Last Updated: 07/05/2025

Australian Shepherd Complete Breed Guide

Wondering whether Australian Shepherds would make a good family pet? Find these and more answers to your queries in our comprehensive Breed Guide.

Author: Dr Michelle Wong BVSc

Reading Time: 34 minutes - long read

A complete breed guide for Australian Shepherd dogs

Australian Shepherds are attractive working dogs! Their luscious and colourful coat will make anyone look twice. They are easy going and active dogs that make wonderful companions for the family. This beautiful breed is easy to train due to their intelligence and desire to please.

Contents:

Facts About the Australian Shepherd

1. Facts About the Australian Shepherd

Breed size:	Place of origin:	Intelligence:
Medium to large	USA	Very high
Breed group:	Energy level:	Weight range:
Working, herding	High	16-32kg
Life expectancy:	Tendency to bark:	Height range:
12-14 years	High	Males: 51-58cm, Females: 46-53cm
Drool factor:	Coat length:	Colours:
Low	Medium to long	Black, Blue Merle, Red and Red Merle. All with or without tan or white.
Shedding factor:	Social needs:	Overall grooming needs:
Low	High	Once a week

Do Australian Shepherds shed?

The Australian Shepherd has a medium length double layer coat which will need brushing every week. These dogs will shed twice a year, in autumn and spring. Grooming will have to be done more often during these times. Brushing 2-3 times a week, bathing and blow drying the coat will help keep the shedding under control.

How much do Australian Shepherds cost?

An Australian Shepherd puppy may cost around $2000-3000.

Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?

Great with children and other pets, Australian Shepherds can be an excellent family dog. They are eager to please and will respond well to obedience and house training. A large fenced yard and regular training with exercise is recommended. Being an active breed, they will thrive when given the space to run and are kept busy and stimulated.

How big does an Australian Shepherd grow?

An Australian Shepherd can grow to 46 to 58cm in height, and weigh from about 16 to 32 kilograms.

What is the difference between an Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie?

Border Collies are very similar in appearance and personality to Australian Shepherds, making it hard to tell them apart. The Australian Shepherd is a little larger and more robust in comparison. Their coats are both medium length with a double layer, however Border Collie coats have more variation in colour - Black, White, Blue, Blue Merle, Red Merle, Lilac, Brindle, Sable Merle, Chocolate, Liver, Gold, and Red. The Border Collie consistently takes the #1 spot on the Smartest Dog Breeds list, higher than the Australian Shepherd dog.

Both breeds are very active and energetic. They are easy to train due to their intelligence but can be protective and wary of strangers. Socialisation is important in their puppy training. Check out our puppy training guide for more tips!

Are Australian Shepherds vocal?

As they are a working dog breed, they tend to be protective of their families and territory. These Shepherds are quick to sound the alarm to warn their owners of any strangers approaching.

Without regular exercise and mental stimulation, these intelligent and active dogs can become frustrated and bored which can lead to unwanted behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive behaviour like digging. Puzzle toys and interactive toys can be great boredom busters as these toys can help keep their minds occupied whilst at home and not physically active.

How do I find an Australian Shepherd breeder?

A registered breeder should have a Breeder Identification Number (BIN) and be a member of the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).The ANKC is the national breeder body in Australia. Each State of Australia will have their own State body (listed below) that are also members of the ANKC. For some great tips on what to look for in a reputable breeder, take a look at How to find a good breeder.

The state bodies of the ANKC are:
â¢Dogs ACT
â¢Dogs West
â¢Dogs Queensland
â¢Dogs NT
â¢Dogs SA
â¢Dogs Tasmania
â¢Dogs NSW
â¢Dogs Victoria

What colours are Australian Shepherds?

Their lush coat comes in a range of colours and will vary from Black, Blue merle, Red and Red merle. All with or without tan, and/or with or without white.

How long do Australian Shepherds live?

The average life expectancy for an Australian Shepherd is from 12 to 14 years.

How much exercise do Australian Shepherds need?

Shepherds are a working dog breed and will require plenty of exercise. This breed loves to stay busy and stimulated. Competitive dog sports (herding, flyball, etc), training, or agility are all activities that can allow your shepherd to thrive.

Interactive toys are perfect to keep dogs stimulated at home. We stock a wide range such as KONG, automated ball throwers, or fetch toys. Long lasting treats like the Ziwi Deer Shank are also a great option to keep your Shepherd's mind active when they are not exercising.

2. Australian Shepherd History

Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd does not originate from Australia! Their ancestors were likely Spanish herding dogs from the Basque region of Spain and France. The breed was further developed in the United States to become todayâs Australian Shepherd. One theory on the origin of this name is that the sheep they were herding came from Australia. The other theory was these Basque shepherds came first to Australia before they were imported into the United States.

3. Australian Shepherd Personality

These dogs love the company of humans and other pets, and wonât do well with being left alone in the backyard for long periods of time. Shepherds are loyal and protective of their family. They can be aloof and wary of strangers. Early, positive socialisation and training as puppies will teach them to be confident adults and well adjusted to meeting new people.

4. Australian Shepherd Health Issues

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the conformation (physical structure) of the hip joint is abnormal. A healthy hip joint operates as a smooth 'ball and socket' type joint, whereas hips affected by dysplasia typically have a flattening of the 'socket' component of the joint, resulting in a shallow joint where the 'ball' or head of the femur is not held securely. This leads to instability of the joint which may cause pain in the young dog (juvenile hip dysplasia) and ultimately causes development of osteoarthritis.

Genetic Eye Problems

Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Collie Eye Anomaly are hereditary diseases which can affect the Australian Shepherd. The clinical signs for Collie Eye Anomaly can range from mild to severe - when mild, dogs may have clinically normal vision, but when severe, dogs may have retinal detachments, eye malformation, and blindness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a disease which will eventually cause blindness. Early signs may include night blindness.

Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1)

Multidrug resistance is a genetic defect in a gene called MDR1. This mutation can affect how the body processes different drugs. When susceptible dogs are given certain drugs at normal canine dosages, toxic levels accumulate in the central nervous system due to inadequate function of a protein (P-glycoprotein) which normally pumps drugs out of the nervous system. This results in neurological signs including tremors, salivation, anorexia, blindness, seizures, coma, and death. Testing is available to check whether your dog has MDR1.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disease which causes seizures or convulsions. Medications can help to manage this condition although there is no cure. There are a number of causes for seizures and epilepsy may be diagnosed through a process of elimination (multiple tests are required to confirm the true cause).

Deafness

This breed is more susceptible to congenital deafness which occurs when the blood supply to the cochlea degenerates leading to the death of the nerve cells. A deaf dog can still lead a happy and healthy life but will require time and patience from their owner.

5. Australian Shepherd Diet and Nutrition

Australian Shepherd Puppies

If you have decided an Australian Shepherd is a perfect fit for your active family, check out our New Puppy Guide for puppy care tips and ensure that you've got all you need before you bring your new pet home!

Puppies can start their training as soon as they come home. Obedience training provides mental stimulation and strengthens your bond with your pet as well as curbing unwanted behaviours. Ensure that your puppy experiences plenty of positive interactions in different environments, with new things, people and other animals. The best age to do this is within the first 16 weeks, or 4 months, of their life when they are most adventurous. Choose the location wisely to avoid infection with Parvovirus which can survive in the environment for many months.

Nutrition for Australian Shepherd Puppies

Choosing a high quality diet that is complete and nutritionally balanced will be the first step in keeping your dog happy and healthy. Premium brands such as Advance, Hills Science Diet, or Royal Canin are trustworthy brands with years of extensive scientific research in developing diets for your pets health and wellbeing. Follow our guides on What is the best puppy food? and Feeding your Puppy to help you determine what is the right food and amount to feed per day, how to pick a food bowl and more.

Australian Shepherd puppies can transition from puppy food over to an adult diet from 12 months of age

Nutrition for Australian Shepherd Adults

Highly active or working dogs can be fed a diet high in calories to provide the energy they need. If your Australian Shepherd is a family pet with less than 2 hours of exercise per day, they can eat a diet tailored to their lifestage (adult up to 10 years of age and then senior onwards) and for "Medium" size dogs. See our vet recommended guide for the best dog food for Australian Shepherds.

6. Related Breeds

Miniature Australian Shepherd

These miniature sized Shepherds weigh about 9-13kg, almost half the size of a standard Shepherd whose average weight is 16-32kg. Though they may be pint sized, they still have all the same traits and can be just as active!

Thankfully, due to their smaller size, they can be easier to integrate into city life and less boisterous when playing with small children. Miniature Australian Shepherds can be just as easily trained and will thrive when provided with the right amount of mental stimulation and exercise.

Border Collie

Border Collies closely resemble the Australian Shepherd in appearance with similar height and coat colours. Collies are extremely intelligent and excel in obedience training. They are also very energetic and loyal dogs. Just like Australian Shepherds, they will require regular exercise and tasks to stimulate their brains.

Australian Shepherd Complete Breed Guide

A complete breed guide for Australian Shepherd dogs