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Australian shepherd

The Australian shepherd is American, not Australian.

It was developed in the western United States in the 1800s, and the name most likely attached to it through Basque shepherds who arrived by way of Australia with their dogs.

It is a medium-sized herding dog with a moderate double coat, often merle, and frequently a naturally bobbed tail. Aussies became widely known through rodeo and ranch work, and the intelligence and drive that made them useful there is exactly what a pet home has to plan for. They are quick to learn, quick to bore, and inclined to herd whatever is available if given nothing better.

Origin
Western United States
Size
16–32 kg, 46–58 cm at the shoulder
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Medium double coat, often merle
Temperament
Bright, energetic, reserved with strangers, biddable
Exercise
2 hours daily plus mental work

Related: Collie · Anatolian shepherd dog · Australian cattle dog · Australian kelpie · Australian stumpy tail cattle dog

3 australian shepherd photos, newest first

  • Indigo, a australian shepherd

    Indigo

    Indigo will bring the frisbee back as soon as she has finished being photographed with it.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Mochi IV, a australian shepherd

    Mochi IV

    Mochi IV was promoted to overwhelmed airport baggage manager; unfortunately, a clockwork train misses the platform.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Mochi IV, a australian shepherd

    Mochi IV

    Mochi IV waiting for something to happen. Anything.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a australian shepherd

Brush twice a week and daily during the seasonal moult, which is substantial.

This is a working dog in a family-dog body. Agility, herding, flyball, obedience or scentwork all suit; a garden and a daily walk do not. Under-stimulated aussies typically start nipping heels and patrolling.

Two genetic points matter. The MDR1 drug-sensitivity variant is common in the breed and has a cheap DNA test that every owner should have done. And breeding merle to merle produces double-merle puppies with serious sight and hearing defects — a reason to ask carefully about a litter's parents. Hip dysplasia and Collie eye anomaly also occur.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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