Are Australian Shepherds actually from Australia?

Not really. Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd as we know it was developed in the western United States. Dogs associated with imported sheep and shepherding traditions from Europe and Australia helped shape the breed, and the Australian name simply stuck.

Why do Australian Shepherds sometimes have two different-coloured eyes?

Aussies are one of the breeds in which heterochromia — eyes of different colours — occurs relatively often. A dog might have one blue eye and one brown eye, or even more than one colour within the same eye, adding to the breed’s wonderfully individual appearance.

What is a merle Australian Shepherd?

Merle is the mottled coat pattern seen in many Aussies, creating irregular areas of lighter and darker colour. Blue merle and red merle are particularly distinctive, while other Australian Shepherds may be black or red with white and copper markings.

Are some Australian Shepherds born with short tails?

Yes. Some Aussies are naturally born with bobbed tails. Historically, the trait suited active working dogs moving among livestock and helped produce one of the breed’s familiar ranch-dog silhouettes.

Who was Hyper Hank, the famous Australian Shepherd?

Hyper Hank became a flying-disc star in the 1970s with his owner Eldon McIntire. The Australian Shepherd performed at the Super Bowl and even played Frisbee with the Carter family at the White House — an appropriately energetic route to canine fame.

Our Australian Shepherd gifts and homeware celebrate those distinctive coats, bright eyes and irrepressible working-dog character. Explore more breeds in our Dog Gifts by Breed collection.