TJ's Aussies

Written by the founder of TJ's Aussies,  Marilyn Evans

 

 

 

 

There is no written history of how the Aussie was developed. One can only follow the time lines of history of when the dogs were introduced to America.  The only certain fact is this devoted dog was ordinarily bred in the USA to suit our forefathers of what they required for frontier companions, as they drove their cattle and sheep over this great nation to build their settlements.

 

We must remember in yesteryear's,  a good working dog was not required to be purebred.  Their only requirement was to be hardy, tough, devoted and willing to give their lives if needed while performing their task of protecting their family and flock.  So much of their history comes from word of mouth and passed in families.  Early pictures show a likeness to what we call an Aussie today can be found dating to 1893.

 

There are also legends of these wonderful dogs.  One is said to be the American Indian called the blue eyed merle a Spirit Dog.  They held them in such high regards they allowed the settlers owning an aussies to go unharmed in anyway.  The second one I came across is said they swam ashore after the lost city Atlantis sank. Regardless on how these dogs came into the USA or what breed of the dog were used to develop them into the breed we know today, in my humble opinion there is no other dog as versatile as the Aussies.

 

Jay Sisler introduced the Aussie to the general public while performing at the rodeo's with his dog named Sisler Stub during the 1950's.  They amazed the crowd with their tricks and agility.  Which in turn led to an interst of the more common family to acquire ownership.  Leading to the Australian Shepherd club in 1957. Since then many registries have kept track of the great bloodlines of magnificent herders and recognized their value to the farmer, cattleman and shepherds.

 A few of the registries are N.S.D.A., A.K.A., I.E.S.R., A.S.S.A.N.C., M.S.S.C..  AKC was one of the last to recognize this outstanding dog.  This actually causes much conflict for many breeders and the other clubs.  As they were against AKC including this breed in their books.  We wanted our four legged friends to be true to their purpose of herding, bred to be sound of mind and body. Owned for what they were intended, not for what a conformation show would make them.  To this day you will still find many breeders that stay  with herding group clubs and refuse to paper their dogs with AKC. Yet no matter what club your dogs papers are from that is all they are, paper.  They are not worth anymore than the ink and paper that was used to make them.  What is worth the most is the breeders word you choose to buy from.

 

Let me end this little bit of history and personal opinion to sum up the most desired Aussies traits.  The character of the Aussie is to be intelligent, strong herding instincts.  To be versatile, easily trained, reserved with strangers but not overly shy. They must be an aggressive worker that show authority over their assigned job.  Yet should never be vicious toward people or other animals that show no threat. These traits should be found in standard, Miniature and toys.

 

 

 

 

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