Australian Shepherd

IntelligentLoyalEnergeticHerding instinctReserved with strangers

The Australian Shepherd is a smart, intensely focused working dog that bonds closely with its family and tends to stick to one person. It is usually good with children it has grown up with, and it herds by nature, so it may nip at running kids or chase other pets unless it is trained not to. With strangers it is often reserved at first but rarely aggressive.

Day to day, this is a dog that needs a job. It does best with daily runs, hikes, fetch, agility, or obedience work, and it benefits from puzzle toys when it cannot be outside. Left alone with too little to do, it can become bored and develop barking or destructive habits, so it suits people who are home often and enjoy an active routine.

Good for: Active families, experienced owners, homes with a yard or regular outings

Size	large
Height	18–23 in
Life span	13 - 15 years
Exercise	about 75 min a day
Shedding	moderate
Origin	Australia, United States

Before you choose a Australian Shepherd

Expect to commit serious time to exercise and training, because an under-stimulated Australian Shepherd can become a handful.

Living with a Australian Shepherd

Exercise

Plan at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity daily, including running or hiking and mental games. Dog sports like agility or herding are excellent outlets.

Grooming

The double coat sheds year round and more heavily in seasonal blowouts, so brushing two or three times a week helps. Bathe only when needed to protect the coat's natural oils.

Health

Australian Shepherds can be prone to hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, and a sensitivity to the MDR1 gene that affects some medications. Ask your veterinarian about genetic testing and eye exams.

Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
MDR1 sensitivity

Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.

Questions owners ask

Do Australian Shepherds shed a lot?

Yes, they have a thick double coat and shed year round, with heavier shedding in spring and fall. Regular brushing two or three times a week keeps shedding manageable.

Can an Australian Shepherd live in an apartment?

It can, but only if its exercise needs are met with daily walks, runs, and training. Without enough activity, it may become restless and noisy indoors.

Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?

They are often devoted to children in their family. Because of their herding instinct, supervision and training help prevent nipping during play.