Dog breed · Herding / Pastoral
Australian Shepherd
A versatile ranch dog with enormous stamina and a strong desire to work alongside its person.
Medium12–15 yearsWestern United StatesNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Herding / Pastoral
- Origin
- Western United States
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 16–32 kg (35–70 lb)
- Height
- 46–58 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Medium double coat, often merle
- Temperament
- SmartEnergeticReserved with strangersLoyal
History
Developed by ranchers in the American West, despite the name, partly from Basque shepherd dogs.
Appearance
Athletic, with a weather-resistant coat in blue merle, red merle, black or red, usually with tan and white trim.
Exercise and activity
Two hours daily of herding, agility, hiking or structured training.
Care and grooming
Brush twice weekly. Never breed merle to merle; double-merle puppies risk deafness and blindness.
Health considerations
- MDR1 drug sensitivity
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts