Dog breed · Herding / Pastoral
Australian Shepherd
A versatile ranch dog with enormous stamina and a strong desire to work alongside its person.
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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
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Australian Shepherd
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two hours daily of herding, agility, hiking or structured training. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as MDR1 drug sensitivity, Hip dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly, Epilepsy, Cataracts), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice