Australian Shepherd: Your Complete Guide

The Australian shepherd is an activeand affectionate herding dog that’s been bred to herd on a ranch, which means it needs a lot of mental and physical exercise. Aussies are smart dogs, which makes them easily trainable for more or less anything you need.

In this article, we’re going to explore this breed in more detail, including where it comes from, what it looks like, its temperament and intelligence, how energetic it is, and more. If you’ve been wondering whether getting an Australian shepherd is the right decision for you, make sure to read to the end.

Quick Look at the Australian Shepherd

Below is a quick glance at the Australian shepherd in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Australian Shepherds?

The Australian shepherd is a bit of an imposter; the breed actually originated in the western United States. Ranch hands in the 19th century needed capable herding dogs to manage their livestock, and the Australian shepherd was the canine equivalent of a godsend for them.

It owes its lineage to a number of different breeds that were brought to the US at the time. These may have included the Pyrenean shepherd and Collies imported from Australia and New Zealand alongside sheep.

The result is what we have today: a highly intelligent and hardworking dog perfectly suited for the demands of ranch life. Interestingly, the name “Australian shepherd” comes from a misunderstanding.

Many of the sheep brought in from Australia were Merinos, and the herding dogs that accompanied them were mistakenly identified as Australian. Unfortunately, the name stuck, even though these dogs had no real connection to Australia.

Today, these dogs are some of the best family companions due to their loyalty, intelligence, and ease of training. However, their herding instincts are and probably always will remain strong. There are competitions that test these skills. One such event is the “sheepdog trials,” where Aussie shepherds herd ducks or sheep around a course as a display of their talents.

What Do Australian Shepherds Look Like?

These dogs are medium-sized, athletic, and absolutely built for work. They’re slightly longer than tall with a solid build and a medium length double coat that you’ll find either straight or slightly wavy.

Colors for their stunningly beautiful ‘merle’ patterned coats include black and red with white as the color of their markings. The merle pattern is essentially a marbled effect that can be blue or red with contrasting shades.

What Size Is an Australian Shepherd?

An Australian shepherd is a comfortably medium-sized dog. Males typically stand 20-23 inches tall and weigh 50-65 pounds, while females are usually 18-21 inches and 40-55 pounds. Any variation you observe will likely be due to differences in breeding and individual growth.

What Is an Australian Shepherd’s Coat Type and Length?

These dogs have a double coat, a winning combination that gives them both good working ability and absolutely jaw-dropping beauty. The outer coat is medium length and straight or slightly wavy.

Like most double coats, it’s weather-resistant with its coarse texture. This makes sure that your Aussie is comfortable in both hot and cold climates. The undercoat, similar to other dogs with double coats, is thick and dense and is tasked mainly with protecting the dog’s skin.

The Australian shepherd, interestingly, also has two coat varieties within the breed standard: rough and smooth. The rough coat is the more common type, with slightly longer hair, whereas the smoother one is shorter and not as dense. If you’re in a warmer climate, the shorter coat might be easier to maintain.

What Is an Australian Shepherd’s Temperament?

Aussie shepherds have been bred to have a lot of energy while they work on ranches, and a side effect of that is that they’re almost always ready and set to go no matter the time or place. They’re full of energy, and they absolutely need to get it out in some way.

This is one of the best parts of the breed too since they are highly intelligent and love to please their owners, meaning they’ll do just about anything you ask or train them to.

As a shepherding breed, Australian shepherds will do just about anything for their owners as part of their loyalty trait, and they’ll also shower their families with all the affection in the world. This doesn’t necessarily extend to strangers, though.

Their herding instincts may mean that they’ll alert you to anyone approaching your home. This also includes the Amazon delivery person who’s just trying to drop your package off!

This is not to be confused with aggression, however. As we’ll discuss in more detail later, these dogs are more playful and energetic than anything else–they’re just naturally alert and protective and need good outlets for their energy. This is also why, as an owner of an Aussie shepherd, you’ll want to make sure you’re as active with your dog as possible to keep them living their best life.

Are Australian Shepherds Good With Kids?

Australian shepherds are loyal and loving towards their families, which also means that they’ll be as tolerant as possible, especially with younger children who may be bothering the dog. They get along great with kids, but there are a few things to consider before you let the two interact freely.

First, since these dogs have been bred to herd, they might try to “herd” children, which might involve nipping or nudging. This behavior is not malicious, nor is it aggressive, but it can be overwhelming for toddlers.

Australian shepherds will be best with children who are old enough to understand proper interaction with dogs and will also be able to handle themselves in case the dog’s herding instincts come into play. Otherwise, make sure that any play sessions are supervised by you, and consider teaching the children how to respect an Aussie’s boundaries.

On the positive side, Australian shepherds have as much energy (if not more) as hyperactive kids do. Playing fetch or frisbee will be an absolute blast for both of them. Since these dogs are easily trainable, you can also teach them to be receptive to training commands like “gentle” when playing with younger kids.

Are Australian Shepherds Good With Other Animals?

Australian shepherds get along pretty well with all kinds of different animals. Like with children, their herding instincts might even lead them to try to “herd” cats. Again, there may be nipping and a bit of chasing around, but none of it will be aggressive.

Their peaceful coexistence with cats will also be helped by early socialization if you can ensure it. It also helps to have a cat that is confident and assertive, as it’ll probably hold its own against the Aussie’s herding.

If you have prey animals in the house, like guinea pigs and hamsters, an Aussie shepherd may be a threat to them. The dog won’t attack them, but it’s a herder by nature, which means it’ll try to chase and “herd” them. These animals are simply too tempting for an Aussie’s natural desire to do so. If you absolutely must keep them both, you’ll have to separate them to keep the smaller pets safe.

The same also extends to small wild animals like squirrels or rabbits. Since they’re not in the house, you’ll want your Aussie to have leash training and good recall for the outdoors. You can also help address their urge to chase by giving them ample exercise and mental stimulation, although a bit of chasing here and there is pretty much inevitable.

While Australian shepherds aren’t the most fond of other dogs, they’ll still get along with them fine. The best combination would be with another dog of a similar energy level that they can hang around and play with all day.

With other, smaller dogs, you’ll need to make sure there is proper supervision to prevent the puppy from accidentally getting injured by an Aussie’s exuberance.

Are Australian Shepherds Aggressive?

No, Australian shepherds are perhaps the furthest thing from aggressive. They are controlling by nature since they have to be shepherds on the ranch, but this is not motivated by nor similar to malicious aggression.

The only time you’ll see an Aussie being aggressive is if it feels threatened, afraid, or in pain, all of which apply to any breed of dog and indicate a different, larger problem than just aggression.

Aussies don’t typically bark or growl much unless you’re counting the calls to alert you to the ‘dangerous’ paperboy with the morning paper in their hand. This comes from a place of protectiveness and their naturally alert state.

Do Australian Shepherds Bark?

Yes, they tend to bark often, and they can be quite loud. They have to do this in order to  keep livestock in check and herd them where needed. This means that they also tend to bark more than other breeds.

Things that typically make them alert and prone to barking include noises, strangers, or anything they perceive as a threat. If you’re living in an apartment, you might want to reconsider your decision to get an Aussie because your neighbors will not be happy with all the barking.

Are Australian Shepherds Affectionate?

Australian shepherds are super loving with their families and absolutely love cuddling and petting. They’re not lap dogs since they’re a bit too hyper to stay still like that for a long time. While they’re affectionate with family, they’re usually wary of strangers, so expect them to take a bit to warm up slowly with new people.

Are Australian Shepherds Intelligent?

Yes, their intelligence is actually one of the biggest reasons they make such good herding dogs. They’re not just good on the ranch, but these dogs also show a remarkable ability to learn commands, solve problems, and even anticipate their owner’s next move.

This intuition and their inquisitiveness towards everything, coupled with their alertness, makes them excellent watchdogs, ever vigilant and ready to alert you to anything out of the ordinary.

Are Australian Shepherds Energetic?

Australian shepherds are the dog equivalent of a squirrel. They have a lot of energy, and for them to thrive in your care, you’ll need to make sure they get regular exercise, both physical and mental, ideally with walks or runs at least twice a day and plenty of playtime in between.

These active dogs are not suited for a laid-back lifestyle and will become bored and destructive if their exercise needs aren’t met.

Are Australian Shepherds Easy to Train?

Any dog that is intelligent tends to be easy to train as long as they’re not stubborn. In the case of Aussies, you’ve got dogs that are really eager to please, which, when coupled with their intelligence, means they’ll grasp new concepts and a variety of tricks, even complex ones, pretty easily and quickly.

This translates to a highly obedient dog that can also participate in dog sports like agility. If you’re looking to go this route with your Aussie, make sure to invest in good training programs, and you’ll be golden.

Are Australian Shepherds Good Watchdogs?

Australian shepherds make excellent watchdogs because, as herders, they’re naturally alert, protective, and intelligent. They’re quick to notice anything out of the ordinary and will bark (rather loudly) to alert you. We’ve discussed that they’re not aggressive, but they certainly are brave when it comes to protecting their owners.

Are Australian Shepherds Good Service Dogs?

In a way, Australian shepherds have been service dogs ever since they’ve existed–on farms, ranches, and anywhere else people have needed a herding dog. They are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable for tasks like mobility assistance, object retrieval, or medical alert.

However, they’re a bit restless and want to herd seemingly everything in existence, so they might not be ideal for tasks requiring calmness or constant focus.

For emotional support or therapy work, Australian shepherds’ are once again a really good candidate since they are loyal and extremely affectionate. For people that are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, these dogs can provide comfort and companionship needed in those moments.

How to Care for an Australian Shepherd?

Australian shepherds don’t ask for much in terms of care, just some thorough brushing once in a while, dental care twice a week, and lots and lots of physical activity. Depending on your lifestyle, the last part may be the biggest challenge. Apart from this, these dogs are pretty easy to care for, especially in terms of grooming.

Do You Need to Groom an Australian Shepherd?

Regular brushing, at least once or twice a week, will be needed in order to manage shedding and keeping their coat healthy. You can also bathe them every few months if needed, but this shouldn’t be done often. Trimming may be needed occasionally around the paws and ears, but for the most part, consistent and routine brushing is all you’ll need.

Do Australian Shepherds Shed?

Yes, but it’s very much manageable with consistent care. They shed year-round, with heavier shedding seasons in spring and fall as their coat adjusts to the temperatures. While not hypoallergenic, regular brushing will be enough to control loose fur floating around your home. Still, if allergies are a concern, consider a different breed.

What Health Problems Do Australian Shepherds Have?

Australian shepherds are generally healthy and resilient dogs, but they are predisposed to certain health conditions like any other breed. Here’s a look at some of the most common ones:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is a malformation of the hip or elbow joint, causing pain and lameness. Risk can be reduced through responsible breeding that screens for these conditions. Apart from that, it is important for your Aussie to maintain a healthy weight.

Eye Problems: Australian shepherds are susceptible to eye issues like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (gradual vision loss), and collie eye anomaly (improper development of the eye). Regularly visit the vet to detect these problems early – in some cases, surgery can manage cataracts.

Epilepsy: This neurological disorder is hereditary in Aussies and causes seizures. While there’s no cure, medications can control seizures in most dogs quite effectively. If you notice your Aussie experiencing tremors, stiffening, or loss of consciousness, go to your vet immediately.

Multidrug Resistance (MDR1): This genetic mutation affects how a dog metabolizes certain medications, making them more sensitive to drugs. A simple DNA test can identify MDR1 carriers and your vet will adjust its medications accordingly.

How Long Do Australian Shepherds Live?

Australian shepherds will usually live around 12-15 years.

What Should an Australian Shepherd Eat?

Aussies thrive on a balanced diet rich in protein to fuel their energy levels. Since they’re active dogs, look for a food formulated for active breeds. Ideally, this should have meats such as beef, fish, chicken, etc. You’ll also want to be careful with overfeeding, this breed is prone to gaining weight easily which can exacerbate joint problems.

Is an Australian Shepherd the Right Dog for Me?

To answer this question, ask yourself if you’re an active person. Do you have enough time in a day to go for at least two walks with your dog, which is complemented by additional playtime? Are you okay with a dog that is loud, suspicious of strangers, and restless in small spaces?

If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, you might need to reconsider getting an Aussie since this is the bare minimum this breed needs in order to live its best life. If you answered yes, however, then go ahead and get yourself this bundle of joy and get a taste of ranch life with an Austrailian shepherd.