Australian Shepherds In A Nutshell:
Temperament - Strong herding and guardian instincts; reserved with strangers; intelligent; versatile; easily trained; enthusiastic; energetic.
Size - 18-21"/35-55lbs females; 20-23"/45-65lbs males
Coat/Grooming - Double coated; medium length & texture, straight to wavy, weather resistant. Seasonal moderate shedding. Weekly brushing.
Colors - Black, Blue Merle, Red, & Red Merle; with or without white and/or tan trim.
Longevity - 12-15 years
Health - Common genetic disorders include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Cataracts & other eye disorders, Epilepsy, Autoimmune diseases, Drug sensitivity, Lymphoma, Hemangiosarcoma
Sports/Events - Conformation, herding, agility, obedience, rally, trick dog, freestyle, disk/frisbee, tracking, nosework, dock diving, barn hunt, lure coursing, flyball, schutzhund, triebball, therapy, search and rescue, weight pull, dog sledding
Challenges - Needs frequent mental stimulation/a job to do; regular exercise required; destructive/obnoxious behaviors can occur without proper training and mental stimulation; shyness, aggression, reactivity can occur in the breed genetically and can also be learned behaviors
We wrote a book on everything Aussie, geared toward pet owners! This guide covers breed history and characteristics, finding and selecting a breeder or rescue, preparing your home, training and socialization, feeding, grooming, healthcare, and so much more!
Buy The Complete Guide To Australian Shepherds on Amazon!
If you would like to know more about Aussies, contact us anytime with questions; or visit the breed’s parent clubs’ websites: