Are you the proud parent of an Australian Shepherd looking to learn more or are you thinking of buying an Australian Shepherd? Find out the truth about this breed here.
Fast facts about the Australian Shepherd breed
- Weight: 50 – 65 pounds | male
40 – 55 pounds | female - Height: 20 – 23 inches | male
18 – 21 inches | female
Australian Shepherds are strong, well-proportioned and rustic dogs – slightly longer than tall. Their slightly domed heads and medium-long muzzles are about the same length, with almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, brown, or amber. Their ears are triangular and erect, their thorax is deep, and their tails are naturally straight and short. They have a weather-resistant coat with a moderate texture, creating a bit of a mane. Their fur is short and soft around the head, ears and front legs. The Australian Shepherd can be found in black, blue, red, solid red or red with white and/or tan markings. Overall, the Australian Shepherd has a strong, square and balanced frame.
Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Dog
- Easygoing
- Playful and puppy-like
- Bold and loyal
- Guard
- Clever
- Easy to train
Who Gets With Australian Shepherds?
- Single person
- Breeders
- Outdoor types
- Families
What Do Australian Shepherds Like To Live With?
What is the temperament of the Australian Shepherd like? Australian Shepherds are loyal, reliable and easygoing companions. When it comes to their love of play, they never really develop beyond the puppy stage. For this reason, they’re great with kids – and the more active they are, the better. But they have a gentle nature that makes their play never rough. They’re also eager to work: Give them a job and they’ll get it done with loads of spare energy.
At first, the Australian Shepherd can be a bit unusual. However, given time, they will become comfortable with new people and come out of their shell. They have great sentinel instincts and a strong sense of loyalty to their family. Australian Shepherds will bark when strangers approach the house and they will sometimes run a few laps around the house for good measure.
Things to know about Australian Shepherds:
Like most herding breeds, the Australian Shepherd has a strong work ethic. They love having a job to do. Left alone in the house for too long, they can walk around a bit. For this reason, they are not really suitable for apartments. Take them out to work in the fields or in the woods for long periods of time – activity and mental stimulation makes for a very happy Australian Shepherd.
Some Australian Shepherds are still healthy working dog gene. This makes them more eager to go to the fields and less eager to hang out with their families. These dogs often tend to herd and tiptoe to keep people moving, but with proper training these quirks can be resolved.
A healthy Australian Shepherd can live up to 15 years. Common health problems include hip dysplasia, cataract patients and hypothyroidism. The Australian Shepherd does not shed excessively and requires only regular brushing.
History of Australian Shepherds
The Australian Shepherd as we know it today was developed primarily in the US. In fact, the breed has no real connection to Australia. Originating in the Basque region between Spain and France as a working and shepherd dog, the breed was given the name “Australian Shepherd” because many Basque shepherds hail from Australia. The Australian Shepherd became more popular in the mid-20th century, loved by ranchers and cowboys for their unique herding talents, but was not included in the AKC Research Book until 1991. .
Thumbnails: Photography © chris-mueller | Beautiful images.
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