The “Australian” Shepherd is an American breed. The Australian Cattle dog is from Australia.
Thanks for the correction!
I guess like the “turkey” the “Australian” Shepherd got misnamed by mercantile association! Apparently some of the original members of the breed came over with a shipment of Australian sheep!
My point is that as a working breed they were selected for working, not appearance, and the “standard” reflects that in that it covers a wide range of appearances and conformity.