A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is an energetic herding breed developed in the United States, with a double coat and a strong working outlook. Plan regular training and active tasks, not only physical space, and brush through the shedding coat.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Australian Shepherd questions
Are Australian Shepherds actually from Australia?
No. The breed as we know it was developed on ranches and farms in the American West. The name is usually traced to Basque shepherds who arrived in the United States by way of Australia in the 1800s, bringing their herding dogs with them.
How big does a full-grown Australian Shepherd get?
Males usually stand 20 to 23 inches tall and weigh 50 to 65 pounds, and females stand 18 to 21 inches and weigh 40 to 55 pounds. The Aussie is a medium-sized dog, not a large one, and some individuals fall a little outside those ranges.
Do Australian Shepherds shed a lot?
They shed, with heavier seasonal spells. The waterproof double coat usually needs brushing once a week. During shedding season, working through the coat with an undercoat rake every two or three days clears the loose hair.
How long do Australian Shepherds live?
Lifespan is usually 12 to 15 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?
Often, yes. Aussies do very well with children when the kids are supervised and taught how to behave around a dog. They also have a strong urge to herd anything that moves, kids included, so that is worth managing with training.
How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need, and can one live in a city?
Plan on a lot of activity every day. That means an hour or two of running and play, or a steady routine of long walks and hikes, plus a job such as herding, obedience or agility. City life can work if you provide that exercise and are around enough, because Aussies struggle when they are regularly left on their own for long stretches.
Is a Mini Aussie the same as an Australian Shepherd?
No. There is no recognized breed called the Miniature Australian Shepherd. The smaller recognized breed is the Miniature American Shepherd, which is separate and stands 13 to 18 inches tall and weighs 20 to 40 pounds.
Why do Australian Shepherds have short tails?
Some Aussies are born with a natural bobtail and others have the tail docked. Docking began on ranches and farms as a way to avoid injuries and infections from burrs and foxtails, and to mark dogs as working stock. It is not done for cosmetic reasons.
