Did The Aussie Dog Originate in Australia?

It is always good to know little tidbits of information about our favorite furry friends?past. For example, Shih Tzu owners may find it fascinating that these dogs originated from China where they were considerably favored by royalty. Most ancient Chinese emperors were even pictured with these dogs on their laps. The long hair of Shih Tzus were said to help keep people warm in the past. With that said, you would think that Aussie dog抯 history would be pretty easy to map. But the truth is, this breed抯 name has been misleading people for years.

Australian Shepherds are actually good 憃l American dogs!

Contrary to popular belief, the Aussie dog, also known as the Australian Shepherd did not originate from Australia. Aussie dogs are actually American bred. The only reason they acquired the name was due to association with a breed of Basque sheepherders that came to the United States from Australia. During the late 1800s, settlers from across Europe, Latin America, and Australia migrated to the United States. A lot of them were shepherds who brought with them their sheep and herding dogs.

Due to the influx of these settlers, American stockmen began breeding more herding dogs of their own. Thus, the birth of the Australian shepherd breeds. A more apt description for this breed would have been American shepherds but since they were mixed in with the more dominant group of Basque sheepherders from Australia, they started being recognized as Aussie dogs. Since then, the name has stuck.

A quick look at the Aussie dog History Timeline

It is because of this perplexing history that it took a while before the Aussie dog was declared an official breed.

1957 - The Australian Shepherd Club of America, also known as ASCA was established. At that time, the National Stock Dog Registry was responsible for dog breed registry.

1970s - The ASCA took over for National Dog Registry in keeping track of the different dog breeds in America.

1993 - The American Kennel Club recognized the breed as well but around this time, the United States Australian Shepherd Association or USASA was also formed. This was when the Australian Shepherd was officially declared a breed.

Aussie dogs were purposely bred in the past to be great workers. Today, they are appreciated more as loving pets and companions. Aussie dogs are extremely intelligent and versatile dogs. Hopefully this short history lesson on the Aussie dog strengthens the bond between you and your favorite furry friend.