The Australian Shepherd, believe it or not, is actually not from Australia as his name would have you think.  His ancestors arrived in the United States via Australia.  The ancestors of the Aussie were from the Basque region of Spain.  When  Basque sheepherders migrated to Australia, they brought dogs and sheep with them.  In the early 1900's, sheepmen in the United States had the sheep brought over from Australia.

This is when the Aussie, or "little blue dogs" began being noticed.   They were the ultimate farm and ranch dog.  The Aussie accompanied their owners to rodeos where it's smarts and good looks put them in the public eye.

From The Australian Shepherd Breed Standard:

The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced dog of medium size and bone.  He is attentive and animated, showing strength and stamina, combined with unusual agility.  Slightly longer than tall, he has a coat of moderate length and coarsness with coloring that offers variety and individuality in each specimen.  An identifying characteristic is his natural or docked bobtail.  His gait smooth, free and easy, showing agility and efficiency of movement in a balanced ground-covering stride.  Males range in height from 20-23 inches and females 18-21 inches.  Animals can weigh from 35 to 70 pounds.  Generally the Aussie is a healthy breed of dog, with a life expectancy of 12-14 years.  As with all breeds of dogs there are specific health issues that should be researched, such as Hip Dysplasia and eye problems.

The recognized colors are black, red, blue merle, red merle. All varieties may be with or without white and/or copper trim.  The red dogs have liver pigment; blue or black dogs have black pigment.

For more information on the Australian Shepherd and to see if he is the right breed for you please plan on viewing the following informational material.

Books:

All About Aussies, Jeanne Joy Hartnagle
Australian Shepherds, Joseph Hartnagle

Videos:

AKC Video Series - Australian Shepherd

Websites:
www.asca.org