Australian Shepherd Dog Information

Group

Working

Weight

18-27 kg

Height

51-56 cm

Lifespan

12-16 years

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About the Australian Shepherd

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Looking for a new best friend? Well, call off the search because you can’t find a more loyal, fun, and intelligent best pal than an Australian Shepherd.

Affectionately known as The Aussie, this lovely, loving breed of dog is the perfect companion for owners with an active lifestyle. Moreover, if you’ve got an eye for beauty, the Aussie’s eye-catching, soft coat and twinkling eyes come in a variety of gorgeous colours including blue merle, red merle, and more!

So, if you’re interested in getting a gorgeous Aussie pup, read on, because in this comprehensive guide we’ll explore every aspect of the Aussie, from healthcare to training, nature, and origin.

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 has 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.

What is an Australian Shepherd Breed?

The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized working dog that is thought to have been bred, initially, in the United States… but perfected in Australia.

As we discussed briefly above, little is known about their genetic origin, however, it is widely believed that their stock is born out of a combination of Europe’s top performance herding breeds and other dogs that excel in dog sports.

Learn more about: Common Australian Shepherd Colours

Who Are Australian Shepherds 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 towards 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 pet 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.

Grooming & Shedding

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.

Learn more about: Australian Shepherd Grooming Tips & Styles

Barking

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.

Weight & Size

The Aussie is a medium-sized dog and measures between 51 to 56 cm tall at the shoulder. Combined with a healthy weight of 18 – 27 kg, depending on genetic variation and gender, they make a fantastic household pet and are the perfect size for giving fluffy cuddles.

Learn more about: Australian Shepherd Size & Weight Chart

Australian Shepherd Training

We’ve established that Aussie’s 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.

Learn more about: Australian Shepherd Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

Temperament & Personality

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.

Learn more about: Australian Shepherd Temperament & Personality Traits

Australian Shepherd Health Issues

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.

Learn more about: Common Australian Shepherd Health Issues

Lifespan

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

Feeding

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!

Learn more about: What To Feed An Australian Shepherd? Feeding & Diet Chart

Prices 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.

FAQs

Are Australian Shepherds good pets?

Absolutely. When trained well from an early age, an Australian Shepherd dog will make an excellent pet for owners seeking an active lifestyle that reflects their energetic nature and needs.

Are Australian Shepherds intelligent?

Aussie Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs, a quality that lends to their ability as working dogs and indeed their affinity for learning tricks. However, this intelligence also means that they require regular mental and physical stimulation to maintain their health and good behaviour.

How big is a typical Australian Shepherd puppy?

A typical male Australian Shepherd puppy will weigh between 1.3 – 2.3 kg, at 1 month old, and should gain 2.5 – 4.5 kg month-on-month until reaching full maturity (18 – 27 kg) at two years of age.

Likewise, a female Aussie pup will weigh between 1 – 1.8 kg and eventually reach 18 to 24 kg at full maturity.

Is an Australian Shepherd a calm adult dog?

Aussie Shepherds are energetic, intelligent dogs and, as such, require owners with an active lifestyle. That being said, while they have an abundance of energy, with the correct training and regular exercise, and mental stimulation, they have a calm yet fun family-friendly demeanour.