Is An Australian Shepherd the Right Dog for You?


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Australian Shepherd standing in grass
Eudyptula via iStock

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, is among one of the most popular dog breeds today. Despite what their name might suggest, Aussies were actually developed in the United States as herding dogs in the late 1800s. Their ancestors were Pyrenean Shepherds, from the Pyrenees Mountains.

The Australian Shepherd isn’t just eye-catching. These dogs are also hardworking, intelligent, and energetic. They have a fairly long lifespan, often living to about the age of 15. Their loyal and loving nature means they make exceptional family dogs. But they need plenty of physical activity, mental stimulation, attention, and affection in order to thrive.

Not sure whether an Australian Shepherd is in your future? Read on to get the details on this herding breed.

Breed Characteristics

Key

  • Low
  • Medium
  • High
  • Origin: United States
  • Size:
  • Weight: 40-65 pounds
  • Activity level:
  • Barking/howling level:
  • Good with cats:
  • Shedding:
  • Shedding: Seasonal
  • Grooming level:
  • Training level:

How Are Australian Shepherds as Pets?

“Australian Shepherds make amazing family companions, wanting to do whatever the family unit is involved in, whether it be hiking, riding down the road, or sitting on the couch and snuggling for a family movie,” says Valerie Yarber, founder of Paramount Aussies, Australian Shepherd Club of America breeder judge, United States Australian Shepherd Association-approved breed mentor, and American Kennel Club breeder of merit gold.

With an intense love for their work and play, Australian Shepherds are anything but couch potatoes. These popular dogs cherish their people above all else and are happiest spending time with their loved ones.

Behavior and personality 

Every Australian Shepherd has their own individual personality. Yarber says Australian Shepherds do well with families, strangers, and other dogs when they get the right socialization and come from a reputable breeder who works to make sure their puppies genetically have good temperaments.

This socialization is very important, since according to the breed standard, they may tend to be somewhat reserved in initial meetings, she adds. In households with small children, you’ll want to supervise all interactions with dogs.

Sociability and energy levels

Australian Shepherds are highly playful and protective dogs. The best match for them is a pet parent who can give them plenty of love and attention and provide them with lots of opportunities to stay physically active and mentally stimulated.

Without adequate exercise and enrichment, these smart cookies will find creative ways to put their energy and wits to good use for their own entertainment—and you might not find these sometimes-destructive activities as entertaining as they do!

Trainability and exercise

An Aussie’s natural working drive and eagerness to please make them highly motivated to train.

“Most responsibly bred Australian Shepherds are eager, biddable, and want to do what their pet parents ask of them,” Yarber says. “I have found that our dogs want to do whatever we’re doing.”

Some examples of engaging activities many Aussies enjoy include:

Due to their high energy, Australian Shepherds should run and play in a fenced yard or other enclosed area for 1–2 hours daily. You can also take them on a long walk or hike for exercise and enrichment.

A few potential issues Australian Shepherds may have that need extra attention include:

  • Herding children and other pets
  • Fear of strangers
  • Unwanted destructive behaviors when bored

Yarber says she always encourages pet parents to be diligent about socializing Australian Shepherd puppies after they’ve received the necessary core puppy vaccinations.

Yarber says Aussies can be a little bit mouthy, due to their natural herding instincts. They’ll need this behavior redirected early on, in addition to proper socialization, to help with alert barking and fear of strangers.

Companionship and lifestyle

Australian Shepherds make a great first or second dog for active people who can dedicate the time, energy, and love into making sure their needs are met. They’ll keep you on your feet, and they may be a better fit for experienced pet parents.

This breed wants nothing more than to spend time with you and do what they love—exercise and play brain games! They’re always up for a challenge, from hiking a new trail to learning a new dog trick.

Australian Shepherds are devoted to their family, but they may sometimes pick one special person they gravitate to more than others.

With proper training and adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation, they may be left alone for a few hours at a time and live in an apartment. Just keep in mind they’ll often engage in destructive behaviors if they become bored or lonely.

What Types of Australian Shepherds Are There?

Australian Shepherds have a striking appearance that makes them instantly recognizable. This medium-sized dog typically weighs up to 65 pounds.

Notable traits include:

  • Athletic build
  • Floppy ears
  • Expressive, almond-shaped eyes

In years past, an Australian Shepherd’s tail was docked after birth. Tail docking means a portion of the natural tail is surgically removed. These days, tail docking is considered an inhumane practice. But over time, selective breeding led to naturally bobbed tails, and many Aussies are born with short tails.

Based on the breed standard, Australian Shepherds colorings can include:

  • Black
  • Blue merle
  • Red
  • Red merle

Aussie mixes

Some common mixed Australian Shepherd breeds include:

You can often recognize an Aussie mix based on their distinct merle pattern or different-colored eyes.

What about Miniature Australian Shepherds?

You may have heard of Miniature Australian Shepherds.

These dogs are technically smaller versions of the Aussie. But the AKC recognizes these dogs as “Miniature American Shepherds,” and they’re considered an entirely separate breed!

Is It Easy to Groom an Australian Shepherd?

Grooming your Australian Shepherd will require some time and effort. Aussies require brushing multiple times a week to reduce shedding, as their thick double coat sheds a moderate to heavy amount.

They aren’t hypoallergenic, which can be a con for people with allergies. They also blow their coats at least twice a year. You can use a slicker brush and undercoat rake to keep their skin and coat healthy—not to mention give your lint roller a much-needed break!

Yarber recommends getting your dog groomed monthly starting at an early age so they get used to the process. She begins bathing and blow drying her puppies at least every other week from the age of 6 weeks until they reach 5 months. After that, she does monthly maintenance baths.

Additionally, your Australian Shepherd should have their nails trimmed every 4–6 weeks. You’ll also want to check their ears weekly and brush their teeth a few times each week, ideally daily.

What Is an Australian Shepherds’ Life Expectancy?

Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs who live 12–15 years on average.

Like any other purebred dog breed, they may be prone to certain health issues. Some of these health issues include:

Cancer is the leading cause of death for Australian Shepherds, according to the Australian Shepherd Health and Genetics Institute. You can talk to your vet about monitoring your dog for signs of cancer and get tips to help keep them healthy.

All dogs should eat a complete and balanced dog food. To learn more about the best dog foods for Australian Shepherds, ask your breeder and vet for recommendations.

You can help your Aussie maintain a healthy weight by:

  • Feeding them the right food for their life stage
  • Limiting portion sizes
  • Making sure they get enough exercise

Concerned about vet costs? Pet health insurance can help lower your pet’s medical bills and give you some peace of mind.

How to Ethically Buy or Adopt an Australian Shepherd

The average cost of an Australian Shepherd puppy is $1,630, according to Good Dog. This price may vary depending on factors like the breeder’s reputation, location, and the lineage of the parent dogs.

It’s also important to consider other costs of pet parenthood when bringing a new dog home. Just a few of these costs include bedding, toys, cleaning and house training supplies.

How to rescue: purebred vs. mixed

Due to the popularity of Aussies, they can be easier to find compared to other dog breeds. A few purebred and mixed rescue groups include:

It’s also a good idea to check out local shelters and rescues. You might find an Australian Shepherd searching for their forever home near you!

Vetting breeders

When searching for an Aussie puppy, it’s important to do some research to find an ethical, reputable breeder so you can avoid puppy mills.

A reputable breeder should:

  • Have a pedigree on their puppies that includes 3–5 generations and both parents registered with the Australian Shepherd Club of America
  • Have names of references who’ve purchased puppies from them
  • Provide all dogs and puppies with a sanitary environment, proper medical care, and plenty of attention and exercise
  • Answer any questions regarding housebreaking, health, training, competition, or breeding
  • Provide information on the health clearances of the puppy’s parents, registration application papers, a pedigree, a health record, and a guarantee

To find a breeder near you, visit the Australian Shepherd Association’s breeder directory.

Other Medium Dogs to Consider

If you aren’t sure you can meet an Aussie’s exercise needs, another loyal and loving dog breed could make a better match for you.

You might consider one of these breeds instead:

Takeaway

If you have an Australian Shepherd, your life will be filled with entertainment and love! These dogs make loyal companions and thrive with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

Not only will frequent exercise and plenty of outdoor activities keep your dog happy and healthy, these activities will also help you build a strong bond with your Australian Shepherd.

Article Resources

Yvonne Villasenor

Yvonne Villasenor

Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance journalist and lifelong animal lover based in Orange County, California. Her work has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, Daily Paws, This Dog’s Life, among others. When not writing, Yvonne enjoys lounging with her precious pets, exploring Southern California, and watching funny animal videos.