Adorable Video Shows Australian Shepherd Pups Being Herded By Sheep

Australian Shepherds are known for their smarts, gorgeous looks, and natural herding instinct. And this article features a video that shows some Aussie puppies displaying that instinct. However, a recent video that has gone viral on TikTok showcases a different side of Aussies. Captioned "When the herders become the herded," the video shows a group of Aussie puppies being adorably chased by a herd of sheep. It is a hilarious sight to see these cute natural-born herders running away from the livestock they are supposed to herd.

It goes without saying that, despite their natural herding instincts, these Aussie pups have a lot to learn before they are ready to herd. As they are still young, maybe it is just a matter of age and experience. The comment section of the video is full of both hilarious and heartwarming comments. "This is the cutest TikTok ever," one user wrote. Another user hilariously commented, "The sheep were just showing the puppies how to herd properly."

@aussiesdoingthings When the herders become the herded (IG changalaaussies) #dogsoftiktok #foryoupage ♬ death bed (coffee for your head) - Powfu & beabadoobee

Watching the video, one can't help but smile at the sight of these cute puppies running from their original purpose. Originally used solely as a herding dog, the Aussie has evolved into one of the most popular companion dog breeds in the United States.

The breed as it is known today, was created in California in the 19th century from herding dogs imported to the state, alongside sheep, from Australia and New Zealand. There is some speculation that Australian Shepherds' ancestors included the Carea Leonés, the Pyrenean Sheepdog, and the Basque Shepherd Dog.

Until the mid-20th century, the Aussie was extremely popular with American ranchers who valued the breed's ability to handle cattle and other livestock. The breed was virtually unknown outside of the livestock industry until then. Aussies' appearance at rodeos in the mid-20th century across the western states propelled the breed to national stardom.

From then on, the breed has become an extremely popular companion dog and has been seen in dog shows. The Aussie was ranked in 2019 as the 15th most popular dog breed in the United States and as the 12th in 2023 by the AKC.

As the livestock industry dwindles, the modern breed is, for the most part, bred for pets. Despite this, many Australian Shepherds retain a strong herding instinct. Therefore, it is common for pet dogs of the breed, unlike the puppies in the above video, to try to herd children or other pets.