Australian Shepherd Breed information & Pictures

Australian Shepherd Breed Description

Life Expectancy
12-15 years

Learning Rate
High

Litter Size
5 to 8

Size
Large

Weight
Dogs: 50-65 pounds
Bitches: 40-55 pounds

Height
Dogs: 20-23 inches
Bitches: 18-21 inches

Country of Origin
USA

Groups
AKC Herding Dogs
FCI Group I.: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
TKC Pastoral

Other Names
Aussie

The Australian Shepherd, commonly known as the Aussie is a medium-sized, athletic dog breed; it is well balanced and slightly longer than tall. It’s an attractive longhaired breed with a bobtail and striking, varied, coat coloration. Each dog’s coat and eye color are highly variable.

It is not uncommon to have a dog with one blue eye or one that is half blue and half brown. This does not affect their vision or their standings in the show ring. It is fast strong and agile. It makes a loyal companion and has the stamina to work all day. Australian Shepherd is devoted, loyal and enjoys pleasing its owner. It is reserved with strangers, but is a dependable, tireless worker. It is an intelligent dog with strong herding and sheep guarding instincts. It has been known to perform well in areas such as search and rescue.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, clever and devoted dog breed. Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play, they make an excellent children’s companions. It is great with active children. It is a naturally protective, courageous, loyal and affectionate dog breed. It makes devoted friend and guardian.

This breed is extremely lively, agile and attentive. It is eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent and easy to train. As the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored it needs lots of various exercises. It may become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without exercise. This breed excels in herding, obedience and agility work. It is not usually dog aggressive.

Colors

Typically blue merle, black, red merle, red-all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preference.

Coat

Australian Shepherd dogs have a double coat. The quantity of undercoat varies with climate. The coat is of medium texture, straight to slightly wavy, weather resistant, of moderate length with an undercoat. It requires minimal grooming.

Health Issues

Some are prone to hip dysplasia. To help prevent the chance of hip dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm preventive is considered safe. The gene for the beautiful merle coloration also carries a blind/deaf factor. To minimize the risk of your Australian Shepherd developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy an Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder.

Living Environment

This breed is not recommended for apartment life, as it will get very bored in a constrained environment. It’s moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. It needs a great deal of exercise and lots of outdoor activities.