Australian Shepherd: temperament, size, care and health

About the Australian Shepherd

Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the western United States. It is a medium-sized, well-balanced dog, slightly longer than it is tall, standing about 18 to 23 inches at the shoulder, with a medium-length coat, a feathered tail that is often naturally short or docked and eyes that may be brown, blue, amber or a mix. Coat colors are blue merle, red merle, black and red, each with or without white and tan points.

It was built to move livestock over long distances and rough terrain, and that purpose explains almost everything about its behavior. Aussies are quick to read people, hard to tire and happiest when given a job. Owners value the breed for its versatility in herding trials, agility, obedience, search work and as a farm and ranch helper.

Temperament and family life

An Australian Shepherd forms a close bond with its family and often follows a favorite person from room to room. It may be reserved with strangers and protective of home and property, so early socialization is essential. Many bark to announce visitors, and some nip at heels or try to herd children, other pets and cars.

With considerate children the breed can be a playful partner, though its herding instinct and energy may overwhelm very small ones. Aussies usually accept other dogs, particularly if raised with them, but they may chase cats and small animals. An under-exercised Aussie tends to invent jobs of its own, such as digging, chewing, circling and barking.

Exercise and training

This is a high-drive working breed. It needs well over an hour of vigorous exercise a day, including running, fetch, hiking and a regular outlet for its mind such as herding, agility, flyball or advanced obedience. A walk around the block is not enough, and the breed does not thrive in a small apartment with an owner who is away all day.

Training is rewarding because Aussies are quick learners that love to please, and they respond best to calm, consistent, reward-based methods. They are sensitive and can be anxious if training is harsh. Because they learn good habits and bad ones fast, set rules early and teach an off switch, such as settling on a mat. A securely fenced yard is important, as many Aussies roam.

Grooming and shedding

The double coat sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal changes. Brushing twice a week with a pin brush and an undercoat rake keeps mats from forming in the feathering behind the ears, on the legs and around the tail, and daily brushing helps when the dog is blowing its coat. Bathe occasionally. The coat should not be shaved, since it protects against sun and heat.

Check the ears, trim the nails and brush the teeth. Dogs that work outdoors should be checked for burrs and ticks after each outing.

Health

The breed is generally hardy but is known for hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and other inherited eye conditions, and a mutation in the MDR1 gene that makes some dogs sensitive to certain common drugs; a DNA test is available. Breeding two merle dogs together can produce puppies with deafness and vision problems. Responsible breeders test hips, elbows, eyes and the MDR1 gene, and avoid merle-to-merle matings.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The Australian Shepherd took its modern form in California in the nineteenth century, as a sheep-herding dog for shepherds there, and later spread across the western United States. Its name is generally linked to collies that arrived in California with sheep imported from Australia, though the breed's actual ancestors are mixed and not well documented. It became popular through rodeos, where trick dogs such as those of the performer Jay Sisler helped make it known. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 1993.

Is the Australian Shepherd right for you?

An Aussie suits active owners who want a partner for hiking, sport or ranch work and who can give it hours of attention and training. It is a poor fit for a sedentary household, a small apartment or anyone who dislikes a dog that shadows them.

Comparable breeds include the smaller Miniature American Shepherd, the more intense Border Collie and the more heel-nipping Australian Cattle Dog.