The Australian Shepherd, also known as Aussie, or Aussie Dog, is a medium-sized, agile dog breed of herding and ranching origins. It was bred from the Old English family of dogs to produce an all-purpose sheep and cattle dog that could handle the roughest conditions. This dog breed with its bushy beard is known for its intelligence and trainability. It is both a capable herder and guardian with an outgoing and vigilant personality. Australian Shepherds are well recognized for their loyalty to family members and protective instincts.

They are medium-sized dogs, slightly longer than tall and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds (16-27 kg) with heights anywhere between 17 to 23 inches (43-58 cm). The topcoat is medium, weather-resistant, and forms a soft protective undercoat. The coloring of the Australian Shepherd comes in black, red merle, blue merle, and white.

The original purpose of these dogs was not as pets but as hardy workers who would help ranchers move their flock hundreds of miles along footpaths and over difficult terrain. They were bred to move livestock over long distances across the Australian landscape, often hilly or wooded.
Today, the breed is still known for its endurance and agility and its herding instinct, which it retains despite not being used for stock work anymore.

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and trainable dog that thrives on performance-oriented activities. They are a pleasure to have around, but they need owners who can spend a lot of time with them every day because they do not thrive if left alone in the backyard all day long. The breed performs best when given tasks and does not do well with idle hands. It needs proper training from an early age to develop into a balanced adult dog instead of acting up or getting destructive while bored or lonely in later life.

A typical Australian Shepherd is a working dog; it naturally spends most of the day outdoors and does not like to be cooped up for too long. This makes it a fine companion for active families or those who live in rural areas where they can accompany them on hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor activities. Australian Shepherds are versatile with many talents and strengths but without unnecessary frills.

Australian Shepherd Temperament

The Australian Shepherd has a reputation for possessing an independent, even stubborn, temperament. These dogs have been known to run off and explore the countryside if not kept on a leash all the time.
Australian Shepherds are highly active and always ready to play games or exercise vigorously with their owners. But, unfortunately, they also tend to bark frequently, so they need owners who can train them properly to minimize their barking without being suppressed altogether.
Aussie herding dogs are quite protective of both home and family; they get along well with children as long as they do not make sudden movements towards them or try to hug them because Aussies do not like this kind of contact may react by biting out of fear. They are therefore best suited as companions for older, more experienced children.

Because they are highly intelligent and can be trained to carry out several different tasks, Australian Shepherds can get bored quickly if not provided with the kinds of activities that exercise their mind and body. Therefore, make sure you have a large, secure yard where your pet can go and play when it needs some time off from its training routine. This breed is extremely loyal and devoted to family, so Aussie dogs make wonderful pets if you look for a faithful companion who will follow your every move. They do not thrive in kennel settings because they need a human company to feel fully satisfied.

Australian Shepherd Lifespan

The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 12 years and is considered to be a fairly healthy breed with very few genetic health issues. However, it is advised to keep an eye on any growths or lumps that do occur because they can spread rapidly if undetected early enough. It should also be checked for gum disease since it might be prone to dental problems due to its peculiar jaw structure.

Are they hypoallergenic?

Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic dogs because they shed a lot, especially in the spring and summertime. So be prepared to spend some time cleaning up their hair from around your home, and be sure to check your Aussie’s coat regularly for any mats that might need attention.

Are Australian Shepherds family dogs?

Australian Shepherds are very family-oriented dogs. They love to be around people, especially children, and they get along great with other pets as long as these pets have been socialized since puppyhood.
Aussie dogs can be somewhat possessive, so it is essential not to leave them alone with young children who may want to hug or cuddle them. Be sure always to supervise their interactions because Aussies do not like being touched suddenly, and children tend to move quickly when playing or trying to show affection towards a pet.

However, if you raise your Australian Shepherd from puppyhood alongside your children, then there should be no problems in later life – this breed is known to make wonderful family pets.
Their protective instincts can sometimes cause them to bark excessively, especially if they notice that something is out of place in their environment. Still, it is easy to train them not to bark once you have taught them how to get rid of their energy.

Australian Shepherds also tend to dig, so you need a garden with firm soil rather than loose sand or wet dirt where your pet could break its leg or injure itself through sheer boredom when kept indoors for long periods.

If they are raised alongside cats from an early age, they will accept cats as part of the family pack, although some herding breeds may try and chase smaller animals like birds or mice because these are prey for them and their instinctive needs.

Australian Shepherds Make Great Wall Art

Australian Shepherds are intelligent dogs and full of energy. And if you worship them as much as we do, get an Art Print and decorate your home fast, easy, and affordable with an artwork of your favorite dog!