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.
I always thought Australian Shepherds should have been renamed American Shepherds! Their standard is pretty general on colors/coat etc but it’s very specific for herding dog conformation. They definitely belong in the herding group. I’d have one by now if they had a tail...