Pet Wiki

Will herd your family into the kitchen.

Australian Shepherd

Also called Aussie

An even-tempered, clever working dog with strong herding and guarding instincts.

SizeMedium
Weight16 to 32 kg (35 to 71 lb)12
Height46 to 58 cm (18 to 23 in)males 51 to 58 cm, females 46 to 53 cm341
Lifespan12 to 15 years215
CoatMedium-length, weather-resistant double coat
OriginUnited States (western ranching states, notably California), despite the name6315
GroupSheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 1)
Exercise120 min a day
Recognised breedDeep profile
smart and easy to train
versatile all-round worker
loyal and playful
3412

Personality what they are like

An even-tempered, clever working dog with strong herding and guarding instincts. Aussies are devoted to their families, playful and eager to learn, and can keep going all day. They may hold back a little when meeting strangers, but shyness is not typical of the breed.3412

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length, weather-resistant double coat

The outer coat is of medium texture and moderate length, lying straight or with a gentle wave, over a soft undercoat whose thickness changes with the climate. The body is athletic and balanced, a little longer than tall, with medium bone. The tail may be naturally long, naturally short (bobtail) or docked where permitted.34

Coloursblue merlered merleblackredany of these with white markingsany of these with tan (copper) points341

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Australian Shepherd. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseAbout 120 minutes a dayevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. A long walk, a run or an energetic play session daily, plus jobs for the brain such as herding, agility, flyball, obedience or trick training, keeps an Aussie content.521

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush one to two times a week (the Royal Kennel Club says more than once a week), increasing during seasonal sheds. Shedding is about average for a double-coated breed.52

Home where they are happiest

Thrives in an active home with space to run, such as a house with a secure garden or a farm, and owners who have time for daily exercise and training. The weather-resistant coat handles outdoor activity in most conditions.524

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced diet suited to a medium, active dog and to its life stage. Aussies usually hold a healthy weight, but portions should be adjusted if the dog starts to put on extra.2

Company who they like around

People-oriented and happiest when included in family life and given work to share. Usually good with other dogs and pets and playful with children; reward-based training with games suits the breed well.21

The story where it all began

Although its name points to Australia, the breed took shape on ranches in the western United States during the 1800s. Its ancestors are thought to include Spanish shepherd dogs, possibly the Carea Leones type, and collie-type dogs that arrived with shipments of sheep from Australia and New Zealand; Basque shepherds who had worked in Australia are often linked to the story, which is how the Australian label is believed to have stuck. After the Second World War the Aussie reached a wide audience through rodeos, horse shows, films and television. Rodeo performer Jay Sisler toured the US and Canada in the 1950s and 1960s with his trick dogs Queenie, Stubby and Shorty, who also appeared in Disney films. The Australian Shepherd Club of America was founded in 1957 and adopted its breed standard in 1977. The UKC recognised the breed in 1979, the AKC in 1991 (Herding Group from 1993), and the FCI provisionally in 1996 and definitively in 2007.31578946

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd is an American breed; the FCI lists the United States as its country of origin.6

  2. 2

    Aussie eyes can be brown, blue or amber, or any mix of these, including flecks and marbling, and the two eyes do not have to match.4

  3. 3

    Some Aussies are born with a naturally short bobtail; under the breed standard a short tail should not exceed about 10 cm (4 in).10

  4. 4

    Jay Sisler's small blue-and-white Aussies could quietly herd 20-30 sheep on the barest signal and starred in the Disney films Run, Appaloosa, Run and Stub: The Greatest Cowdog in the West.7

  5. 5

    The Australian Shepherd Club of America's breed standard can only be changed by a vote of the membership, not by its board.8

  6. 6

    By January 2022 about 212,000 dogs had been entered in ASCA's stud book.8

  7. 7

    The Aussie ranked 14th among AKC-registered breeds for 2025, after placing 12th for 2024.11

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Australian Shepherd was developed in California in the 19th century, despite its name. It is believed to have origins in sheepdog breeds from northwest Spain and collies imported from Australia and New Zealand, and the breed reportedly took its name from this trade.1

Name ideas for your new friend

AussieBlueRooSydneyKangarooBoomerangMelbourneOutbackShepDustyCoralTucker

A day in the life told by an Australian Shepherd

I wake up and immediately look for a job to do. My human takes me for a long hike in the hills, where I herd some sheep and practice my commands. In the afternoon, we do some trick training and I show off my new skills. I love playing fetch with my favorite ball and chasing the frisbee. When my family comes home, I greet them with a happy dance and then settle down for a cuddle. At night, I dream of the next day's adventures, ready to work and play.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 342, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs), Section 1 (Sheepdogs); provisional acceptance 4 Jun 1996; definitive acceptance 21 May 2007; current standard published 26 Mar 20096
UKC
Herding Dog Group; recognised 19794
AKC
Recognised 1 Sep 1991; entered the Herding Group 1 Jan 19939
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral Group5
Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)
Breed parent club and registry since 1957; its standard dates from 19778

Popularity Ranked 14th among AKC-registered breeds (12th in 2024)11

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Australian Shepherd, and at what times?

Feed your Aussie at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Sticking to regular times helps their digestion, and you can adjust portions if they start to gain weight. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.212 Pet Wiki plan

What should an Australian Shepherd eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete, balanced diet suited to a medium, active dog and its life stage is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and alcohol. Always check with your vet if you are unsure about a food.213 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe an Australian Shepherd?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Their double coat insulates them, so avoid over-bathing to keep natural oils healthy.14 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Australian Shepherd need brushing?

Brush your Aussie one to two times a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Their double coat needs regular brushing to remove loose fur and prevent mats, especially when the undercoat blows.52 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Australian Shepherd's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside), and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.14 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need?

Your Aussie needs more than two hours of exercise daily, plus mental challenges like agility or trick training. A long walk, run, or energetic play session every day keeps them happy and well-behaved.521 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Australian Shepherd's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and aim for daily brushing ideally. Check ears every two weeks, and never push anything into the ear canal. For any concerns, ask your vet.14 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Australian Shepherd live?

Australian Shepherds typically live between 12 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, active life.215

Is an Australian Shepherd good with children and other pets?

Yes, Aussies are usually playful and good with children, and they get along well with other dogs and pets. They are devoted to their family and thrive on being included in activities, but always supervise interactions with young kids.21

Can an Australian Shepherd be left alone?

Aussies are people-oriented and happiest when included in family life, so they may struggle with long periods alone. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before being left, and it's best to gradually build up alone time. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or trainer.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Australian Shepherd en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weights, lifespan, popularity 2024
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Australian Shepherd vcahospitals.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs
  3. FCI-Standard N° 342 Australian Shepherd fci.beused for size, coat, colour, temperament, tail, history
  4. UKC breed standard: Australian Shepherd ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, eyes, tail, temperament
  5. The Royal Kennel Club: Australian Shepherd royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
  6. FCI nomenclature: Australian Shepherd (342) fci.beused for recognition, origin
  7. National Purebred Dog Day: Jay Sisler's Australian Shepherds nationalpurebreddogday.comused for history, fun facts
  8. ASCA History asca.orgused for ASCA founding, standard, stud book size
  9. USASA: The Club australianshepherds.orgused for AKC recognition dates
  10. fci.be fci.be
  11. akc.org akc.org
  12. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  13. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  14. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  15. AKC: The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.