prompter: What breeds is an Idaho shag created from?

assistant: The precise origin of the dog breed Idaho Shag is not certain. However, they are likely the result of crosses between the Airedale, Border Collie and Australian Shepherd.

prompter: When did the Idaho shag first appear in the history?

assistant: The Idaho Shag breed originated in the eastern part of Idaho. However, there is no clear timeline for when they first appeared.

assistant: I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I must inform you that "Idaho shag" is not a term or concept that I'm familiar with. It's possible that you may be referring to a regional term or a specific topic that I don't have knowledge of. If you can provide more context or information about what you're referring to, I may be able to assist you better.

assistant: Idaho shag are crosses between Airedales, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, but their precise origins aren’t clear.

prompter: Why is there ambiguity surrounding the origin of Border Collies and Australian Shepherds?

assistant: There is some ambiguity surrounding the origin of Border Collies and Australian Shepherds because both breeds have a complex and somewhat convoluted history with multiple theories and disputed claims.

For Border Collies, there are conflicting accounts of their origins. Some sources suggest that the breed descended from the Old Hemp, a black and white sheepdog from the Scottish border region, while others propose that they are related to the Welsh Sheepdog or other breeds such as the English Shepherd or the Bearded Collie. Additionally, there are debates about whether the Border Collie is a distinct breed or a type of the Collie breed.

Similarly, the origin of Australian Shepherds is also a subject of debate. Despite their name, the breed is believed to have originated in the western United States, not in Australia. Some sources suggest that Australian Shepherds may have descended from dogs brought to America by Basque shepherds from the Pyrenees region of Spain, while others propose that they are a mix of several breeds, including the Border Collie, the English Shepherd, and the Australian Cattle Dog.

In both cases, the lack of a clear and documented history, combined with the fact that these breeds have been developed and bred for specific working purposes across different regions, has contributed to the ambiguity and controversy surrounding their origins.

assistant: There isn't ambiguity surrounding the origin of Border Collies and Australian Shepherds in general, but rather in the context of their role in the Idaho shag breed. The ambiguity lies in the fact that the development of the Idaho shag was not thoroughly documented, and different breeders might have used varying combinations of breeds when creating Idaho shags.

To provide some background on the two breeds mentioned:

Border Collies: The Border Collie breed originated on the border between England and Scotland, where they were developed as working dogs for herding livestock, particularly sheep. The breed is known for its intelligence, agility, and strong herding instincts. The origins of Border Collies can be traced back to the early 19th century, with a dog named Old Hemp considered the progenitor of the breed.

Australian Shepherds: Despite the name, Australian Shepherds were developed in the United States during the 19th century. They are also herding dogs, initially used by Basque shepherds who immigrated to the US from Australia. Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and versatility, making them suitable for various working roles as well as for companionship.

The Idaho shag's ancestry is not clearly documented because the breed's development was likely a product of informal breeding practices among ranchers who sought to create a dog with desirable herding and working traits. This has led to inconsistencies in the breed's history and ancestry, which can result in uncertainty about the specific role and contributions of Border Collies and Australian Shepherds in the creation of the Idaho shag.

assistant: You misunderstood me. The "unclear precise origin" part refers to the origin of the Idaho Shag, not of the border collies and Australian shepherds.

prompter: Could you elaborate on why the origins are not clear and how we still know that they are crosses between the mentioned races?

assistant: The Idaho shag is a rare breed of sheep that originated in the United States. It was developed by crossbreeding Rambouillet and Merino sheep, and is known for its soft, fine wool that is highly prized for spinning and weaving. The breed is also known for its hardiness and adaptability, and is well-suited to the harsh climates of the western United States. The Idaho shag is a medium-sized sheep, with ewes weighing around 75-90 pounds and rams weighing around 100-120 pounds. The breed is also known for its docile temperament, which makes it easy to handle and care for.