Australian Shepherd breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Australian Shepherds
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Australian Shepherd breed
Interestingly, the Australian Shepherd actually originates from California, and was derived from the Spanish Sheepdog. The breed earned its name due to its association with Australian sheep imported to the U.S.
They are incredibly intelligent, energetic, and alert working dogs, often found on farms and ranches where they excel at herding livestock. Their intelligence and trainability also make them popular in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and frisbee.
One of their unique features is their striking appearance, including the frequent occurrence of two different coloured eyes (heterochromia) or striking blue eyes, which adds to their charm. Their coat comes in a variety of colours, including blue merle, red merle, black, and red, often with white or tan markings. Many have naturally short tails, due to ranchers breeding from dogs with short tails as it was safer for herding work.
Weight, height and life expectancy
Australian Shepherds can be up to 57cm in height for males, and 52cm for females.
They can weigh between 18 and 29kg.
Their life expectancy is usually between 12 and 15 years.
The Miniature Australian Shepherd, now recognised as the Miniature American Shepherd, is a smaller version of the breed, maintaining the same intelligence, energy, and herding instincts but in a more compact size, making them suitable for a wider range of living situations.
What is the temperament of Australian Shepherds like?
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic, and devoted dogs with a loving and loyal nature. They can be cautious around new people, so early socialisation helps them feel more comfortable. With proper training, they make excellent pets for active families, but they need guidance to avoid herding family members or other pets.
Our Australian Shepherd Community
"Comet loves to play with his ball, have a rough and tumble and sniff everything in sight! He is learning about the outside world, but needs plenty of down time too with cuddles and a comfy spot! He loves people very much, but he maybe slightly too attached to his owners and needs to learn to be away from us too."
Comet's owner, Alexandra from London
"Floki is a loveable, playful pooch. He loves all sorts of games (catch, hide and seek with toys etc) with his favourite being anything involving a ball! But also likes his chill time with a cuddle on the sofa. Has very good recall off the lead and enjoys nothing more in this world (other than cheese) than to swim."
Floki's owner, Mike from Reading
How much exercise do Australian Shepherds need?
Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs that thrive on physical and mental stimulation, making them best suited to active lifestyles. They require more than 2 hours of exercise daily, which can include brisk walks, runs, or playtime in a secure area.
These dogs aren’t just physically active; they are highly intelligent and need mental challenges to stay happy. Owners should incorporate activities like puzzle toys, interactive games, and learning new tricks to keep their minds engaged. Without enough mental stimulation, they can become bored and may develop undesirable behaviours such as excessive barking or chewing.
Australian Shepherds excel at activities that let them use their natural athleticism and intelligence, such as agility, flyball, and obedience training. These sports not only keep them fit but also deepen the bond between dog and owner.
For non-working Australian Shepherds, committed owners are essential to ensure they get the exercise and stimulation they crave. Whether it’s long hikes, daily training sessions, or competitive sports, these dogs love to stay busy and thrive when given a purpose.
Consult with your vet for specific exercise guidelines based on your Australian Shepherd's age and physical condition.
Need an extra hand exercising your Australian Shepherd? Find a local borrower today.
Do Australian Shepherds need a lot of grooming?
Australian Shepherds are known for their striking colour coats. Their double-layered, waterproof coats are designed to protect them in various weather conditions, but they do require regular grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Australian Shepherds are moderate to heavy shedders, especially during seasonal changes, when they “blow” their undercoat. To manage this, brushing them at least weekly is essential. During shedding seasons, daily brushing may be necessary to prevent mats and keep your home fur-free.
Bathing should be done only when necessary, as over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their coats. Use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Pay attention to their ears as well, as floppy ears can trap moisture leading to potential infections. Clean their ears gently with a vet-approved cleaner regularly.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is ideal. Twice daily is best, but even a few times a week can help prevent dental issues.
With consistent grooming and care, your Australian Shepherd will stay healthy, comfortable, and ready for any adventure!
Are Australian Shepherds easy to train?
The Australian Shepherd is renowned for its intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes them relatively easy to train.
These dogs thrive with an experienced and confident owner who understands dog training techniques and can provide clear, consistent leadership. For this reason, Australian Shepherds may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. They require a firm but gentle hand and someone who is dedicated to their development, however they are sensitive so respond better to positive reinforcement training methods.
Australian Shepherds are highly energetic and curious, so repetitive or dull training can lead to boredom and a lack of focus. With the right training approach and plenty of mental and physical stimulation, Australian Shepherds can excel in obedience, agility, and even advanced tasks like herding or search-and-rescue work. They’re a joy to train for those who are ready to invest the time and effort!
Want to experience spending time with an Australian Shepherd to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow an Australian Shepherd near you.
What do Australian Shepherds eat?
Feeding your Australian Shepherd a high-quality dog food is essential to keep them healthy and active. For adult Australian Shepherds, two meals a day is ideal. Divide their daily portion into morning and evening feedings to help manage their energy levels and prevent overeating. Puppies should be on a puppy specific diet until they are about 12 months old and split into 3-4 meals per day until 6 months old.
Australian Shepherds are prone to weight gain, so it’s important to monitor their food intake carefully. Be mindful of treats, as too many can lead to unwanted weight gain. Reserve treats for training or special occasions.
Unless your Australian Shepherd is a working dog or engaging in high levels of daily exercise, they generally don’t need a high-calorie working dog food.
If they have any joint or skin issues they can benefit from supplements as recommended by your vet. A well-balanced diet tailored to your Australian Shepherd’s life stage and activity level will ensure they stay happy, healthy, and ready for adventures!
Are Australian Shepherds healthy?
Australian shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but can be more prone to some conditions than other breeds:
Bones and Joints
Hip dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Elbow dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye, breaks down, leading to blindness
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Glaucoma - when the pressure of the eye becomes too high which can damage the eye
Medication
Multidrug Sensitivity - this hereditary condition is when your dog cannot process drugs properly
Metabolic
Cobalamin deficiency - this genetic condition occurs when certain dogs cannot absorb vitamin B12 as well as they should
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if an Australian Shepherd is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Keep your Australian Shepherd physically and mentally stimulated with daily exercise and interactive play to prevent boredom-related behaviours. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and consistent grooming, including ear cleaning and dental care, will help keep them healthy and happy!
BorrowMyDoggy loves Australian Shepherds
BorrowMyDoggy has over 500 Australian Shepherd members
Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
