Neo Close up

[AFGPhotography]

This is a shot of my Australian Shepherd Neo. Yes - there is a 'Matrix' reference there... ;)

Thanks for looking. :)

AFG

[witchy]

What a gorgeous looking dog!..Very nice photo..I have never heard of these before. It doesn't look like what we call a shepherd, it looks a bit like what we call a Collie, so I googled the breed. Seems to be a fairly new breed here in Australia, (not what you would expect being called an Austalian Shepherd)and didn't become a registered breed until 1993...Love the name Neo too!

Here is some history I googled!
History
The origin of the Australian Shepherd is uncertain although it is incorrectly claimed to have been bred from working dogs brought to Australia by Basque Shepherds in the late 1800s. It is also claimed to be bred from German Coolies in Australia. When Australian sheep were exported to North America in the early 20th century Basque shepherds and their dogs are said to have gone with them. 'Aussies' have been a popular dog in the US for agility and obedience enthusiasts for many years, but the breed is really misnamed: there is no evidence to support the suggestion that the dogs originated in Australia and plenty of evidence to prove that the Basques did not accompany any sheep from Australia. The breed was introduced to Australia in 1990 and was recognised as a breed in 1993.

[AFGPhotography]

Thank you, witchy!! :)

Yes - they are mis-named as a breed according to the scant history that is available. They are a wonderful breed, I wouldn't have any other.

As a kid we called them collies as well... in this case a blue merle collie.

Here's a shot that better shows the breed standard.

Thanks!
AFG

[PhotosGuy]

Nice shot!

[witchy]

He certainly looks a lot like our Collies in that last pic..The blue merle is a stunning colour, not often seen over here!