PAW PAL

Australian Shepherd Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care

Personality

Adaptability

Social Life

Exercise Needs

Couch PotatoStar Athlete

Health Issues

Few Known Health IssuesMany Known Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Minimal GroomingExtensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal TrainingRequires a Lot of Training

Shedding Level

Sheds a LittleSheds a Lot

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

Grooming

Do Australian Shepherds shed? Yes! As double-coated dogs (meaning they have longer guard hairs on top of a softer undercoat), it’s important to use brushing tools that can reach the undercoat. To help reduce shedding, use a slicker brush in the direction of the fur, followed gently by an undercoat rake. A thorough, weekly brushing will help distribute the natural oils and keep their coat glossy from nose to tail. Here are a few more tips for grooming your Australian Shepherd: Bathing: Australian Shepherds are blessed with a coat that’s equipped to handle many weather conditions. Bathing them too often can strip the natural oils that keep their skin healthy. Aussies only need a bath about once every 6-8 weeks unless they are especially dirty from one of their outdoor adventures. Pro tip: Leave a dog towel by the door to rub them down when they come inside the house after a romp outside, and pay special attention to their paws, which can get roughed up from off-road adventuring. Have a dog paw cleaner handy, too. Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth every day to keep them healthy and to prevent dental disease. Start brushing your dog’s teeth as a puppy so they’re used to the feeling. Once a year, take them to the vet for a professional cleaning. Nail trimming: Because the Aussie is an active dog, their nails may not need trimming as frequently as a more sedentary dog. You’ll know it’s time for a pedi when you hear them clicking on hard surfaces. Here’s how to trim a dog’s nails. Close

Training

Training your Aussie is the best thing you can do for both you and your pup. An Aussie’s instinct is to work, and they may need some help defining what “work” means when there are no cows to herd. Luckily, they’re highly intelligent and easy to train. Training should begin when they’re about 4 months old. Consider enrolling in puppy obedience school where you can learn together. You will learn basic commands like stay and come, and it’s a great way to socialize your dog with strangers and other pups. Whether you train your pup yourself or work with a professional, provide lots of positive reinforcement, rewarding a job well done with treats, special toys and praise. After your Aussie has the basics down, keep them engaged by teaching them more complex tricks and competitive sports, such as agility, dock diving and flyball, which can help them channel their energy and intelligence. Close

Diet

Aussie dogs are highly active, so they may need more calories than couch potato pups. It’s important to feed them dog food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional standards to ensure they receive a complete and balanced diet. If you want to whip up your pup’s meals from scratch, consult with your vet first. Be sure your pup receives adequate nutrition to support their extensive energy levels. Some Aussies may have food allergies that manifest as itchy, dry skin. Pay attention to any symptoms and bring them up at your vet visit. Your vet may recommend hypoallergenic foods or foods formulated for sensitive skin for your dog. Now, let’s talk treats: Treats are important for training. Because you’ll train your Australian Shepherd puppy often, you’ll use lots of goodies, right? Not so fast—Aussies need the majority of their calories to come from mealtimes, not less-nutritious treats. And even active dogs can become obese if they take in more calories than they burn. A chat with your vet will help you dial in a healthy ratio. Close

Exercise

It cannot be stated enough: An active Aussie is a happy Aussie. Because Australian Shepherds have abundant energy, pet parents must keep them moving. If you don’t provide avenues for your Aussie to burn energy, they’ll create their own—and their ways won’t please you. While some Aussies love being part of a pack of dogs at doggy daycare, Aussies love the company of their human family. They need plenty of time to run, walk, play off leash and train with you. Aim to engage with your dog for at least an hour or two every day. Aussies also love long hikes and outdoor adventures. As mentioned above, the Australian Shepherd breed thrives when engaging with competitive dog sports, especially agility trials and canine disc sports. Close

Environment

An Aussie will be happy anywhere they have access to the outdoors. A large backyard is ideal, but an Aussie can adapt to apartment living as long as they have ample access to a nearby park and pet parents with enough time to play with them every day. An Aussie can be an excellent dog for a single person or a family. While they enjoy the excitement and activity a family can bring, they may try to herd toddlers and other pets. They thrive in homes with responsible older kids who can match their energy levels. Australian Shepherds need a confident pup parent, because they will take on the role of leader if you don’t. For that reason, they’re usually better suited for someone with previous experience with dogs. But, if you’re a first-time pup parent willing to invest the time and energy your pup needs, you will have a fantastic companion for life’s adventures. Close

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.

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. 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.

FAQs

Are Australian Shepherds hypoallergenic?

No, Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. Australian Shepherds are heavy shedders, so with all that fur and dander, people with allergies may need to love this breed from a distance.

Are Australian Shepherds smart?

Yes, Australian Shepherds are incredibly smart. One of the primary Australian Shepherd traits is their intelligence. Australian Shepherds are naturally smart and curious, and they love a challenge. Training, fulfilling their exercise needs and giving them plenty of attention will help keep their smarts channeled in positive directions.

Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?

Australian Shepherds are good with kids, especially older ones. Aussies look for things to herd and will lean into their herding instincts when small kids and babies are around. In an active family with older kids who have time and energy to play, Aussies can thrive, but training and patience are required to help an Aussie accept that kids and babies don’t need corralling.

Do Australian Shepherds have tails?

Australian Shepherds have tails, and there’s a one-in-five chance that an Aussie will have a naturally bobbed tail since they were bred that way for effective herding. If an Aussie is born with a long tail, the breeder will often dock it to protect it from injury and maintain the look of the breed.

What colors are Australian Shepherds?

Four colors are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): black, blue merle (a bluish-gray coat with irregular markings and splotches of black), red or red merle (a buff or silver coat with irregular markings and splotches of red). They often have a shaggy white mane.

How big do Australian Shepherds get?

Australian Shepherds come in various sizes. Females can range from 18-21 inches tall from the top of the withers (the area just above the shoulder), weighing between 40-55 pounds. Males can range from 20-23 inches tall, typically weigh 50-65 pounds and are considered medium in size.

Australian Shepherds vs. Border Collies: What’s the difference?

While both breeds have herding instincts, their styles differ. Border Collies are intense, work-focused herders, while Australian Shepherds are more adaptable and family-oriented. Border Collies are highly driven and obedient, excelling in tasks like agility. Aussies also excel in competitive dog sports, but their silliness tends to make them better family pets.

What are the most popular Australian Shepherd names?

Top names for an Australian Shepherd include Luna, Cooper, Bella, Charlie, Koda, Bear, Sadie, Bailey, Milo, Stella, Lucy, Blue, Max, Finn, Tucker, Daisy, Jax, Lola, Oliver and Penny. For more name inspiration, check out our dog name guide.

What are the most common Australian Shepherd mixes?

The most common Australian Shepherd mixes are:

australian shepherd

Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Expectancy

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color