AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Breed Group: Herding
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 45.72 - 58.42 cms (18 - 23 in)
Average Weight: 18.14 - 29.48 kgs (40 - 65 lbs)
Coat Length: Medium
Life Span: 10 - 15 years
Colours: red, black, merle combinations
HISTORY
The Australian Shepherd was developed in the western United States to serve as an all-purpose ranch/farm dog, including to guard property. Its primary intended purpose was to herd livestock, but its hardiness has made it a valuable search and rescue dog in modern times as well.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
- They are athletic & energetic, great problem solvers, responsive, and highly intelligent
- While they are super busy, they also have an 'off button' and simply enjoy being with you
- They are a great size – small enough to transport easily, but large enough to be sturdy
- They have a wide variety of coat color combinations
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- They are busy and can act as 'Captain of the Fun Police' (regulating the play of others)
- Coat maintenance and shedding
- Extremely fast at learning concepts – you'll need to be on your toes to be sure they're ones you want them to learn!
- Their athletic ability which includes jumping up for greetings or investigating high surfaces
YOUR AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Owners should learn early on a combination of two observations: how much does my dog like to problem-solve and how much does the dog want 'X'? The combination of these two equals persistence. Aussies tend to rank high on the scale for persistence so understanding this means better management practices and less owner frustration. Aussies can act as the 'captain of the fun police' and seek to control the flow of life around them and may act like a 'social secretary' screening who is admitted to the household. Predictable patterns make emotional life easier for this breed - when patterns are disrupted or inconsistent, stress results which can manifest as increased 'controlling' pressure by the Aussie.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Chasing moving objects
- Resource guarding
- Personality clashes with other dogs
- Limited tolerance for invasion of personal space
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- Strong desire to micromanage the surrounding world (especially moving objects)
- Owners need to be prepared to engage with and organize appropriate outlets for both energy and desire for problem-solving (otherwise your Aussie WILL be busy entertaining and problem-solving at your expense)
UPBRINGING
Australian Shepherd owners should place emphasis on careful, deliberate exposure to all things sensory (especially sight and sound) during socialization periods, as well as on social processing (watching/listening) from a safe distance (based upon the dog's body language; observant but calm) than social engagement-Interaction to start. They should allow for guided exploration and exposure to what is anticipated to be 'normal events' for the dog as an adult with particular focus on setting up learning adventures where the dog is able to process information in a calm, appropriately aroused state.
Owners should advocate for their dog/puppy in social interactions with strangers (the ability to politely say 'no thank you' ) rather than permitting people to force their attention on the dog/puppy.
LIFESTYLE
Australian Shepherds are active and busy dogs, but not chaotic. Owners should learn early on a combination of two observations: how much does my dog like to solve problems and how much does my dog want 'X'? The combination of these two observations equals persistence. Aussies tend to rank high on the scale for persistence, so understanding this means better management practices and less owner frustration.
Aussies can act as the' Captain of the Fun Police' and seek to control the flow of life around them and may act like a 'social secretary,' screening who is admitted to the household. Predictable patterns make emotional life easier for this breed - when patterns are disrupted or inconsistent, stress results which can manifest as increased 'controlling' pressure by the Aussie.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
They love active and interactive events including obedience, scent work, protection work, herding, and triebball. These dogs thrive on physically and mentally challenging activities (whether their owners provide them or not).
EDUCATION
Australian Shepherds love learning and thrive on problem-solving activities.
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