with strangers, are loyal, affectionate, and playful dogs that are good with children if socialized with them early. Australian shepherds excel in herding, obedience, and agility trials.
Appearance
The Australian shepherd's outercoat is moderately coarse; the undercoat is soft and thick. Coat color is blue merle, red merle, black, or red, with or without white markings or tan (copper) points. The male has a more pronounced mane than the female.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Weekly brushing and combing are required, especially during spring shedding. The Australian shepherd must be kept busy with sheepdog trials, agility sports, and/or long runs.
Origins
Australian shepherds, bred for herding and guarding livestock, arrived in the United States by way of Australia in the 19th century, although they may have originated in Spain.
Special Alerts
Avoid breed lines of Australian shepherds that show shyness or sharpness. Breed-related health concerns: hip dysplasia, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly (a congenital eye defect that occasionally causes blindness), deafness, nasal solar dermatitis (a rare disorder in which the nonpigmented areas of the nose become inflamed and sometimes ulcerated).