United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA)
United States Australian Shepherd Association (USASA)
Member of the American Kennel Club
The United States Australian Shepherd Association was established in 1990 as the parent club of the Australian Shepherd for the American Kennel Club. On September 1, 1991, the AKC recognized the Australian Shepherd breed and on January 1, 1993, accepted them into the Herding Group.
As parent club to the breed, USASA represents Australian Shepherd breeders and owners across America and around the world. We are dedicated to promoting, preserving, and protecting our dogs and their owners. USASA encourages and promotes responsible breeding and ownership. The Club supports education and education events, and conducts AKC sanctioned competitive events including conformation, herding, obedience, rally, agility, and tracking. USASA and the USASFoundation support and fund scientific research to improve the health of the breed.
This web site provides information about USASA, its programs and events, as well as links to other online resources.
Legend has it that the original Aussies came to the west coast with Basque Shepherds, following the sheep/wool industry from their country to Australia, and then on to the U.S. Another history is that the Aussie is a mix of various collie breeds that accompanied European settlers as they migrated westward. In any event, the Australian Shepherd is very much an American breed, developed on western ranches and farms. The only examples of the breed found in Australia are those descended from American parentage.