Australian Shepherd

Strong, self-assured, and highly intelligent, the Australian Shepherd represents the essence of the American West, where they gained fame in the United States. These dogs are robust and full of energy, designed to work as herders throughout the day on tough landscapes. They are quick and can shift their movement instantly, moving with grace. The Australian Shepherd has a vibrant coat that can withstand different weather conditions and does shed. It's common to find Aussies with eyes of two different colors, a distinctive trait of this breed.

Quick Info

Size

Medium

Colours

Black, blue merle, red merle and red, with or without tan points

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Height

18 to 23 inches

Type

Herding

Hypoallergenic

Weight

40 to 65 pounds

Family

Herding

Personality

The Australian Shepherd embodies the hardworking nature of the American West, where they first gained popularity. These dogs were initially developed for herding and driving livestock. While they can be wary of unfamiliar people, they are incredibly loyal to their families. If introduced to other pets and kids at a young age, they usually get along well with them. Aussies thrive when they have tasks to complete, particularly on farms.

History

The term "Australian Shepherd" can be misleading because these dogs didn't actually come from Australia; instead, they arrived in the U.S. from that region. There are a few ideas about where these dogs started. One popular theory suggests that the Basque people brought their sheepdogs to Australia in the 1800s. When they moved to America, they took their dogs along, and that's when American farmers and shepherds named them.

Ideal Owner

If you enjoy being active, have lots of energy, like to train, and are okay with some dog hair, the Australian Shepherd might be the right choice for you. It’s even more ideal if you have a farm where they can help with herding!

Exercise Needs

The Australian Shepherd is a very energetic dog that requires plenty of exercise and mental challenges to stay content and worn out. They often enjoy training and pick up new skills with ease and speed.

Space Requirements

The Australian Shepherd requires a secure yard or opportunities for different walks to keep their senses and brains engaged. They enjoy running freely and learning new things, so having enough room for both activities is ideal. They thrive in suburban areas or rural settings.

Training

The Australian Shepherd is very easy to train, loves to learn, and picks up new skills quickly. They thrive on positive reinforcement, which helps them reach their full potential—both good and bad habits. It's crucial to socialize Australian Shepherds and their puppies early on. Teaching them recall, how to walk on a leash, and commands like “settle” or “quiet” is also essential.

Grooming

The Australian Shepherd has a coat that is medium in length and can withstand different weather conditions. You’ll notice some feathering on the legs and around the face, which is usually more pronounced in male dogs. To keep their coat in good shape and free of knots, it’s best to brush them several times a week, and you may need to do it more often when they shed. These dogs enjoy playing in water and mud, so you might find yourself grooming them quite often.

Suitability for Family Life

Kids who are a bit older and enjoy exercise and outdoor activities will have a great time with an Australian Shepherd. However, younger kids may not be the best match for this breed since they have a natural instinct to herd, which could involve chasing after little ones.

Did You know?

Many famous people love Australian Shepherds, including Susan Sarandon, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Steven Spielberg, who have all had one or more of these dogs. Originally, the Australian Shepherd was a rodeo dog known for herding bulls and showing off tricks. Some of these dogs are born with heterochromia, meaning they have eyes of different colors.

Similar Breeds

Need to Know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience

Extra training required

Generally healthy breed

Enjoys vigorous walks

Medium dog

Minimal drool

Requires frequent grooming

Chatty and vocal dog