Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

In this post, we share insights from almost 10,000 Sniffspot users, offering practical advice for new and prospective Australian Shepherd owners. Whether you're considering owning or rescuing an Australian Shepherd yourself or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with this trainable AKC breed. As cold-weather breeds, Aussies are well-suited for various climates and physical activities.

As Sniffspot user Patrick says, "She's my best friend and is so in sync with me. I don't recommend Aussies to beginners, but for people who can handle their exercise needs, intelligence, and attitude, they're amazing. I feel like we communicate effortlessly and she's always there for me."

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

Australian Shepherd Quick Characteristics

• Breed Type: Herding
• Size: Medium
• Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
• Healthy Weight Range: 40 - 65 lbs
• Height Range: 18 -23 in
• Temperament: Trainable, Playful, Affectionate
• Coat Type: Double
• Color: Blue merle, red merle, black, and red

About Australian Shepherds

According to 337 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Australian Shepherd, we learned these dogs are trainable, playful, and affectionate. The Australian Shepherd is very friendly and social with strangers and very friendly and social with children, making them one of the more dog-friendly breeds. Their coat color can vary widely, including blue merle, red merle, black, and red, often with white markings and black patches.

When living with an Australian Shepherd, 79% of our owners said a large house with a fenced yard is the best environment for Aussies. Additionally, 50% of owners said a rural or suburban area with open spaces is also acceptable. This preference aligns with their history as a breed on farms and their status as one of the active breeds that require ample space for physical exercise and aerobic exercise.

This native breed is highly trainable, learns commands quickly, and responds well to training. Owners also say the Australian Shepherd learns best with positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards), consistent daily training routines, and socialization with other dogs and people. Trick training can be an excellent way to engage their intelligent minds and provide necessary brain exercise.

When it comes to exercise, 51% of Sniffspot owners say their Australian Shepherd benefits from moderate amounts of exercise, like regular walks and play sessions. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies often require more physical activities than some other dogs, including regular aerobic exercise. The Sniffspot Australian Shepherd community would not recommend this dog breed to first-time dog owners due to their high energy levels and need for experienced handling.

History and Origin of Australian Shepherds

The Australian Shepherd's ancestry is complex, with potential influences from the Carea Leonés, a Spanish sheepdog, and British herding dogs brought to America in the 1800s. While the exact origins are unclear, the breed's development was shaped by the influx of sheep and shepherds during the California Gold Rush and the Civil War. Sheep and herding dogs from both the British Isles and Australia contributed to the breed's formation.

Although the name "Australian Shepherd" emerged from American observations, the breed's genetic roots lie in British herding dogs. A 2017 study confirmed the Australian Shepherd's connection to the UK Rural clade, including Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, with shared traits like the MDR1 mutation and Collie eye anomaly. Some speculate that German herding dogs and Basque immigrants also played roles in shaping the breed.

Today, the Australian Shepherd remains a popular, versatile breed known for its herding abilities and high energy. Despite its mixed heritage, it has evolved from its origins to become a beloved companion in the U.S.

Australian Shepherd Traits and Characteristics

We compiled Sniffspot community submissions on their own dog breeds to determine these Australian Shepherd dog traits and characteristics:

• Temperament: Trainable, Playful, Affectionate
• Energy Level: High
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Grooming needs: Moderate maintenance
• Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
• Good with Other Pets: Very friendly with other pets
• Height: 18-23 inches tall

Australian Shepherds are known for their distinctive coat colors, including blue merle, red merle, black, and red, often with white markings. These colors are not just for cosmetic reasons; they're part of the breed's charm and heritage.

Unlike barkless breeds, Australian Shepherds can be quite vocal, especially when alerting their owners to potential threats or when engaging in herding behaviors. However, with proper training, their barking can be managed effectively.

What to Expect as an Australian Shepherd Dog Owner

As an Australian Shepherd owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips as well as expectations from current Australian Shepherd owners. Pet owners should be prepared for a dog that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. This native breed thrives when given a job to do, which can include activities that mimic their original purpose to breed on farms.

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024

Grooming Needs | Moderate Maintenance

Australian Shepherd dogs require moderate maintenance grooming. This means Australian Shepherd owners should expect regular brushing and periodic baths. Australian Shepherd dogs have a double coat, ideal for insulation and protection, especially as cold-weather breeds. Their double coat is considered high shed, producing a significant amount of dead hair.

To keep your Australian Shepherd's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush their coats regularly to manage shedding and prevent mats. An undercoat rake can be particularly useful during shedding seasons. Of the coat types for common breeds in the herding group, the coat grooming needs for Australian Shepherds are considered moderate maintenance. Frequent grooming is necessary not just for cosmetic reasons, but also for the overall health of your dog.

Exercise Needs | High

Australian Shepherds require high activity levels each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Aussies are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed. As active breeds, they thrive on physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Aussies make great pets for active pat parents, and they thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Aussies report their dogs especially love chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, playing with squeaky toys, and tug-of-war. These activities not only provide physical exercise but also engage their sharp minds, offering necessary brain exercise.

When medium breeds like Aussies don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular aerobic exercise to avoid excess energy and ensure they lead happy lives. Providing alternative behavior options through training can help redirect their energy positively.

Diet and Nutrition

What should you feed your Australian Shepherd to keep him healthy? As a Moderate energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 66% of our community feed their Aussie commercial dry kibble.

With moderate exercise, Aussies should eat 2 to 3 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 40 - 65 lbs. However, your Australian Shepherd's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.

Breed Health Concerns

The Australian Shepherd breed is prone to certain genetic conditions. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are heritable conditions that pet owners should be aware of. A reported 28% of our Australian Shepherd owners reported digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Aussie's risk for these challenges increase as they age.

Similarly, 22% reported skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis. Lastly, 20% of Australian Shepherd owners claim their dog struggles with joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma — common Aussie health concerns.

The Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute is a valuable resource for pat parents looking to understand and manage these breed health concerns. If you're worried about any of these health issues, talk to your Aussie's vet.

How Friendly Are Australian Shepherds?

Another important thing to consider when adopting an Aussie is whether or not they fit with your current family. How friendly are Australian Shepherds compared to other medium-sized breeds?

Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024

With consistent training, you can hone your Aussie's herding instinct into a friendly and loyal family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like overexcitement and herding tendencies. Our community Australian Shepherd owners comment on their pet's friendliness:

"Innate need to herd other animals in the home. They are friendly and loyal to the people they know but do not take well to new people or strangers." (ST)

"He is very reserved and protective of me and my wife + our house. It is difficult to get him acclimated to strangers and other dogs. He is insanely friendly though to his favorite inner circle." (DP)

How to Train an Australian Shepherd

Whether you're adopting an Aussie puppy or a grown Australian Shepherd adult, training is a large part of owning this active breed. When you fail to train your Aussie properly, they're more likely to display undesirable behaviors like overexcitement, excessive herding tendencies, or destructive chewing. Providing stimulating activities and brain exercise is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Aussie.

As a herding breed, Australian Shepherds benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Aussie community recommended based on their experience with their own dog:

• Positive Reinforcement (96%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior.
• Consistent Routines (56%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to get comfortable with expectations.
• Socialization (42%): Socializing your dog with other pets, dogs, and people prepares them to interact with the world.

As dogs bred to breed on farms and for herding, Aussies are considered highly trainable by all types of dog owners. Early socialization and training, starting from 8 weeks of age, can help shape well-behaved adult dogs. Teaching alternative behavior options can be particularly helpful in managing their herding instincts in a home environment.

Celine Druget on Unsplash

What Do Owners Love About Australian Shepherds?

We asked Sniffspot Aussie owners what they love the most about their Australian Shepherd pups, and here's what they had to say:

"They're incredibly smart, independent, and so animated and expressive." (Staci)

"Athletic, as long as you’re physically active they’re super fun and friendly dogs. And so soft!" (Leanne)

"They're always up for anything and stick to their person like glue. Very versatile in what you can train them to do." (Liliana)

"I love how versatile my Aussie is. Whether we're out for a hike or practicing agility, she's always up for the challenge. Her coat color changes beautifully with the seasons too!" (Emma)

What Are the Biggest Challenges for Australian Shepherd Owners?

Similarly, Aussie owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with Australian Shepherds:

"Reactivity - my dog is reactive and when we went to do training, we discovered many of the other dogs there were other herding breeds if not also Aussies. They have such a high drive and are so loyal to their people that they are prone to reactivity, especially if not socialized when they’re young. In addition, she’s mellowed with age, but they are SUPER hyper puppies!" (Patrick)

"While our dog is incredibly clever, she's also independent and difficult to motivate to listen to us. Nothing is as exciting as running off to explore, no matter what kind of food we're holding and trying to tempt her with! She's clever enough to know what she prioritizes." (Staci)

"Sometimes protective as shepherds are bred to be, only at the fence though." (Leanne)

"Managing their high energy levels can be challenging. They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis to stay happy and well-behaved. But with regular exercise and engaging activities, they're a joy to have around." (Michael)

Is an Australian Shepherd Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?

Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey

According to 74% of our Sniffspot community, Australian Shepherds are not a great first-time dog. This comes from their trainable nature and moderate exercise needs. Australian Shepherd owners say it best:

"Too smart for their own good sometimes, sensitive to movement and noise, high herding instinct needs to be met and directed properly" (Joy)

"Highly affectionate, trainable, willing and wanting to learn, incredibly loyal." (Cathleen)

"Their intelligence, loyalty/velcro attachment and energy level can be a lot." (SH)

Advice for Australian Shepherd Owners

Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Aussie owners. These Australian Shepherd breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:

Be prepared to meet Aussie's high energy level.

"Mental and physical exercise is important, Aussies like to have a job and use their brain." (Emily)

"Do your research! These dogs need mental enrichment, physical exercise, and training DAILY or you will face behavioral issues." (Kirby)

"Trick training is a great way to keep your Aussie mentally stimulated. It taps into their natural instincts and intelligence, and it's a fun bonding activity for both of you." (David)

Give them an outlet for their herding instinct.

"My advice would be to utilize their herding instinct. Allow them to express it! It's amazing to watch their natural instinct and let them do what they were bred to do." (Grace)

"Don't try to get rid of the herding instinct, give them an outlet. For example, buy a herding ball for them to herd instead of letting them herd your smaller pets, you, or children." (Kayla)

Have enough space for them in your home/outside.

"Not a good fit for small spaces if they can't be out and moving or working." (Carrie)

"Don't forget about brain exercise! Puzzle toys, scent work, and obedience training are great ways to keep your Aussie's mind active. It's just as important as physical exercise in preventing undesirable behaviors." (Lisa)

"If you are living in a smaller apartment or urban area, or even a house with a yard be sure to exercise your dog and keep them engaged mentally every day outside of the home and yard. There should be at least one activity a day that will satisfy their need. Whether that be the dog park, agility course, play date, or puzzle." (MF)

Understand their grooming needs.

"Don't underestimate the importance of regular grooming. An undercoat rake is a must-have tool, especially during shedding seasons. It's not just about keeping them looking good; it's essential for their skin health too." (Sarah)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Australian Shepherd

What is the average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd?

The average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is typically between 12 - 15 years.

What is the size of an Australian Shepherd?

An adult Australian Shepherd weighs between 40 - 65 lbs and stands between 18 - 23 inches tall at the shoulder.

How much grooming does an Australian Shepherd need?

Australian Shepherd dogs require moderate maintenance grooming. This means Australian Shepherd owners should expect regular brushing and periodic baths. Australian Shepherd dogs have a double coat, ideal for insulation and protection. Their double coat is considered high shed.

To keep your Australian Shepherd's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush them regularly to manage shedding and prevent mats. Of the coat types for herding breeds, the coat grooming needs for Australian Shepherds is about average.

How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need?

As one of the high-energy breeds, Australian Shepherds require substantial activity each day. Aussies are considered a highly athletic, high-energy breed that thrives on regular exercise.

Aussies make great pets for active pat parents, and they flourish with between 1-2 hours of physical exercise each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Aussies report their dogs especially love chasing/playing with a ball or frisbee, playing with squeaky toys, and tug-of-war.

When active breeds like Aussies don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent physical activity to channel their energy effectively and lead happy lives.

How friendly are Australian Shepherds with children?

According to our data, Australian Shepherds are very friendly and social with children.

How well do Australian Shepherds get along with other pets?

Our research shows that Australian Shepherds are very friendly with other pets with other pets.

What should you feed your Australian Shepherd to keep him healthy?

As a moderate energy breed, what you feed your Aussie is important. A reported 66% of our community feed their Aussie commercial dry kibble.

With moderate exercise, Aussies should eat 2 to 3 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 40 - 65 lbs. However, your Australian Shepherd's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.

What health concerns are common for Australian Shepherds?

The Australian Shepherd breed is most prone to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite and skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis.

Are Australian Shepherds good for cold weather?

Yes, Australian Shepherds are considered cold-weather breeds. Their double coat provides excellent insulation against cold temperatures, making them well-suited for chilly climates. However, as with all dogs, they should still be protected from extreme weather conditions. Their status as cold-weather breeds also means they may struggle in very hot climates and require extra care during the summer months.

Are Australian Shepherds considered barkless breeds?

No, Australian Shepherds are not considered barkless breeds. In fact, they can be quite vocal, especially when alerting their owners to potential threats or when engaging in herding behaviors. However, with proper training and by providing alternative behavior options, their barking can be managed effectively. As with many dog-friendly breeds, early socialization and consistent training are key to developing good manners.

Resources for Australian Shepherd Owners

Whether you're a current Australian Shepherd dog owner or you're considering adopting an Aussie, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Australian Shepherd owners:

• Australian Shepherd Club of America (one of the primary breed clubs for Aussies)
• Most Popular Australian Shepherd Dog Names
• Best Australian Shepherd Dog Rescues and Shelters

Remember, while Aussies are generally healthy dogs, regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential to catch and address any potential genetic conditions early. With proper care, exercise, and love, your Australian Shepherd can be a joyful and loyal companion for many years to come.

Sources:

• "Australian Shepherd Dog." American Kennel Club.
• Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute