Australian Shepherd Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Australian Shepherd?

Despite its name, the Aussie Shepherd finds its origins in the Western United States where its famed dogged nature (anyone? No!?) and ability as a working dog saw it rise to prominence during the 1840s Gold Rush.

While we know a lot about its history as a working dog, very little is known about this adorable, lively pup's genetic lineage.

That being said, its striking appearance, towering intelligence, and affinity for herding do recommend a relation to Australian longhaired Collies, German Sheepdogs, and other, much revered European herding dogs.

The Aussie's fantastic intelligence and capacity for work have made them a favourite on farms, where they can be deployed to herd livestock as large as cattle, and also a stalwart of the cowboy rodeo circuit and other dog sports.

This enduring popularity resulted in the 1957 founding of the Australian Shepherd Club of America and culminated in the breed being registered with the American Kennel Club (1993) by the United States Australian Shepherd Association.

Who are Australian Shepherd dogs best for?

Due to their intelligence and strong herding instinct, Australian Shepherds require regular exercise and experienced dog owners. Boosted by vigorous exercise and an authoritative lead, their fun-loving, affectionate, and child-friendly nature can make them an utterly gorgeous family pet.

It is worth noting, however, that Aussies herd livestock, such as sheep, by nipping at their heels. As such, without a firm hand and regular stimulation, this behaviour may be replicated in their human counterparts.

More to the point, such is their intelligence, that Aussies are even known to have been able to trick less experienced dog owners, so Aussie owners, keep your wits about you - you might just find yourself bamboozled by your clever pooch!

Ultimately, Aussie Shepherds are the perfect pets for households of any kind that are seeking an intelligent, trainable, and energetic partner in crime. If that sounds like you, then a lovely Aussie is the perfect shepherd for your flock.

How much grooming does a Australian Shepherd need?

To keep your Aussie Shepherd's adorably soft, fluffy coat in perfect, waterproof condition, it's recommended that weekly grooming sessions should become routine.

However, during the shedding seasons (Spring and Autumn), a combination of regular warm baths, brushing, and a fun-filled blow-dry should keep your faithful friend's fur loss under control. In particular, an undercoat brush is recommended every three days to capture and remove any excess dog hair lost from its thick undercoat.

Happily, during the non-shedding seasons, simply washing your Aussie when they become dirty is more than sufficient.

Do Australian Shepherd bark much?

Due to their energetic and affectionate nature, if your Aussie doesn't get enough physical and mental stimulation, they may well have a tendency to bark. However, with the right owner and proper training, this shouldn't be an issue.

Do Australian Shepherd bite?

As stated above, the Australian Shepherd is a working, herding dog at heart and their success in the field stems from their technique. This sees the Aussie give a gentle nip to livestock around the ankles to encourage the herding process, a behaviour that can transfer to humans if the dog doesn't receive sufficient physical and mental stimulation.

Moreover, Aussie Shepherds have an instinctual protective strand to their personalities and so can display aggressive or shy behaviour around strangers. In tandem with sensitivity to loud noises, this trait can, in rare cases, result in unwarranted biting.

However, with the correct training, stimulation, and an authoritative owner, such issues are unlikely to arise.

What is the temperament & personality of a Australian Shepherd?

With the correct level of training, care, and stimulation, your Australian Shepherd's temperament will be controlled, energetic, and fun-loving, traits that'll make them an extremely exciting and joyous companion.

However, this inherent intelligence and boundless energy is also a recipe for misbehaviour if their needs are underestimated and training requirements are unmet. As such, Aussies that don't receive the care they need may resort to digging, barking, and displaying unwarranted aggressiveness.

Therefore, it is best to adopt an Aussie whose training began early or, indeed, to commence training a new puppy as soon as possible. This will bring the best out of their dazzling, bouncing nature while retaining a loving, level temperament.

What is the weight & size of a Australian Shepherd?

The Aussie is a medium-sized dog and measures between 18 - 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Combined with a healthy weight of 35 - 65 pounds, depending on genetic variation and gender, they make a fantastic household pet and are the perfect size for giving fluffy cuddles.

How much training does a Australian Shepherd need?

We've established that Aussies are an incredibly intelligent breed and, while this doesn't mean your new buddy can manage your accounts, with the correct training they can help out with household chores, such as carrying laundry, and easily take to recreational exercises that appeal to their herding nature.

Naturally, then, they are more receptive and easier to train than many other dogs, however, socialization and obedience training must start from an early age to yield the best results.

This is to ensure the dog's exuberant nature is harnessed and a strong bond is formed, early on, between pooch and owner.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Australian Shepherd?

Aussie Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however, it's still important to ensure that your Aussie comes from a careful breeder and thus, good genetic stock.

With that in mind, reliable breeders will pride themselves on breeding dogs with a reduced predisposition towards their most common health issues. For the Aussie, these include hip dysplasia, cataracts, certain types of cancer, and epilepsy.

Thus, when choosing your new bundle of fun, it's important to make sure that any breeder you consider can provide certain health guarantees. If they can't, we advise that you move on and locate Australian Shepherd breeders who can.

What is the lifespan of a Australian Shepherd?

Aussie Shepherds have a lifespan of 12 - 16 years. This is typical of most medium-sized dog breeds.

How much should you feed a Australian Shepherd?

Aussie Shepherds thrive on a diet of high-quality dog food. This should be age-specific (puppy, adult, senior) and can be provided commercially or by your vet.

Furthermore, treats are a necessary constituent of training and, sometimes, stimulation. However, the overfeeding of Aussies can lead to obesity, so manage your pup's diet carefully!

What is the price of a Australian Shepherd in Australia?

Prices in Australia for an Aussie Shepherd range between $600 - $3000. There are several reasons for this range, the most common of which are gender (male dogs are more expensive) and the quality of the dog's genetic stock.

For example, show-quality dogs dictate much greater expense than more typical pet stock.