Australian Shepherd

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Owner's Guide

Intelligent and very alert, the Australian Shepherd gives complete devotion to his owner. All he asks in return is the chance to work. He was bred to herd livestock, and is serious and single-minded about his job. If he sees sheep, geese, chickens, goats, ducks--even a group of children--he'll immediately start herding.

The Aussie is unhappy if he does not get enough exercise and purposeful activity. He loves to play ball, catch flying disks, and participate in obedience, agility, tracking, herding, and carting events. He's always ready to go on a hike and is happy to carry his own supplies in his pack. The Australian Shepherd's water-resistant coat enables him to adapt to various conditions and to work long hours in foul weather. Coat color is black, blue merle, red merle, and red with or without white markings and/or tan points.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Confident, strong desire to work, reserved with strangers, intelligent, trainable, curious, loyal to owner.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--18 to 23 inches at the withers. Weight--45 to 60 pounds.

Fun Facts

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia. Descended from herding dogs used over 12,000 years ago, the Aussie might have evolved from several herding breeds that came to America with early settlers from Europe. Another version says the breed originated in Spain, went to Australia, then came to California during the Gold Rush of 1849.

Breed Profile

American Kennel Club
Group:: Herding
Size:: Medium
Origin:: Uncertain
Color:: Black, Red, Tan and White

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, very alert and completely devoted to their owners.

Articles

Dog Breeds in the Herding Group

Herding dogs have been prized by shepherds and farmers for centuries. They are quick, strong, and highly intelligent. More »

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Videos

Breed Profile: Australian Shepherd

In the old world business of sheep herding, the Australian Shepherd is a star. These intelligent herding dogs have a lineage that's hard to trace. One story leads back to the 1800s when Aussies were bred to herd sheep in France & Spain.

Blogs

Can Owning a Dog Trim Your Waistline?

…In fact, he feels guilty if he doesn't follow his nightly ritual which began with Bella, a rescued pound Australian Shepherd mix. She particularly delighted in chicken, according to Mr. Bauer, who said, "She loved chicken and other More…

Hotel Pennsylvania hosts Westminster show dogs

…relaxed than Buell, a 4-year-oldAustralian Shepherd. Buell, Australian Shephard He waits for his room assignment by sprawling out onrelaxed than Buell, a 4-year-oldAustralian Shepherd. Buell, Australian Shephard He waits for his room assignment by More…