“No man knows from where he came, but here he is and here he stays.” Basque were some of the earliest people to domesticate animals, and during the nineteenth century, they began to immigrate to Australia (a leading wool-producing continent where the sheep industry was booming) and to United States. Basque sheepherders also emigrated from Australia to the western United States as Australian wool grew in demand. The actual origin of the Australian Shepherd breed cannot be traced through records, because the Basques had no written language. However, because these dogs accompanied their Basque herders from Australia to the United States, the dogs came to be identified as Australian Shepherds - a name that is still in use today. Primarily, the Australian Shepherd was accepted as a dependable herding dog of superior intelligence and loyal family companion that would give his life to protect his master’s possessions. Aussies have become popular through their participation in livestock exhibits, fairs, rodeos, and horse and dog shows, where they perform tricks and dog shows, and put on herding and agility demonstrations. In 1957, a small group of fanciers started the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), and the National Stock Dog Registry became the official Aussie registry. In 1985, a few ASCA members petitioned ASCA to seek American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition. It was turned down by the fear that the Aussie would divide and have two types, working, and show. The United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA) was formed by a few people and they modified the ASCA standard and AKC adopted the Australian Shepherd in 1991. In 1993, the Aussie became eligible for full competition privileges and admitted into the AKC Herding Group (F.C.I. Standard No 342 dated 24/7/96, Group 1). There are only three Australian Shepherd dogs in Russia; they all belong to our kennel. > Meet our Australian Shepherds