Australian Shepherd
Updated October 14, 2024
Australian Shepherd
Updated October 14, 2024
Intelligent and energetic dogs, Australian Shepherds excel with active pet parents who can dedicate time to train them and teach them a few tricks. And they thrive in environments with plenty of room to run, exercise and engage in mental and physical activities, such as obedience training or agility.
All-day energy, Up-for-anything sidekick, Intelligent
Male: 50-65 pounds
Female: 40-55 pounds
Male: 20-23 inches
Female: 18-21 inches
12 to 15 years
Blue Merle, Black, Red, Red Merle
If you lead an active lifestyle, the energetic Australian Shepherd breed might just be your ideal canine companion. As the jock of the dog park, an Aussie dog is always up for hiking, Frisbee and fetch. They’re competitive; excelling at tricks and stunts and in agility trials. Together, you two could take on the world… or at least conquer your next workout, yoga or SUP session.
Australian Shepherd Characteristics
Australian Shepherd Appearance
The Australian Shepherd has a striking appearance, characterized by a shrewd gaze, a fluffy double coat that covers a lean body, and a bobbed or docked tail. Although Australian Shepherds can have eyes of any color, they are often recognized for their expressive, occasionally mismatched, light blue eyes. The Aussie’s coat color can vary greatly. It’s worth noting that there is no recognized “mini” version of the Australian Shepherd as an American Kennel Club (AKC) breed. However, there is a separate breed called the Miniature American Shepherd, which is a smaller version with its own distinct breed standard. It is important to avoid crossing these two breeds if you want a dog that can be registered with the AKC.
- Ears
The Australian Shepherd's alert ears are triangular with a natural fold and set high on the head.
- Eyes
Their eyes can be brown, blue, amber or a combination; sometimes, each eye is a different color.
- Nose
Aussie noses are straight with a rounded black or brown tip. If their coat is merle, their nose may have pink spots.
- Coat Length
Australian Shepherds have a medium-length double coat that consists of two layers: a soft, insulating undercoat and a thick, water-resistant outer coat. They have feathering on the back of their legs.
- Coat Color
Their colors include black, blue merle, red or red merle with tan or white markings.
- Tail
The AKC breed standard allows for the tail to be docked straight, docked or naturally bobbed. Some Aussie dogs carry the bobtail gene; dogs who are born with straight tails typically have their tails docked to keep the look of the breed consistent. Docking involves cutting a portion of the dog’s tail off when they are puppies. Veterinary groups along with many US states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.
Australian Shepherd Temperament
Australian Shepherds embody what they were bred to do: herd. They are fast, smart and always on the move. As such, providing training and outlets for all their energy are a must.
Because they have a natural herding instinct, Aussies may try to round up unsuspecting children or neighbors on a bike ride. For this reason, it’s crucial to train your Aussie early so they understand how to behave and what’s expected of them. Be sure your pup is well-trained before they go off-leash, too, because Aussies are known for their speed.
Cultivate their natural curiosity by implementing daily training sessions that engage their mind and their bodies. They want to please you, and daily training sessions will deepen your bond.
Playtime is another way to engage Aussies—and blow off some of that energy! Just about any game you invent will be enthusiastically enjoyed by your pup. Most Aussies adore fetching and can have impressive skills; they have a well-deserved reputation as disc dog champions. Throw a Frisbee for your pet at the park and onlookers are sure to be amazed at what your Aussie can do.
While your Aussie’s exuberant personality might make you think they are incredibly social, they tend to be cautious around strangers. Proper socialization when your Australian Shepherd is a puppy will help them feel comfortable in new environments with unknown people.
Bottom line: Aussies dislike downtime (except when they’re sleeping!), so keep them engaged with lots of outside time and toys, such as interactive chew toys, flying discs and balls.
How to Care for a Australian Shepherd
Hearty dogs bred for life on the farm or ranch, Aussies are relatively rough-and-tumble dogs who need outlets for their high energy, sharp minds and desire to work. A healthy Aussie is an active Aussie, so make sure to keep them active no matter the weather or your schedule.
Grooming
Training
Diet
Exercise
Environment
Australian Shepherd Health
The Australian Shepherd breed has a lifespan of about 12-15 years and is generally hearty. Presently, the breed has a long life expectancy—it’s not unusual for an Aussie to live to 16 years old. However, there are a few health issues to be aware of:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a painful genetic condition in which the ball of the femur doesn’t properly fit into the hip socket. Environmental factors, such as obesity, can exacerbate symptoms, which means a healthy diet and regular exercise routine are crucial for Aussies. Vets can manage hip dysplasia in Aussies with physical therapy and medication; in some cases, they may need to do surgery.
- Eye Problems: Cataracts are the most common eye disease in Aussies. Aussies are also at risk of other eye defects, including Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), a hereditary disease of the nerve and eye tissue that ultimately leads to blindness. Although surgery can treat cataracts, it won’t help with CEA. Aussies are also susceptible to distichiasis, a condition in which an eyelash grows abnormally, potentially scratching the eye. Depending on the severity, treatments range from an eye lubricant to surgery. Finally, iris coloboma is a condition seen in Aussies where the iris (colored part of the eye) does not develop properly and can lead to light sensitivity and discomfort. If you notice anything unusual about your Aussie’s eyes, bring it to your vet’s attention.
- Cancerous Tumors: Aussies have an increased risk of some cancers, particularly lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma (cancer from the cells that line blood vessels). Let your vet know if you notice any unusual growths, but remember some growths can be internal. Some growths are noncancerous (benign), but others are cancerous. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Usually, the quicker the diagnosis, the more treatment options.
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy or seizures can be an inherited condition in Aussies. There are no genetic screening tests for epilepsy, but often the condition can be well controlled with daily, lifelong medication. If you have any concerns that your pet may be having a seizures, please see your vet immediately.
- Multidrug Resistance Mutation (MDR1): MDR1 is a genetic mutation commonly found in herding breeds including Aussies. This mutation makes dogs more sensitive to some medications, particularly Ivermectin, which is found in many heartworm prevention medications. There is genetic testing, which can detect if your dog has this mutation. While most commercially available heartworm prevention medications are still safe for dogs with MDR1 mutation when used as prescribed, it is always important to consult your veterinarian on the right medication for your pet.
Like with any pet, take your dog in for regular check-ups so you and your vet understand your Aussie’s healthy “normal.” This can help you better identify when your Aussie behaves atypically. Small changes, such as lethargy, lack of interest in food or water or urinating or pooping more or less frequently, may be a sign of a larger issue, so get changes checked right away.
Australian Shepherd History
A misconception about the Australian Shepherd’s origin is that they hail from Australia. Believe it or not, the Aussie’s story begins not in Australia but in the Basque region of Spain, near the Pyrenees mountains that border Spain and France. Here, herdsmen selectively bred the ancestors of the beloved Aussie for their herding abilities.
As people from the Basque region settled in Australia during the 19th century, they brought these working dogs with them. Over time, these dogs were bred with other herding dogs, like Border Collies, and found homes on Australian ranches.
As migration progressed from Australia to the American West, Australian Shepherds found footing in California, where the locals mistakenly assumed Australia was the dogs’ place of origin. California ranchers admired these dogs for their work ethic and exceptional herding abilities. As a result, they became valued for their abilities in the rodeo adding “rodeo performer” to their resumé.
The AKC added Australian Shepherds to the Herding group in 1993. Today, they are still regularly found on ranches and farms worldwide. Not only are they great additions to high-energy families, but Aussies can also be found working as service or therapy dogs and in jobs like search and rescue.
It’s commonly thought there are two types of Aussies: the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Australian Shepherd. During the 1960s in California, breeders developed the Miniature Australian Shepherd by breeding to create a smaller body size while retaining the intelligence and activity level of the Aussie. But the dogs they used were unregistered, so their exact lineage isn’t clear. Today these diminutive dogs are known as the Miniature American Shepherd and entered the AKC Stud Book in 2015.
Are you looking to add an Australian Shepherd to your family? An Australian Shepherd can cost anywhere from $600-$2,000-plus for a purebred puppy. Be sure to do your homework on how to acquire a healthy puppy: Ask to see the parents and be sure that a breeders’ stock has health clearances for hips, elbows and eyes.
If you’d like to adopt, reach out to Australian Shepherd organizations, such as Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline (ARPH), a nationwide network of Australian Shepherd rescues, keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area. With any rescue, you want to know what you are adopting: Look for a health status and temperament evaluation. As with all dogs, it’s essential to factor in veterinarian care, training, food and pet sitting into your budget, as well as the initial cost.