Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Facts & Information

Athletic, devoted, and smart, smart, smart: it’s the Australian Shepherd! Aussies are a working breed originally developed for sheep herding. These days, they are still put to work on farms and ranches all around the world, but they’re also beloved companion dogs and among the most popular breeds. They’re loyal companions with a lot of love and affection to give…so long as they get enough exercise. 

In this in-depth breed profile, we’ll cover all things Aussie, from their big personality and grooming needs to their ideal family (hint: they need a lot of exercise). Read on to discover whether the Australian Shepherd is the right dog for you.

Breed Characteristics

Australian Shepherd Appearance

Standard Australian Shepherds are a medium-sized, solidly built breed, with adults weighing between 18-30 kg (40-65 pounds). They’re built rather low to the ground—remember, they were bred to run around herds of sheep!—and have high-set, forward-flopping ears. The Aussie coat is thick and rugged, and comes in a few different colours or patterns. You may meet an all-black Aussie, one with red fur (called ‘liver’), or the commonly-pictured ‘blue merle’ which has a mottled black, grey, and white coat. Aussies also frequently have blue eyes, or one blue eye and one brown eye. 

One common canine feature you won’t find on an Aussie: a full-length tail. In the past, their tails were docked after birth, meaning a portion of their natural tail was surgically removed. However, over time, selective breeding led to naturally bobbed tails. These days, tail docking is illegal in the UK except in a small number of circumstances, due to the pain and suffering it can cause.

Australian Shepherd Personality

As a herding breed, Aussies love to keep busy, and are built to run all day long. They’re quick, agile, and have plenty of stamina. If you’re a dog sport enthusiast, an Australian Shepherd is a ton of fun on the agility course!

Australian Shepherds are also one of the smartest dog breeds around. In fact, the American Kennel Club even warns that Aussies are “capable of hoodwinking an unsuspecting novice owner”. In other words, this is one dog who needs to be kept busy! But on top of all that, Australian Shepherds are truly loyal to their people (though they can be reserved with strangers).

Ideal Environment for an Australian Shepherd

Have we mentioned Aussies have a lot of energy?! These busy dogs need access to space for exercise, and they’re right at home in the countryside. But that doesn’t mean they have to live on a farm. In fact, many Aussies happily live in apartments so long as they have plenty of enrichment like puzzle feeders, games, and access to outdoor space to run around. 

Plan on at least an hour of exercise daily, and that doesn’t mean leisurely neighbourhood walks. Dog sports like agility and flyball are a great way to entertain your Australian Shepherd and strengthen your bond. If you have cats or children at home, proceed with caution: Aussies can be amazing family dogs and get along with other pets, but they can also have a high herding instinct that leads to nipping at heels.

Ideal Human for an Australian Shepherd

Aussies love their people, and you don’t have to be a farmer to get along. The ideal Australian Shepherd owner is as devoted to their dog as their dog is to them. It helps to be active and energetic, ready to meet your Aussie’s daily exercise needs, and have plenty of time to spend on training and companionship. Australian Shepherds are deeply devoted dogs, but they can be protective of their people, and may be wary of strangers. The ideal human for an Australian Shepherd is someone who understands their needs and is committed to helping them thrive.

Australian Shepherd Training

Australian Shepherds are smart, driven, and love a job to do. Training isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential to maintaining their mental health. The good news is, Aussies love to learn! Dog training is a key part of building a relationship with your Aussie.

If you get an Australian Shepherd puppy, join a group puppy class as soon as they’re old enough. The socialisation and training foundation will set you up for success. And if you adopt an adult Aussie, group obedience classes are still a great way to work on socialisation and nail the basics. 

Once your Australian Shepherd has the basics down (it won’t take long), you can train them to do tricks and tasks like cleaning up toys or bringing you your slippers. Whatever kind of training you’re doing, start out in quiet, distraction-free environments, and be consistent. It helps to exercise them beforehand and stick to short, focused training sessions with lots of positive reinforcement.

Grooming Tips

Australian Shepherds have a double-layer, waterproof coat that can pick up debris while they’re running around, so be prepared to do some combing! In general, once-or twice-weekly brushing sessions will keep their coat in good shape.

During seasonal shedding seasons (spring and fall), you can help remove dead fur with an undercoat rake. Aussies only need occasional baths if they’ve gotten into something extra dirty. Otherwise, regular brushing, nail clipping, and teeth brushing are enough to keep them well groomed.

General Health

Australian Shepherds are a hardy breed and generally stay pretty healthy. However, there are some health problems more common among Aussies. They can be prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic malformation of the hip socket that leads to inflammation and arthritis. Aussies can also develop eye problems, including cataracts, and may be more prone to epilepsy. Responsible breeders will test parent dogs for genetic conditions recommended by the Kennel Club. In general, preventative veterinary care, a high-quality diet, grooming and regular exercise will help keep your Aussie healthy. A healthy Australian Shepherd will typically live for 12-15 years. Many pet parents opt for pet health insurance, just in case.

History of the Australian Shepherd

You may have assumed that Australian Shepherds originated in Australia. However, the breeds’ true origins lie in Europe—before being developed into the breed we know today in America.

According to the Kennel Club, the breed originated in Spain where the Basque people lived and worked with an ancient breed of sheepdog. In the early 1900’s, a large population of Basques emigrated to America during the Gold Rush, and the dogs are thought to have been bred and developed in western states to herd large flocks of sheep. Most believe that the breed’s moniker is down to them looking like the blue merle sheepdogs common in Australia at that time, but the American Kennel Club claims the dogs arrived in America via Australia.

The Australian Shepherd as we know it was refined on US ranches over the early 20th century, and became popular after WWII when they were featured in rodeos, horse shows, television, and film.

Getting an Australian Shepherd

Finding an Aussie puppy or adult dog can be as easy as an internet search, but be careful of puppy mills and internet scams. The best place to start is with animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups, as Australian Shepherds often become available from individuals rehoming dogs that they can no longer look after.

Cost of an Australian Shepherd

Pet parents ready to welcome an Australian Shepherd into their family should be aware of all the costs involved. In fact, according to Rover’s Cost of Pet Parenthood Survey, first-time costs for a new dog can range between £760 and £2290, with ongoing annual essentials costing anything between £575 and £3030.

Australian Shepherd Rescues

Most breed rescues report that the majority of their dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for the owner. Aussies often end up in rescue because owners become overwhelmed by the amount of exercise and activity they need, but adult Aussies can be an amazing addition to your family.
You’ll often find Australian Shepherds in rescue centres and the Australian Shepherd Club of the UK also looks for homes for dogs in need.

Australian Shepherd Breeders

If it’s important to you to have a puppy, remember to do your research. Talk to breeders in person, and check their credentials and reputation before committing. It’s also a great idea to meet the puppy parents and any offspring they’ve already had, if possible. Observing their personalities can help you determine if a puppy from that breeder would be right for you.

Be sure to ask the breeder about genetic health testing for common issues like hip dysplasia and cataracts. Responsible breeders will offer a written contract, and guarantee a home for dogs they breed if the owner becomes unable to care for them. The Kennel Club’s list of breeders is a good place to start.

Knowing what you’re in for when you get an Australian Shepherd is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, prepare yourself for an energetic, brainy, busy companion.