Australian Shepherd
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed primarily in the western United States during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, where it became essential to ranchers as a herding and working dog.
The breed's name likely derives from its association with Basque shepherds who brought their dogs from Australia to America, though American ranch breeders shaped the breed we know today.
14-29kg
Weight
Medium
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Australian Shepherd
This medium-sized dog stands 46–58 centimetres at the shoulder and weighs 14–29 kilograms, with a striking coat in blue merle, red merle, black, or red, often featuring white and copper markings. The breed's eyes are particularly distinctive, frequently appearing in blue, brown, amber, or combinations thereof. Known for exceptional intelligence and loyalty, the Australian Shepherd is highly trainable and deeply devoted to its family. However, this is a dog with serious exercise requirements, needing more than two hours of activity daily alongside mental engagement to thrive. Reserved but never aggressive with strangers, it gets on well with children and other pets when properly socialised. Some may enjoy relaxing as lap dogs between activities, but all Australian Shepherds need purpose and stimulation to remain balanced and content. Without sufficient activity, the breed can become anxious or develop problematic behaviours, making them best suited to active, engaged owners.
Australian Shepherd at a Glance
- Group
- Pastoral
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 14–29 kg
- Height
- 46–58 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £650–£1600
Australian Shepherd Temperament
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, energetic and devoted breed with a naturally even temperament. It may be slightly reserved with strangers at first, but is never shy or aggressive. As a working dog at heart, it has strong herding and guarding instincts and thrives when given a purpose or task. Extremely loyal to its family, the Australian Shepherd is quick to learn and responds well to training. It gets on well with children and other pets when properly socialised. Some are happy to be lap dogs between activities, but all need regular exercise and mental engagement to stay happy.
Australian Shepherd Lifestyle
The Australian Shepherd is happiest in a spacious home and is happiest with plenty of outdoor space at home. They suit a country lifestyle better than city living.
Dog Food for Australian Shepherd
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Australian Shepherd weighing around 22 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£4.12 - £4.39
Per month
£124 - £132
Per year
£1504 - £1603
Australian Shepherd Characteristics
The Australian Shepherd demands serious exercise and won't be happy with a quick stroll around the block and trains well and tends to enjoy learning new skills. They are very patient and gentle with kids, but can be left for short to moderate periods without issue. The coat benefits from a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately. They are sharp and quick-witted, which is a joy, but means they need keeping mentally occupied.
Australian Shepherd Pros & Cons
Pros
- Devoted and eager to please, with exceptional intelligence
- Excel in a wide variety of canine sports and activities
- Strong protective instincts towards their family
- Thrive in active households with experienced owners
Cons
- Not a great fit for first-time owners given their demanding training needs
- High energy levels call for lots of exercise and mental stimulation daily
- Sheds moderately year-round, with heavier periods seasonally
- A strong herding instinct needs consistent management and redirection
