This four-legged friend is always under pressure: As a cozy family pet or uncomplicated leisure companion, the Australian Shepherd is an absolute miscast. The spirited workaholic wants to work or be kept busy if possible, to the point of exhaustion – namely that of the owner. If you have dog experience and enough breed-appropriate tasks to offer, you get an active, intelligent and loyal dog as a buddy with the Australian Shepherd.

Australian Shepherd: Origin and Ancestry

Even if his name suggests it: The Australian Shepherd does not come from Australia. Rather, he is a genuine American who once emigrated from Down Under to the USA. You can find out how this came about here.

Australian roots
In the 19th century, the export of sheep from Australia to the USA flourished: Basque shepherds, who had initially brought their merino sheep from Spain to Australia, now emigrated with their sheep to North America. There the animals were quickly given the name “Australian Sheep”. Shepherds and sheep were accompanied by their herding dogs: collies, border collies, shepherd dogs and other livestock guard dogs. The shepherds settled mainly in the southwest of the USA and began to breed the dogs. The different dog breeds were crossed with each other. The result was the Australian Shepherd, named after the sheep he herded.

Cattle herders and rodeo stars
The clever and energetic four-legged friends quickly found many friends in the United States, as they were ideal for working on the cattle farms of the West. In the 50s of the last century, rodeo riders and western show organizers discovered the Australian Shepherd for themselves: The intelligent dog became the star of many rodeo arenas with the tricks he learned. It was also the American farmers who continued to breed and maintain this dog breed.

FCI classification
The first association of breeders of the Australian Shepherd Dog was formed in Arizona in 1957. There was also the first studbook, since 1977 with a binding breed standard. The official recognition of the Aussies as a dog breed did not take place until 1996 by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). In Europe, the exceptionally instructive and clever dogs have been known since the 1970s.
The FCI divides dog breeds into groups and sections. The Australian Shepherd belongs to Group 1 herding dogs and herding dogs. Other dogs from the same FCI group are the Shetland Sheepdog, the German Shepherd and the Bearded Collie.
In addition to the standard variant of the Australian Shepherd with a height at the withers of between 51 and 58 centimeters for males and between 46 and 53 centimeters for females, there is the so-called Mini-Australian Shepherd. The size of the Mini-Australian Shepherd is between 43 and 46 centimeters for males and between 33 and 43 centimeters for females.

Wesen und Charakter des Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is characterized by its extraordinary willingness to learn and its great eagerness to work. It is a dog with a pronounced herding and protective instinct. By nature, the Aussie is friendly, balanced, good-natured and always affectionate towards familiar people.
Many people see the Australian Shepherd as a difficult breed with a strong character that wants to assert its stubbornness at all costs. One thing is certain: The four-legged bundle of energy needs strong leadership and consistent dog training.
As a herding dog, the Australian Shepherd is alert and intelligent, as befits a herd conductor. He loves his pack idolatrously. He is reserved to suspicious towards strangers and needs some time before he confides in them and becomes approachable. Many wonder whether the Australian Shepherd is dangerous. There is no general answer to this question. In general, this dog breed is considered peaceful, but is quite capable of defending its herd.
The eager to learn sleuth also has a pronounced urge to please its owner and to fulfill the tasks given to him. If you meet these characteristics with the right training, you will have a wonderful companion at your side.

ProfileAustralian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are becoming increasingly popular among dog owners. However, if you want to give your heart to an Australian Shepherd, you should have enough time and commitment. Because Aussies are very demanding dogs.

Is the Aussie a family dog?

This dog breed is only suitable as a family dog to a limited extent. If you want to get an Australian Shepherd as a family, you should carefully consider beforehand whether this active dog can be integrated well into your own family life.
In order for living together to succeed and for an Australian Shepherd puppy to grow into a balanced dog, you have to plan a lot of time for the dog: If the Aussie is not sufficiently challenged or if he has to stay alone for a long time, there is a risk that he will develop undesirable behavioural problems.
His strong will to work and the great urge to move sometimes make it difficult for him to relax. If boredom becomes too great, it is not uncommon for the home furnishings to suffer from his zest for action. If an Aussie becomes a new family member, it is also advisable to make children aware of the importance of consistent education. The younger children are, the more difficult it is for them to stick to consistent rules. Older children or adolescents are a little more sensible and may be more supportive of educational behavior for their dog.

Australian Shepherd: Education and Keeping

Training an Australian Shepherd can be a challenge for beginners. The pelt-nose has a great willingness to learn and a pronounced will to please. However, this does not mean that it is easy to train.
If you buy an Australian Shepherd puppy as a beginner, you would do well to get support from a dog school or a dog trainer, for example. If you bring a puppy into your home, you should register for a puppy school as soon as possible.
Because just as quickly as the Australian Shepherd learns and implements commands, this dog acquires unwanted behaviors. A lot of patience, loving consistency and straightforwardness are required here. Otherwise, he will most likely mercilessly exploit mistakes or deviations from the rule.
How well it succeeds in training an Australian Shepherd depends above all on the experience and consistency of its owners. Anyone who offers their dog mental and physical tasks, has patience in training and reacts in a straightforward and lovingly consistent manner will find a well-behaved and loyal companion in the Australian Shepherd.

How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need?

Clearly: Australian Shepherds are real bundles of energy! Inexperienced dog owners quickly feel the temperament of this breed if it is underutilized. His humans must have a lot of time for their dog and make this time together as active as possible.
The Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance stipulates that dog owners should allow their dog to exercise outdoors for an hour at least twice a day. However, this recommendation is absolutely inadequate for the Australian Shepherd: At least three times a day, you should take your Aussie for long walks and plan for exuberant romping times so that he gets several hours of exercise a day.
The Australian Shepherd is not suitable for older people who may have to take physical limitations into account and working people who cannot leave their workplace for many hours.
If the Australian Shepherd is not sufficiently utilized, his pronounced guard and herding instinct sometimes slips into unwanted paths: He may then drive joggers, playing children, cyclists and other pets together to live out his herding instinct.

Dog sports with the Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds have to be challenged not only physically, but also mentally. In addition to endurance sports such as jogging or cycling, Aussies are predestined for dog sports.

• Agility: Completing a given course in the shortest possible time – that is the goal of the popular dog sport agility. Obstacles such as hurdles, tunnels, walls, walls or bridges have to be overcome – of course without making any mistakes and without losing your way. In this sport, you run next to your dog and lead him through the course.
• Flyball: The still relatively new dog sport offers Australian Shepherds a lot of exercise and also requires skill from them. In principle, flyball is a combination of hurdles and retrieving. It is played in teams, which usually consist of four dogs. Each dog must first overcome four hurdles, then catch a flying ball from a catapult and retrieve it for its owner.
• Tracking: Tracking is all about nose work. Your dog has to sniff out a track, which challenges him both mentally and physically. Tracking is a species-appropriate activity for your Aussie that you can do anywhere.
• Mantrailing: Mantrailing is about tracking down a person, as required of rescue or police dogs. The four-legged friends have to filter out the specific smell of a person from different scents, follow this trail and find the person at the end.
• Canicross: This professional run through the terrain is not only challenging your four-legged friend, but also yourself. In the shortest possible time, you overcome a fixed route in canicross, which leads through rough terrain. Your dog is on a leash and must not stray from the path. Because that means a loss of time. A distinction is made between sprint, short and long distances in this dog sport.
• Pulling dog sport: Aussies can really let off steam in the pulling dog sport. Running in front of a vehicle also requires endurance, discipline and the ability to work in a team.

The dog’s condition can sometimes push you as an owner to your limits: Even a full program with agility and retrieving games fuels the Aussie’s desire more and more.
The most difficult educational goal of the Australian Shepherd is to learn rest breaks and a balanced balance between activity and relaxation. This is because the Australian Shepherd is almost always under pressure and by nature finds it difficult to relax. It is your job to ensure rest breaks – with a lot of patience and empathy.

By the way: Since Australian Shepherds love the mental challenge, these dogs are often found with the rescue and drug detection dogs. Even as an assistance and therapy dog, this four-legged friend can prove its intelligence and eager nature.

Caring for the Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd’s coat is quite easy to care for. It is enough if you brush it weekly to remove the loose undercoat. During the coat change, however, your four-legged friend needs more grooming: During this time, you should brush him daily.

Nutrition

The diet should always be adapted to a dog’s physical activities. A balanced carbohydrate content is used for energy production, especially in active animals. The nutrient content of the dog food depends on the size, weight, age and activity of the dog. The daily ration should also include the administration of additional treats as a reward or training motivation. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian which diet is best for your Aussie.

Bless you

The life expectancy of an Australian Shepherd is twelve to 15 years. Unfortunately, the breed is susceptible to hereditary diseases and disabilities such as deafness and blindness. When buying, be sure to look for a responsible breeder. Because of the growing popularity of the dogs, more and more uncontrolled breeding is taking place. Hip and elbow dysplasia as well as malocclusions, eye diseases and epilepsy are among the breed-typical diseases of the Australian Shepherd.

Leaving Australian Shepherd Alone

The question of how long you can leave an Australian Shepherd alone cannot be answered in a general way. Basically, dogs should be left alone as little as possible, because they are pack animals.
The decisive factor for a dog, including the Australian Shepherd, to stay alone is age. Puppies are not allowed and cannot stay alone: They need constant contact with their pack leader and must also detach themselves every one and a half to two hours up to the age of three months.
An adult dog, on the other hand, should occasionally be able to stay unsupervised for some time. Whether this is only possible for one or once for three hours can vary greatly from person to person.
However, the decisive prerequisite for staying alone is that the needs of the dog are taken into account. For example, an Australian Shepherd can stay alone and sleep for two hours after a long walk or a few hours at the dog park. Under no circumstances can you leave an Australian Shepherd alone for more than four hours at a time. Nor is a dog of this breed suitable as a daily companion over the entire working day in the office.

Australian Shepherd: Colors

The coat of Australian Shepherds has a variety of different colors. The basic colors of the Australian Shepherd are brown as well as black and white. However, a total of 16 color variants are possible.
Common color variations are:

• Black tri: Black, with white and copper-colored markings
• Black bi: Black, with white markings
• Red tri: Brown, with white and copper-coloured markings
• Red bi: Brown, with white markings
• Blue Merle: Blue Merle (lightened, gray, spotted) with white and copper markings
• Red Merle: Red Merle (lightened brown, spotted) with white and copper markings

Whether you choose an Australian Shepherd in black and white, brown or grey is purely a matter of taste, but there is one aspect you should definitely pay attention to when buying a puppy.

Australian Shepherd Blue Merle and Red Merle
For the colours Australian Shepherd Red Merle or Blue Merle without any markings or with white markings, the following must be taken into account:

• Dogs with the so-called merle factor in their genetic material have a higher risk of certain diseases: These include impaired hearing and vision, a disturbed sense of balance and infertility.
• If both parents have the so-called merle factor, there is therefore a high risk that their offspring will be born with these genetically predisposed health problems.
• In Germany, it is therefore forbidden to mate parent animals with the merle factor. This also applies to Mini-Australian Shepherds as well as to other dog breeds with merle colourings.

Take a close look at which breed your Australian Shepherd comes from. Reputable breeders and information on current litters can be found on the website of the VDH (Association for the German Canine Society).

Mini-Australian Shepherd vs. Australian Shepherd: Differences

• Miniature (short: Mini) Australian Shepherds are recognized as a separate dog breed and also belong to the group of herding and herding dogs.
• In fact, the only difference between Mini-Australian Shepherds and the “standard” Australian Shepherds is their size. While males of the classic variant reach up to 58 centimeters shoulder height, up to 48 centimeters, Mini-Australian Shepherds are on average about ten centimeters smaller. The small Aussies can have the same color variants as their larger counterparts.
• It is important to know that Mini-Australian Shepherds do not differ in character from their conspecifics. Sometimes some believe that the “Minis” are more suitable for a small apartment due to their manageable size or need less exercise. However, this is absolutely not true: Mini-Australian Shepherds are also pronounced bundles of energy that need extensive activity, exercise and attentive training.

Buying Australian Shepherd – what to consider?

Due to its energetic nature, the Australian Shepherd is not a dog for everyone. Before buying, you should think carefully about whether you meet the high demands of this breed. When it comes to training, the entire family must pull together, otherwise the Aussie will try to impose its will on the weakest link.
Australian Shepherds are popular – as with most sought-after dog breeds, this is also noticeable in the price. You can usually expect a price between 1,300 and 2,500 euros for an Australian Shepherd puppy. Much cheaper offers should make you suspicious, especially if they come from the Internet.

It is best to buy a pedigree dog such as the Australian Shepherd or the Australian Shepherd Mini from a breeder. It is important to keep a watchful eye on seriousness here. Don’t let yourself be pressured into making a quick decision when looking for an Australian Shepherd puppy.
Experienced and responsible people who breed Australian Shepherds attach importance to the health and well-being of the dogs. You can recognize reputable breeding by the following signs:

• The animals live with a family connection and not alone in a kennel.
• The environment is clean and hygienic as well as species-appropriate for the dogs.
• Papers and health certificates of the parents are available.
• The puppies have the appropriate initial vaccinations.
• To ensure that Australian Shepherd puppies are well socialized, the breeder does not give up the kittens before the age of twelve weeks.
• The breeder is open to your visits and patiently answers any questions you may have.
• You can get to know the mother and the sibling puppies.
• The breeder’s interest in you is also a plus: After all, he wants to put his protégés in good hands.

Many responsible dog breeders also attach importance to personal contact after the sale of their puppies. They want to know how the puppy is doing in its new home and are also available to answer questions.
Tip: The majority of Australian Shepherds today are kept as family and companion dogs. However, in many regions it still serves as a herding dog. There is therefore a working line and a quieter breeding form, in which the temperament has been curbed somewhat. Be sure to ask the breeder about the breeding goal so that you can find the dog that adapts to your life and activity level.

Other popular herding dogs you might also like:

• German Shepherd: Many people first think of a German Shepherd as a large and impressive animal on an important mission, hunting criminals or herding sheep in the countryside. But the clever four-legged friend has a lot more to offer in terms of versatility.
• Border Collie: The Border Collie absolutely needs a task, otherwise he will look for one. But if the intelligent dog has enough to do and can let off steam, he is a great buddy who will give you a lot of pleasure.
• Schapendoes: Today, the Dutch herd dogs are appreciated as robust companion dogs and impress with their friendliness and intelligence. Read more about the amiable action bolt from our neighboring country here.
• Briard: C’est la vie – the lightness of the French way of life is characteristic of the cheerful Briard. At the same time, he works attentively and dutifully as the guardian of a herd when necessary.
• Australian Koolie: A celebrity Down Under, this dog breed is a rarity in Europe. The medium-sized Australian Koolie is fearless and intelligent, independent and affectionate at the same time. This four-legged friend is willing to learn and open-minded, but needs a meaningful occupation.