The Australian Shepherd is intelligent, very alert and eager, with strong herding and guarding instincts. He is good natured, never shy, fearful or aggressive toward people or animals, and is very loyal to his family. A wonderful companion, he is easy to train and always eager to please.
Aussies are high energy, very versatile dogs who enjoy having a job to do. The Australian Shepherd was bred to herd livestock and work as an all purpose farm/ranch dog. Today, however, while they still work as stockdogs, they are also seen working as Guide Dogs, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police and Narcotics Dogs, as well as Search and Rescue Dogs. In addition, they excel in all types of dog sports and activities, including Agility, Flyball and Obedience.
The Aussie is a people oriented dog who thrives on human companionship and is best suited to living indoors with his family. When properly socialized and trained, the Australian Shepherd is an ideal family dog who is gentle with small children, an enthusiastic playmate, and a protective guardian of home and family.
In physical appearance, the Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced, medium size dog, slightly longer than tall. Males appear masculine while females appear feminine without being slight of bone.
The Aussie's coat colour is either blue merle, solid black, red (liver) merle, or solid red (liver) — all with or without white markings and/or copper points. The outer coat is straight to slightly wavy, of moderate length and weather resistant. The undercoat is soft and dense but varies with climate. The Australian Shepherd's eyes are very expressive and may be brown, blue, amber, or any variation or combination of these and may also include flecks and marbling. A distinctive characteristic of the breed is his natural or docked bob tail.
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Health Issues:
The Australian Shepherd is generally a healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 12 or more years. However, like all breeds of dogs, the Australian Shepherd may be susceptible to certain health problems, including:
If you are considering the adoption of a Australian Shepherd puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. With the Australian Shepherd, the ASCA strongly recommends that breeding stock have clear eye checks and be OFA certified, and that breeders guarantee their pups to be free from Hip Dysplasia and other hereditary defects. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Training Resources:
The Australian Shepherd is highly intelligent and learns very quickly. However, if left untrained, the typical Aussie is capable of out-witting his owner. Early obedience training is recommended for this breed.
As with all breeds, early socialization is also very important. While the Aussie is generally very friendly, they may be somewhat reserved with strangers and some can be over protective of their family and property.
Due to the Australian Shepherd's strong herding instinct, fenced yards are a must for the breed. For many, the temptation to herd is very hard to resist, even for those who have never seen livestock. They may attempt to herd other animals, children or even cars.
The owner of an Australian Shepherd must be prepared to spend a considerable amount of play and training time with their dog. The Aussie was bred to work and, in general, is a high energy dog that needs a constructive outlet to spend that energy. For the active family, the Australian Shepherd is a wonderful companion who can participate in all kinds of activities and dog sports.
- Training — For additional information on training your Australian Shepherd, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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In the Ribbons Australian Shepherd Video
Published by: Canine Training Systems
Duration: 60 mins.
Most detailed information in the marketplace today on conformation for exhibitors and breeders. Emphasis is on how to handle THIS breed in the conformation ring, showing and grooming to the best advantage.
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Grooming Resources:
The Australian Shepherd's grooming needs are minimal with a weekly brushing recommended to help remove mats or tangles and dust. Toenail trimming and teeth cleaning are also suggested as part of the weekly grooming routine. During shedding season, a slicker brush helps remove undercoat.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Is the Australian Shepherd Right for you? — From the ASCA
- Basic Body Colors of the Australian Shepherd — An article for novice and beginning breeders, from the Australian Shepherd Club of America, regarding the body colour of Aussies.
- The White Aussie Project — This website exists to help explain white colouration in dogs, as clearly as possible. Although some of the terminology and the majority of the photos are Aussie specific, much of the information is applicable to other breeds.
- NBT Study — Study on the Inheritance of the Natural Bobtail in Australian Shepherds.
- Herding Dogs — A section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes training and general information about Herding/Stock Dogs; listing of Stock Dog Clubs and Associations; listing of upcoming shows and events; and more.
- Clubs, Sports and Activities — Details and information on the various sports and activities that the Australian Shepherd can be involved in, along with non-breed specific club listings from across Canada. (Note: For Australian Shepherd specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Canada's Guide to Dogs' section dedicated to the Working Dog, including tributes and information on some of the wonderful jobs that dogs are involved in along with listings of organizations across Canada.
