Australian Shepherd

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a working breed who has a lot of energy. They're excellent at agility and obedience training.

Average size and lifespan

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Height: 1ft 6in - 1ft 11in
Weight: 40-65lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 15 Years

Behavior

  • Affection5/5
  • Kid-Friendly4/5
  • Stranger-Friendly2/5
  • Dog-Friendly3/5
  • Barking Amount3/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty2/5
  • Shedding Amount3/5
  • Easy to Train4/5
  • Can Be Alone2/5
  • Exercise Need5/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance4/5
  • Heat Tolerance3/5
  • Apartment-Friendly2/5

Australian Shepherd Information

The Australian Shepherd is all about working hard. After all, it was bred to do a very important job: herd livestock on ranches and farms. Intelligent and diligent, Aussies do well in agility and obedience events. If you’re going to bring one home, just make sure you are in a position to give him the exercise he needs.

In addition to their work ethic, Australian Shepherds are also known for their thick coats, which can be black, blue merle, red or red merle, and may have tan or white markings. This breed is easy to train and good with kids and other pets.

Australian Shepherd History

It's unclear how the Australian Shepherd got its name. The breed was officially developed on the West Coast of the United States. It's possible that it was brought from immigrants that migrated through Australia, named for the sheep imported from Australia that it herded, or had a similar coat color to dogs from Australia.

The breed was used as a sheep herder in the Rocky Mountains because it worked well at high altitudes. It's possible that these dogs descended from Spanish breeds as many of these settlers inhabited the West Coast.

Australian Shepherd Training & Temperament

It's very important to expose the Australian Shepherd to early socialization and obedience training. They need to have a good outlet for their energy, companionship, and boundaries. They can become overly aggressive about their property if not properly trained and socialized.

They have a strong loyalty to their owner and intelligence that makes them easy to train. They do great on ranches or other similar properties.

Australian Shepherd Breed Photo

Australian Shepherd Exercise

Australian Shepherds require a lot of exercise on a daily basis. They need a fenced-in area to run around in for at least an hour or two. They do good running, walking or hiking. If not exercised properly, they can become destructive.

They do a great job with work as well. This can include herding, obedience, agility, or diving.

Australian Shepherd Grooming

Australian Shepherds require some brushing to keep their coats in good shape and help remove shedding hair. They need occasional baths when dirty and their nails trimmed regularly. Their teeth should be brushed, and ears checked for buildup and cleaned.

Australian Shepherd Health

Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed. Things to watch out for are vision problems and Epilepsy (they are the most common breed to have Epilepsy).

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Shepherd, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-shepherd/

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.

Breed FAQs

Can Australian Shepherds be apartment dogs?

The Australian Shepherd needs room to run and play. That makes them difficult to keep in a small apartment.

Can Australian Shepherds be left alone?

Australian Shepherds don't like being left alone for too long. They tend to show some separation anxiety when left apart from their people.

Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?

Australian Shepherds do well with kids. Supervise them closely, as with any dog, but they are unlikely to become aggressive.

Are Australian Shepherds friendly with strangers?

Australian Shepherds tend to be uncomfortable with strangers. They need extra socialization with people outside the family.

Do Australian Shepherds get along with other dogs?

Although Australian Shepherds will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues that socialization can help.

Do Australian Shepherds bark a lot?

As far as dogs go, Australian Shepherds bark an average amount. Expect barking to alert you, get attention, or react to strangers and other dogs.

Do Australian Shepherds shed a lot?

Australian Shepherds shed a medium amount. They have seasonal shedding, but they aren't terrible to clean up after.

Do Australian Shepherds need a lot of grooming?

Australian Shepherds don't require very much grooming. Typical maintenance and baths are enough.

Do Australian Shepherds need a lot of exercise?

Expect Australian Shepherds to have high energy and need a lot of exercise. Give them ways to burn it off or they may act out.

Are Australian Shepherds easy to train?

Typically, Australian Shepherds are easy to train. They enjoy working with their owner and are quick to learn.

Can Australian Shepherds handle cold weather?

Australian Shepherds do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they handle colder climates well.

Can Australian Shepherds handle hot weather?

Although Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot conditions, don't expose them for too long.

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