The first Australian Shepherd to be formally recorded was in 1957 by the National Stock Dog Registry (AKA International English Shepherd Registry).  The Australian Shepherd Club of America started recording Aussies in 1971 and had the majority of Aussie registrations.

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, medium sized dog of strong herding and guarding instincts.  They are a loyal companion and a great family dog.  Aussies are easy to train, easy to housebreak and eager to please.

Australian Shepherds have been used as seeing-eye dogs, as utility dogs to the physically handicapped, hearing aid dogs, police and narcotics dogs and search and rescue dogs.  Many go as volunteers to children's homes and nursing homes to do therapy work.  Truly, the Australian Shepherd is a highly versatile dog.

The Aussie is a very active dog that needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis to prevent him from becoming bored or frustrated and developing destructive habits.  Because of their high energy level, combined with high intelligence, Aussies need to be given a "job" to perform, be it protecting the house, herding livestock or competing in dog events. 

 The Australian Shepherd comes in four acceptable colors:  black, blue merle (a marbling of gray and black), red (ranging from light cinnamon to liver) and red merle (a marbling of red and silver or buff).  A variety of white and tan markings may appear on the face, chest, front and rear legs.  The outer coat is of moderate length, with a texture that is straight to wavy and weather resistant.  The undercoat is soft and dense and the amount varies with climate.  Tails are naturally bobbed or docked.  Ears are moderately sized and break forward and over or to the side as rose ears.  Males weigh approximately 50 to 65 pounds, measuring from 20 to 23 inches and females weigh about 40 to 55 pounds, measuring from 18 to 21 inches.  The eyes of the Australian Shepherd are perhaps one of the most commented on features because of the variety of colors.  They may be any color or combination of colors from glassy blue, amber, hazel, to all shades of brown. 

 There are lots of activities and games that you can do with your aussie.  Some of the more popular ones are agility, conformation, flyball, frisbee, herding, obedience and therapy work.