Australian Shepherd Breed Characteristics
Height
46 to 58 cm at the shoulder
Weight
40 to 65 pounds
Life Expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Merle, blue, black, red, tricolour
Australian Shepherd
Intelligent, energetic and outgoing
About the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd or Aussie is an active owner’s perfect sidekick. They’re up for anything, so long as they get to stretch their legs and spend time with their favourite person – you!
As a born and bred herding dog, they possess the ‘eye’, a keen stare that they use to watch over their flock. These versatile, hardworking dogs thrive in households where they can put their skills to use.
But that’s not all they’re good at – they are also great with a family, and enjoy playing around with kids and other dogs. They love to be involved in your activities and consider themselves to be part of the family.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Australian Shepherd, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your Australian Shepherd puppy may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
4/5
Friendly with Dogs
5/5
Ease of Grooming
2/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Prey Drive
4/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
4/5
Good for Novice Owners
2/5
Apartment Living
1/5
Australian Shepherd Breed History
Despite their name, Australian Shepherds actually trace their roots to the Basque region of Spain. Dogs were bred for their herding ability, and when Spanish colonists began to settle in Australia, they took their dogs with them.
These adept herding dogs were then bred with other breeds in Australia, and were then imported into California. American Ranchers called the dogs Australian Shepherds, not knowing the dogs’ background.
They would continue to be refined by American breeders into the hardy, hardworking breed we know today.
Caring For an Australian Shepherd
- Temperament: The typical Australian Shepherd is eager to please their owners, and is affectionate with their family members. They’re not aggressive, but may be territorial and protective over their family.
- Grooming: Australian Shepherds have a double coat that needs frequent brushing and grooming.
- Exercise: They are energetic, quick-moving dynamos that can keep playing and running for hours. They require around 2 hours of exercise per day at minimum.
- Nutrition: Adult Australian Shepherds will need around 2 cups of dry dog food each day, and Australian Shepherd puppies will need around half that. You may seek advice from your veterinarian for more specific information.
- Training: Australian Shepherds are very trainable, as they are highly intelligent and love to learn new tricks and commands.
How to Choose a Responsible Australian Shepherd Breeder
As dog owners, our pets rely on us to give them the best life possible. This starts with getting your Australian Shepherd puppy from a responsible breeder, as it sets them up for a longer, happier life. Ethical breeders should test the parents and puppies for common breed health problems.
When looking for an Australian Shepherd for sale, make an effort to visit the breeder and see the dogs’ living accommodations. Good breeders will have a clean, comfortable space for their animals, and will provide ample opportunities for their dogs to socialise and explore the world around them.
Australian Shepherd FAQ
Can Australian Shepherds be left alone throughout the day?
Australian Shepherds are intended to be with their owners or handlers throughout the day. They do not enjoy being left to their own devices, and may start digging, clawing or biting objects if left unattended.
Do Australian Shepherds make good guard dogs?
Australian Shepherds can alert their family to intruders as they are alert and can be territorial. However, they aren’t prone to attack like other guard dog breeds, and are more adept at being watchdogs.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Australian Shepherd
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
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