LEARN
History and standard
Where did the breed develop, and what does the standard describe?
30 SECONDS · In a nutshell
The breed developed in the United States. The FCI places it in Group 1, under standard 342. Its name reflects a history of migration and livestock work.
FROM WORK TO THE STANDARD
A history in three stages
Development in the United States
Selection for livestock work
Popularity after the war
Rodeos, exhibitions, film and television
FCI recognition · 2007
Group 1 · Standard 342
3 MINUTES · The essentials
Origin and history
Developed in America, Australian by name
The breed as we know it developed in the United States. The FCI historical summary links its name to Basque shepherds and dogs arriving from Australia in the nineteenth century, while acknowledging different theories about its ancestry. Rodeos and horse shows helped increase its popularity after the Second World War.
FCI · standard No. 342, historical summary · FCI · origin, classification and recognition
Livestock work
It was selected for versatility, stamina, trainability and the ability to handle different kinds of livestock.
Public popularity
Rodeos, equestrian exhibitions, film and television introduced the breed to a wider American audience.
FCI recognition
The FCI has definitively recognised the breed since 2007 in Group 1, Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs.
Reading the standard
The standard describes proportions, movement, coat and temperament. Its heights are preferred ranges; a measurement or colour alone is not enough to assess a dog.
Consult FCI standard 342 →EXPERT · Explore further when you need to
Consult sources and standards →From the guide to your Lunamar records
The library explains breed and health concepts. The private platform organises dogs and kennels, preserves evidence, explores pedigrees and records reproduction. Reading a guide does not create records, grant access or confirm a result.
Select the correct kennel and dog, check identity and preserve the source. Review proposed data before accepting it. Available actions depend on permissions, enabled modules and the service scope; publication requires separate authorisation.
For an individual dog, discuss tests and family history with the veterinarian. The system does not diagnose or decide treatment, ovulation or insemination timing. Missing data must remain identified as pending information.
Open the private platform user guides
Application to Lunamar features reviewed on 22 October 2026. Each reading retains the scope of its clinical sources and review dates.