Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
With colorful coats, curious intellect and boundless energy, Australian Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.1 These athletic herding dogs are beautiful and smart—and they take well to training—so it's no wonder people love them.
However, the Australian Shepherd comes with some caution signs all prospective owners should know. Even as puppies, Aussies can test every boundary you set for them and won't fall for your shortcuts or tricks for long. Known for smarts that veer into obstinance, Australian Shepherds are likely best suited to living situations with room to run around or even a job to do. Also, this is a fairly long-haired dog that needs regular brushing (and you'll need a good vacuum cleaner to deal with the shedding).
Despite a mischievous nature in its puppy years, an adult Australian Shepherd is a sharp, hardy and friendly dog that's good with kids and great on hikes—and that just might be the adventurous companion you've always wanted.
Historical Background
The Australian Shepherd's name is somewhat misleading, as the breed's origins trace back to herding dogs from the Basque region of Spain. Basque shepherds first brought these dogs to Australia, and then to the United States, which likely influenced the breed's lasting nickname. In the U.S., the dogs gained popularity with ranchers for their herding abilities and became a hit at rodeos for their incredible athleticism. The breed has also been known by other names, such as the Spanish Shepherd and Pastor Dog, though it is distinct from breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog (aka Blue Heeler).1
The ever-alert Australian Shepherd has the speed and toughness to serve as a ranch dog. Without such duties, this breed can exhibit a natural impulse to herd other animals, other dogs or even children. A natural drive to work, play, herd or otherwise remain busy can make Aussies simply too much for sedentary pet owners to handle.2
Physical Characteristics
Aussies are lean, muscular, midsize dogs. Males typically weigh 50 to 65 pounds and stand 20 to 23 inches tall, while females usually weigh 40 to 55 pounds and are 18 to 21 inches tall.3 The Miniature American Shepherd, also called the Mini Australian Shepherd, is a similar but smaller breed.
Appearance-wise, Aussies have two unique genetic traits. The first is their striking eyes, which can be any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber or green. They sometimes exhibit heterochromia—two different colored eyes.1 But Aussies are probably best known for their luxurious, colorful coats that are either black, red, red merle or blue merle, with or without white markings and/or tan points.3 The coveted blue merle variety refers to a diluted black-and-gray coat with hints of blue.4 How fetching!
Temperament and Behavior
Speaking of fetching, if Aussies have enough energy to herd livestock all day, they certainly have enough energy to take all the playtime you can throw at them and then some. Without sufficient mental stimulation or play, they can adopt destructive habits, like chewing furniture or personal items. Be sure to channel your Aussie's energy by giving him games to play and even puzzles to solve.2
Aussies can be warm and kind to people they're familiar with, but strangers can be met with protective, guarding behaviors and even some growling or snarling. Well-balanced Aussies are friendly, social and family-oriented dogs—they love to be around people!5 But sometimes, when they're not the center of attention, they will make a range of noises, from cute squeaks and groans to deafening barks and yips, which dog training can address.
Exercise, Training and Social Interaction
While Aussies rank high on the exercise-needs scale, they are highly trainable and thrive on regular, intense training sessions with their owners, seeming to crave tasks and a job to do.3
Games are an excellent way to keep Aussies mentally stimulated and prevent boredom, especially when these pups are maturing. Aussies want to please their owners, so devoting time to positive reinforcement training will be a win-win situation for you and your dog.5
In addition to training, early socialization is essential for Aussies, both with other dogs and people outside your household. Aussies are natural at group play and should get along with other dogs, but this takes practice for some pets. Starting socialization during puppyhood ensures they grow into well-rounded and sociable adult dogs.2
Health Considerations
Australian Shepherds can be prone to certain health issues. These may include anxiety, eye conditions, elbow and hip dysplasia and skin problems.6 Additionally, some Aussies carry a genetic mutation in the MDR1 gene, making them sensitive to certain medications due to a reduced ability to process them.7 With proper care, Australian Shepherds typically enjoy a long life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.3
All new canine family members should have their first veterinarian appointment right away, schedule regular follow-ups, and stay on top of all medications and vaccinations. Purchasing pet insurance may help you maintain both your pet's health and your budget.
Grooming Needs
An Australian Shepherd's double coat is designed to keep her warm in winter and cool in summer, so shaving her fur is generally not recommended.8 Instead of using clippers, focus on other strategies to keep your dog cool in extreme heat, such as providing shade and plenty of water to prevent dehydration. There's no getting around an Aussie's heavy shedding, but regular brushing—daily if necessary—and occasional professional grooming can help keep shedding under control.1 The breed's ears are lined with soft, moderately long hair that requires regular brushing to prevent tangling and matting.
Australian Shepherds are often recognized for their lack of a tail—about 1 in 5 Aussies are born with a naturally bobbed tail.1 Others have their tails bobbed at a young age (a practice that remains controversial).9
Feeding and Nutrition
Australian Shepherds need a nutritious diet to support their high energy levels and active lifestyle. Look for high-quality dog food that is rich in protein, with moderate to high fat content. The food should include easily digestible carbohydrates from whole grains (rather than fillers like wheat or corn), as well as nutrients like essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.10
Although an Aussie burns a tremendous amount of energy each day, be careful not to overfeed him. Excessive weight gain can be an issue for Australian Shepherds, particularly as they age.9
Choosing the Right Australian Shepherd
When considering adding a herding dog like the Australian Shepherd to your family, the first consideration is whether your home provides enough space—both indoors and outdoors—for them to exercise. If you lead an active lifestyle, have a yard or nearby park and perhaps have family members who can help with daily dog care, an Aussie could be a great fit.
However, before finding a reputable breeder or adoption center, it's equally important to evaluate whether your lifestyle can accommodate the needs of an active and energetic dog like the Australian Shepherd.
Pets Best Is Here To Help
The Australian Shepherd is one of the most intelligent, beautiful and athletic dog breeds in the world. Of course, such superstar status comes with challenges. But if owners go the extra mile to give their Aussie the time and attention she needs during her formative years, they'll have an amazing companion and outgoing family member.
All pets, regardless of their breed or pedigree, deserve a loving home with responsible owners who give them regular care. Pets Best dog insurance is part of that care and can make the responsibilities of dog ownership easier to meet. Plus, Pets Best policyholders have access to the Pets Best 24/7 Helpline, where veterinary experts are available to assist with everything from urgent care to behavioral advice. Give your pet the support they deserve—get started now!
Sources/ Citations
1. "Australian Shepherd Facts You May Not Know," Jan Reisen (3/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/fun-facts-australian-shepherd/
2. "A Guide to Owning an Australian Shepherd," Robert Nicholson (2/2023), HubPages, https://discover.hubpages.com/animals/Aussie-Tales
3. "Australian Shepherd," (n.d.), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-shepherd/
4. "What is a Blue Merle?" (7/2023), Scottish Dog Behaviourist, https://www.scottishdogbehaviourist.com/blog/what-is-a-blue-merle
5. "Are Australian Shepherds Good with Kids?" Taylor Morgan (9/2023), Service Dog Training School International, https://www.servicedogtrainingschool.org/blog/are-australian-shepherds-good-kids
6. "6 Most Common Australian Shepherd Health Issues," (1/2023), Vetericyn, https://vetericyn.com/blog/australian-shepherd-health-issues/
7. "Australian Shepherd History: Behind the Breed's Herding Heritage," Denise Flaim (3/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/australian-shepherd-history/
8. "Is It True That Australian Shepherds are Double Coated? Facts & Characteristics," Nicole Cosgrove (7/2024), Dogster, https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/is-it-true-that-australian-shepherds-are-double-coated
9. "Australian Shepherd," Katie Ryan (9/2023), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/australian-shepherd
10. "The Ultimate Guide to Feeding Your Australian Shepherd," (5/2023), The Honest Kitchen, https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blogs/pet-food-ingredients/best-dog-food-for-australian-shepherd