The Aussie got that part of its name because is was originally bred from Blue Heeler-type dogs that came to the USA from Australia. Blue Heelers are an Australian Cattle Dog. These Blue Heeler-type dogs accompanied masses of sheep which were imported from Australia to the western & northwestern USA in the late 1800s & early 1900s. They called them 'little blue dogs'.
The ranchers recognized these dogs great working ability & selectively bred from them & introduced other working breeds into the line. And so they developed the beautiful & clever Australian Shepherd working dog.
There's a book about the breed by Jeanne-Joy Hartnagle. It's called 'All About Aussies: The Australian Shepherd A-Z'.
Websites with info are http://www.asca.org (Gen. info) http://www.australianshepherds.org (US Aussie Association home page)

[ July 17, 2001: Message edited by: Angels3 ]