Australian Shepherd
Also known as Aussie
- Height at the withers
- 46 to 58 cm
- Weight
- 16 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Western United States
- FCI group
- 1 · Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
An agile, medium-sized sheepdog with a striking multicolored coat, expressive eyes and keen herding instincts. Known for its intensity at work and its weather-resistant double coat.
History and origins
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the American West in the 19th century. Its ancestors are thought to be herding dogs that arrived with flocks imported from Australia, often handled by Basque shepherds, and British collies. Its intelligence and versatility made it indispensable on ranches.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Collie eye anomaly
- Hereditary cataracts
- Drug sensitivity (MDR1 mutation)
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Australian Shepherd FAQ
How big does the Australian Shepherd get?
The Australian Shepherd stands 46 to 58 cm at the withers and weighs 16 to 32 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Australian Shepherd shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Australian Shepherd live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Australian Shepherd need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Australian Shepherd good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Australian Shepherd live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are Collie eye anomaly and hereditary cataracts.
