Australian Shepherd

Herding Group

Also known as: Pyrenean Shepherd, Basque Shepherd Dog

Size Category:Large
Height:♂ 20-23 inches♀ 18-21 inches
Weight:♂ 50-65 pounds♀ 40-55 pounds
Life Span:12-15 years
Compare Australian Shepherd

Affectionate With Family

How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.

Good With Young Children

A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.

Good With Other Dogs

How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Openness To Strangers

How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

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Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

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Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Care Guide

  • ●Australian Shepherd grooming involves weekly brushing for their waterproof double-layer coat
  • ●during shedding season, use an undercoat rake every 2-3 days followed by a wire brush
  • ●bathe only occasionally unless they’re very dirty from outdoor activities
  • ●trim nails regularly like all breeds
  • ●outdoor exposure may require more frequent cleanup than indoor breeds

Colors & Markings

Colors

BlackBlue MerleRedRed Merle

Markings

White MarkingsTan PointsWhite Markings, Tan Points

Health Information

Australian Shepherds are typically robust, but breeders should screen for common health issues like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, and specific cancers. Regular ear cleaning prevents debris buildup and wax accumulation, while consistent teeth brushing supports overall health.

Recommended Health Tests

Hip EvaluationElbow EvaluationOphthalmologist Evaluation

📜 History

The Australian Shepherd traces its roots to Europe’s elite herding dogs, originating near the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. Basque shepherds, renowned for their herding skills, relied on the Pyrenean Shepherd—a direct ancestor of today’s Aussie. In the early 1800s, Basque herders migrated to Australia, where they crossed their dogs with British imports like Collies and Border Collies to enhance their herding abilities. Later, they moved to California, where ranchers adopted these dogs, mistakenly calling them Australian Shepherds. Refined in America, Aussies became integral to Western cowboy culture, excelling in herding, rodeo performances, and roles as service, therapy, and search-and-rescue dogs. The breed officially joined the AKC Herding Group in 1993.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Australian Shepherd is generally excellent with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, making them great family pets. However, supervision with young children is always recommended.
The Australian Shepherd sheds a moderate amount. Regular brushing can help keep loose hair under control.
Yes, the Australian Shepherd is generally intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easier to train than many other breeds. Positive reinforcement works best.
The Australian Shepherd is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Occasional brushing and baths are usually sufficient.
The Australian Shepherd can be a suitable choice for a first-time owner who is willing to do their research and dedicate time to training and care.

🔗Related Breeds

Breeds similar to Australian Shepherd

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois

8/10
80% Compatibility
Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervuren

8/10
80% Compatibility
Border Collie

Border Collie

7/10
70% Compatibility
Australian Kelpie

Australian Kelpie

7/10
70% Compatibility
Compare Australian Shepherd with Belgian Malinois

Overview

About This Breed

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, exuberant, and highly energetic breed with a strong work ethic. They are deeply affectionate with their families, protective, and thrive when given tasks or jobs to perform, making them both loyal companions and capable working dogs.

🎭Temperament

Good-naturedAffectionateIntelligentActiveProtective

Purpose

Herding

Breed for

Sheep herding

Best Suited For

Active families, outdoor enthusiasts, or individuals with experience in dog training and high-energy activities

Ideal Owner Profile

This breed is best suited for an active, experienced owner or family who can provide ample physical and mental stimulation, preferably in a home with outdoor space or access to activities like hiking, agility, or herding.

Training Difficulty

Easy

Care Difficulty

High

Common Challenges

Owners may face challenges with managing their high energy and intelligence through consistent training, and they require significant time and effort for exercise and mental engagement to prevent boredom or destructive behavior.

Trust & Transparency

About Our Data

At BreedsFinder, every breed profile and comparison is created using reliable, publicly available data from recognized canine organizations and trusted breed resources.

Accuracy Assured

Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.

Experience & Care

BreedsFinder focuses on practical, real-world guidance. While well-researched, our content is educational and should not replace advice from certified professionals.

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We regularly update information as new data becomes available. Our goal is to provide an honest, helpful resource for researching dog breeds and adoption decisions.