If you're after fun, sport and play and you're an active person who wants an active dog, then the Australian Shepherd (also nicknamed 'The Aussie') could be a good choice for you.
It's easy to fall in love with the Australian Shepherd's looks. Their smart eyes - sometimes different in colouration - and their beautiful long fur make them stunning dogs.
They are eager to please and are ideal dogs for agility, obedience, rally or other sports. They have an alert and caring nature and will be at first reserved towards strangers but will slowly warm to them.
The Aussie's job is herding and over generations of breeding they have become the ultimate working dog. Which means that if you don't give them a job to do, they may just find themselves one. So a usually quiet dog like the Aussie can decide to bark a lot if he finds himself a job as watchdog!
Be warned, these dogs are very quick learners and will quickly outsmart you if you let them. They have the ability to think for themselves and even if they seem easy to train, they are not easy to raise. You need to make them understand consequences and give them clear rules. Don't get fooled by their cute cuddly looks. They are not just cute - they're highly intelligent and smart and want their minds to be challenged.
Weight: | 23-29 kg |
Health risk: | Low |
Life expectancy: | 13-15 years |
Coat: | Long |
Grooming intensity: | Medium |
Monthly cost (food): | Above average |
Trainability: | Very high |
Activity level: | Very high |
There are many sources to get your Australian Shepherd from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding an Australian Shepherd to adopt:
To help your rescued Australian Shepherd to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Australian Shepherd from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
The following organisations will be able to help you find breeders in your state in Australia. They will also be able to connect you with your local breed clubs, which are always a great source of information in regards to finding good breeders and rescue organisations.