Australian Shepherd Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, is an athletic, intelligent herding dog developed on ranches in the western United States. Despite its name, it did not come from Australia. It is bright, loyal and extremely energetic.

Origins and appearance

The breed likely descended from herding dogs brought to America with shepherds, some of whom came via Australia, which gave rise to the name. Cowboys and ranchers refined the breed. Aussies are medium-sized, agile and muscular, with a medium-length double coat in blue merle, red merle, black or red, usually with white or tan points, and often a naturally short tail. Eyes may be brown, blue, amber or two different colors.

Temperament

They are loyal, energetic and intelligent. They bond closely with family, and may be reserved with strangers. They have a strong herding instinct and may nip heels or herd children. They need a job and can be destructive or anxious without enough work. They are usually good with children in active homes.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, plus mental work. They excel at herding, agility, flyball, disc and obedience. A plain walk is rarely enough. A secure fence is essential.

Training

They are very trainable and eager to please. Use positive methods and plenty of variety. Early socialization is vital. Teach an off switch and impulse control. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The double coat needs brushing a couple of times a week and daily during seasonal shedding. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not shave. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• MDR1 gene mutation. See MDR1 gene mutation in dogs
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as collie eye anomaly and cataracts
• Epilepsy. See seizures and epilepsy in dogs
• Deafness and eye defects in double-merle dogs
• Cancer. See signs of cancer in dogs

Living with an Australian Shepherd

They suit active, experienced owners with space. They are poorly suited to sedentary homes.

A typical day

An Aussie wants a long morning outing, training, rest and a second activity. Evenings are for relaxing, though many need a settle cue. They love a job.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bright and busy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Teach calmness early. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, training, activities and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping mental work, breeding two merles and ignoring herding behavior around children.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye and DNA tests, including MDR1, and the parents' temperaments. A responsible breeder never breeds two merles together.

Merle genetics

Merle is a color pattern, not a defect. Breeding two merle dogs together can produce puppies with serious hearing and vision problems, which is why responsible breeders avoid it. Ask about the parents' colors and tests.

The Aussie stare and the Aussie mouth

Aussies often herd with eye and body language, and may nip heels. Teach the dog to stay calm around movement, offer toys instead of ankles and enroll in a class that channels the instinct.

Is it the right breed for you?

An Aussie suits experienced, athletic owners who want a brilliant working partner. It may not suit casual owners or small apartments. For a smaller version, see the Miniature American Shepherd.

The takeaway

Australian Shepherds are smart, athletic and loyal, and they need exercise, work and structure.