Country/Date of Origin: United States/1800s
In spite of its name, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia. It was "made in the USA" from stock that immigrating Basque sheepherders brought with them. First and foremost this is a working animal and indeed the majority of Australian Shepherds are worked with stock today. The breed became stabilized in the early 20th century and was recognized first by the Canadian and Mexican Kennel Clubs and finally by the American Kennel Club in 1993.