Australian Shepherd

Personality

Aussies are smart, energetic and devoted. They bond closely with their family and like to know what everyone is up to. At its best the breed is a lively, funny and sensible companion; at its worst, an under-stimulated Aussie is a nuisance with excess energy and a very creative mind.

Herding instincts run deep. Many will try to round up children, other pets or even joggers, sometimes nipping at heels. Training and activity can direct that instinct into more acceptable behavior.

With strangers the breed tends to be reserved rather than outgoing, and it makes a good watchdog. Early socialization helps prevent shyness or over-reactivity.

Aussies are not typically happy as backyard dogs. They want to be involved, so expect a shadow in the kitchen and a partner on every errand. They can be sensitive to noise and to harsh words. With the right job, such as agility, herding or hiking, they are loyal, tireless and hugely rewarding to live with.

History

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd took shape in the western United States. Its ancestry is a blend. Spanish-derived herding dogs arrived in the Americas with flocks as early as the 1500s, and British-type sheepdogs followed settlers and imported sheep west, some of them by way of Australia. Americans began calling the merle-coated "little blue dogs" that arrived with those flocks Australian Shepherds. Basque sheepherders also worked the West, though breed authorities disagree about how much they shaped the dogs.

The breed as it is known today developed in California in the nineteenth century and spread across the West, where ranchers valued its stamina and intelligence. In the twentieth century rodeo performers with trick-performing Aussies introduced it to a wider public, and the Australian Shepherd Club of America was formed to promote the breed.

The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1979, and the American Kennel Club followed in the 1990s, placing it in the Herding Group. It is now one of the most popular breeds in the US, though many working lines are still bred separately from show lines.

Appearance, coat & colors

The Aussie is a medium-sized, well-balanced dog, slightly longer than tall. The AKC lists males at about 20-23 in (51-58 cm) and females at about 18-21 in (46-53 cm). Weight runs from roughly 40-55 lb (18-25 kg) for females up to 50-65 lb (23-29 kg) for males.

The weather-resistant double coat is medium in length, straight to slightly wavy, with feathering on the chest, legs and tail. The color palette is distinctive: blue merle, red merle, black and red, each with or without white markings and tan points. Eyes are typically brown or blue.

Many Aussies are born with a naturally short tail, or bobtail, and others have a full-length tail. Historically long tails were docked, and in some countries docking is banned.

The expression is alert and intelligent, with triangular, high-set ears that fold forward and over at the tips. Movement is smooth and efficient, hinting at the stamina beneath.

Training

An Aussie learns quickly, sometimes too quickly. The breed is among the most trainable in the world, but it also learns bad habits as fast as good ones, so start early and keep consistent. Reward-based methods, with treats, toys and praise, work extremely well.

This breed needs mental work as much as physical exercise. Obedience, agility, rally, trick training and nose work all suit it. Short, varied sessions keep it focused, and a bored Aussie will invent its own games.

Herding behaviors need management. Nipping at heels or circling children can be redirected with a solid recall, a reliable leave-it and plenty of structured activity. Never punish herding instinct, as it is hard-wired; teach what to do instead.

Socialize widely during puppyhood. Reserved dogs may become fearful or reactive without good experiences with strangers, noises and other dogs. Teach calm settling, too, so your dog learns to switch off. A mat or crate routine is a skill worth building early. See our crate training guide.

Exercise

Plan for at least an hour or two of vigorous activity every day, and more for working-line dogs. A walk around the block is not nearly enough. Running, hiking, swimming, fetch, frisbee and agility all suit the breed, and many Aussies make excellent jogging or cycling partners once fully grown.

Physical exercise alone is not enough. Add training, puzzle toys, scent games and herding-style tasks to tire out the mind. Our exercise guide gives more general guidance.

Puppies should not be over-exercised; avoid long runs and repetitive jumping until the growth plates close, which usually takes a year or more. Ask your vet about appropriate activity for your puppy.

Secure fencing is important, as the breed can wander or chase moving things. A dog without enough outlet often turns to barking, chewing, digging or nipping. If you cannot provide this level of activity, a lower-energy breed will make you both happier. Many Aussies thrive in dog sports, which offer structure and a way to bond.

Grooming

The Aussie's double coat sheds year-round and heavily in spring and fall. Brush at least once or twice a week with a slicker brush and an undercoat rake, and daily during seasonal shedding. This prevents mats behind the ears, on the britches and in the feathering.

Do not shave an Aussie. The coat insulates against both cold and heat, and shaving removes that protection. A tidy trim of the feet and sanitary areas is fine.

Bathe only as needed, roughly every few months, with a dog shampoo and a thorough rinse and dry down to the undercoat.

Check ears weekly, since floppy, hairy ears can trap moisture, and clean only if needed. Trim nails regularly, and brush teeth several times a week.

Start handling feet, ears and mouth early so grooming is relaxed. Expect hair on your clothes and furniture, and a good vacuum will become an essential tool.

Feeding

Aussies are active, and a complete and balanced diet suited to the dog's life stage and activity level is the foundation. Working or sporting dogs may need more calories than family pets, while couch-leaning Aussies can easily gain weight.

Most adults do well on two meals a day. Measure food rather than guessing, and adjust by body condition: you should feel ribs under a thin cover and see a visible waist. Try our dog food calculator for a starting point and check with your vet.

For puppies, a medium-breed puppy formula supports steady growth. Avoid overfeeding to speed up growth, which stresses developing joints.

Treats are valuable in training, so count them toward daily calories, keeping them to roughly 10 percent. Use a portion of the daily kibble as training rewards and in puzzle feeders to keep a smart dog busy.

Any dog can bloat, so avoid heavy exercise right after meals, and know the signs: a swollen belly and unproductive retching need an emergency vet. Provide fresh water at all times, especially after hard activity.

Health

Aussies are generally healthy and long-lived, but several inherited conditions are known. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia occur, as do eye problems including hereditary cataracts, collie eye anomaly and progressive retinal atrophy. Epilepsy is also seen in the breed.

One of the most important genetic concerns is the MDR1 gene mutation (also called ABCB1), which affects how some dogs process certain drugs. Dogs with the mutation can have severe reactions to a number of common medications, so a DNA test is valuable. Tell any vet if your dog carries it, and never change medication without veterinary advice.

The merle gene carries its own risk. Dogs that inherit two copies of merle, from two merle parents, are more likely to have hearing and vision defects, so responsible breeders never pair two merles.

Aussies typically live 12-15 years. Ask breeders for hip, elbow and eye clearances plus MDR1 and other DNA results for both parents, preferably checkable on the OFA database. Keep your dog lean, current on preventive care and on an annual checkup schedule.

Health conditions to know about

• Hip and elbow dysplasia — Inherited joint problems that can cause pain and arthritis.
• MDR1 (ABCB1) drug sensitivity — Gene mutation that causes serious reactions to certain drugs; DNA test available.
• Collie eye anomaly, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy — Inherited eye conditions that may affect vision.
• Epilepsy — Seizure disorder that can be inherited; managed with veterinary guidance.
• Merle-related deafness and vision defects — Risk is highest in double-merle puppies, which responsible breeders avoid.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Hip evaluation
• Elbow evaluation
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• MDR1 DNA test
• Hereditary cataract (HSF4) and collie eye anomaly DNA tests
• Hearing (BAER) test for double-merle dogs

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Australian Shepherd

An Aussie is best suited to a home with a yard or easy access to open spaces, and to a household that spends time outdoors. It can adapt to smaller homes if its exercise and mental needs are met, but a typical city apartment with a few short walks is not enough.

The breed needs company. A dog left alone all day without outlets may bark, dig, chew or fret, so a household where someone is home or a daily routine with daycare, walkers or training is a better fit.

Aussies do well in cool and moderate climates thanks to their double coat. In hot weather, exercise in the early morning or evening, provide shade and water, and avoid hot pavement.

They can be good with children they are raised with, but the herding instinct may lead to chasing or nipping at small, running kids, so supervise and teach manners to both. They can live with other pets if introduced early. Keep a secure fence, and consider a microchip and ID tag in case your clever dog finds a way out.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Australian Shepherd puppy prices vary widely, depending on region, lines and breeder. Because the breed has so many working and show lines, start by deciding what you want: a calm family companion or a high-drive sport partner. Good breeders will ask about your lifestyle and match puppies accordingly.

The United States Australian Shepherd Association, the AKC parent club, asks breeders to test parents with OFA hip and elbow evaluations and an annual eye exam registered with OFA. It also strongly recommends DNA tests for hereditary cataracts, MDR1 and collie eye anomaly. Ask to see the results. Breeders should never pair two merle dogs and should be open about any health issues in their lines.

Puppies should be raised in a home, well socialized and not sent to a new family before eight weeks.

Aussies frequently end up in rescue because owners underestimate their needs. Breed-specific rescues can offer adults whose energy and temperament are already known, and many will help you match a dog to your lifestyle. Budget for training classes, as an Aussie benefits greatly from them.