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The Australian Shepherd originated in the western United States, with ancestors traced back to the Basque region of Spain.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks this breed as the 12th most popular in the U.S. While this breed is popular, not every home is right for these smart, energetic dogs. They are best suited for active owners who enjoy training and spending time with their pets.
The ancestors of the Australian Shepherd are believed to come from sheepdog breeds in northwest Spain, as well as collies that were imported from Australia and New Zealand. Basque shepherds took their dogs with them to Australia and later to the United States, where the breed was mistakenly referred to as Australian Shepherds.
The breed was developed in California in the late 1800s through selective breeding. While the primary lineage includes British-derived herding dogs, some Australian Shepherds may also have roots from the Pyrenees mountains.
In addition to Australian Shepherds, this breed is also known as Spanish Shepherds, Blue Heelers, and California Shepherds.
Australian Shepherds are loyal and energetic dogs. They make great pets for active families and need regular mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored and destructive.
As a medium-sized breed, they require sizable portions of high-quality food, appropriate to their age and weight and size. Get advice from your veterinary surgeon, and read more about what to feed your Australian Shepherd in our best foods for Australian Shepherds page, collated by our expert team.
General Characteristics:
- Origin: America
- Size: Medium
- Height: 18 to 23 inches
- Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Appearance:
- Coat: Double-layered coat, weather-resistant and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Colors: Blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black, and solid red (liver) all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points.
- Build: Medium-sized dog with a lean athletic build.
Australian Shepherd Temperament:
- Protective: They bond well with their owners and can be very protective.
- Affectionate: When they are not bounding around the Aussie loves to cuddle up.
- Highly intelligent: A herding dog that is eager to please, easy to train, and learns new tricks quickly.
Training and Exercising:
- Training: Start training and socialization early, and remain consistent. Their high intelligence allows them to learn quickly, making training easier.
- Exercise: As an energetic breed, they require at least two hours of exercise daily. A variety of activities for mental stimulation will keep them happy and healthy.
Grooming:
- Shedding: They shed moderately but more in the fall to prepare for a new coat and in the spring to acclimatize to warmer weather.
Interesting Facts:
- Australian Shepherds often have two different coloured eyes.
- Aussie fans are so passionate about this breed that they declared January 9th as Australian Shepherd Appreciation Day, a special day to honour this beloved breed.
- Australian Shepherds, particularly when they are young, present unique challenges. This breed was specifically developed for herding and guarding animals, and those instincts are very strong. If you don’t provide an Australian Shepherd with a job or purpose, they will create their own. When left to their own devices, these dogs may attempt to herd children or become territorial and possessive, guarding their homes and family members.
- This breed is talented in agility and has been used in rodeos and numerous films since the early years of cinema.
- Legend has it that Native Americans called Australian Shepherds “ghost eye” and thought they were sacred.
- Aussies have a one in five chance of being born with a naturally bobbed tail. Ranchers intentionally bred Aussies with these short tails because they are safer for herding.
Australian Shepherd Price:
The average cost of an Australian Shepherd in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:
Show Quality or Breeding Quality Australian Shepherd:
Price Range: $3,000 to $5,000 or more
The price of an Australian Shepherd can vary depending on several factors, including age, breeding and health.
Rescue or Adoption:
Adoption Fee: Around $500–$2,000
An Australian Shepherd adopted from a rescue organization or shelter generally costs less. This fee often includes initial veterinary care and spaying/neutering.
Final word
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Article reviewed by
Laura Ward
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
