Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd
Herding
An Australian Shepherd dog with a merle coat is walking on grass, attached to a thin leash.

Meet the Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd’s origin lies in the ranches of the great American West, where this versatile and intelligent breed has been valued for decades by cowboys, ranchers and stockmen. While Aussies continue to work as stockdogs and compete in herding trials, the breed has earned recognition in other roles because of their trainability and eagerness to please. Australian Shepherds are successful Search and Rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, guide, service and therapy dogs. They are highly regarded for their skills in obedience, agility and flyball. And, most of all, they are beloved family companions.

Breed Group:

Herding

Breed Personality:

Friendly, Smart, Energetic, Playful

Breed Specifics

Max Life Expectancy
(years): 15
Max Height
(inches): 23
Max Weight
(lbs): 65

Main Breed Characteristics

Good with Children (5/5)
Good with Other Dogs (3/5)
Shedding (3/5)
Grooming Needs (2/5)
Coat Length (1/5)
Good with Strangers (3/5)
Playfulness (4/5)
Protectiveness (3/5)
Trainability (5/5)
Energy Level (5/5)
Barking Level (3/5)

Breed Variations

USEFUL LINKS
RELEVANT INFORMATION

Official Breed Club

Visit the official breed club website to access trusted resources, connect with experts, and stay informed about breed standards.

All About Dog Shows

Discover how dog shows work, what judges look for, and how to get involved—whether you’re a spectator or an aspiring participant.

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