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...
That is what I mean when I say the standard is a mess.
Some are born with a tail, some without. Those born with a tail usually have it docked where that is allowed - talk to a breeder and they can certainly accommodate your desire for a “Australian” (that isn't really) with a tail!
Some have brown eyes, some have blue, and one blue and one brown is also fairly common.
Blue merle with black points, red merle with copper points, and just about any other color scheme is perfectly acceptable.
They are super great dogs, although some are “too smart”.
Naw, tailless dogs are sexy! Those little nubs wiggle 3x faster than the tail models and don't knock things over. In fact, the whole butt wiggles, even without a tail. The Aussies were refined in the American West, but some people think the line originated in the Basque region next to Spain. I have read everything I can on the subject and concluded that no one really knows for sure. Regarding coat conformity, if you want conformity, get a black Lab. Every Aussie is as unique as a snowflake. If you want brains, get an Aussie. They aren't meant for everyone, but they and herding dogs in general suit me fine.