Description

The Australian Shepherd is an attractive long-haired breed with a bobtail and a striking, varied, coat coloration. Each Australian Shepherd’s coat and eye color are highly varied, it is not uncommon to have a dog with one blue eye or one that is half blue and half brown. This does not affect Australian Shepherds’ vision or their standings in the show ring. He has strong herding and sheep guarding instincts and has been known to perform well in areas such as search and rescue. He is reserved with strangers, but is a dependable, tireless worker who is devoted to his owner. An attentive and animated dog who is strong and agile with great stamina such as the Australian Shepherd will make a great family pet.

Size of Male: Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 50-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 18-21 inches Weight: 40-55 pounds

Temperament

Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, Australian Shepherds are excellent children’s companions that are great with active children. An Australian Shepherd can be known as a natural friend and guardian because they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile and attentive – they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Australian Shepherd is gentle with human friends. Australian Shepherds needs lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without exercise. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should be well socialized as puppies. Working lines of Australian Shepherds may be too energetic to be suitable pets. Some like to nip at people’s heels in an attempt to herd them. They are quiet workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livestock. This breed is not usually dog aggressive.

Living Conditions

The Australian Shepherd is not recommended for apartment life. Australian Shepherds are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. This is similar to many working breeds because working breeds need huge spaces or will be short of exercise. This is due to the fact that some breeds are inactive indoors and require going outdoors to exercise. Being short of exercise can lead to the larger breeds to be destructive and exhibit undesirable behavior due to the excess energy they have in them.

Upkeep

The Australian Shepherd needs a good workout every day, preferably combining both physical and mental challenges. Even though Australian Shepherd is physically able to live outside in temperate climates, it is a breed for which human contact is so vital that it is emotionally unsuited for a life in the yard. Australian Shepherd’s coat needs brushing or combing at least one to two times weekly.

Health

Major concerns: Cataracts, Collie eye anomaly

Minor concerns: Hip dysplasia, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger – Huet syndrome, Iris coloboma

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years