This energetic working dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, mentally and physically, or better yet, some real work to do. Very intelligent and craving a good challenge, they need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive. Moderate Maintenance: The Australian Shepherd has a lot of hair and his grooming needs may appear daunting, but caring for him isn’t as much work as you might think. Brush the coat regularly to remove dead hair that will otherwise land on your clothes and furniture. The rest is basic care. Active Australian Shepherds often wear their nails down naturally, but it’s a good idea to check them weekly to see if they need a trim. Otherwise, just keep the ears clean and brush his teeth frequently for good overall health and fresh breath. Moderate Shedding: The Aussie sheds, but it’s a major event only twice a year, in the spring and fall. Frequent brushing, warm baths and thorough blow drying during that time will help keep the handfuls of hair under control. Outside of shedding season, bathe the Aussie only when he gets dirty. This is an athletic dog of medium size and bone; it is lithe, agile and slightly longer than it is tall. It is muscular and powerful enough to work all day, without sacrificing the speed and agility necessary to cope with bolting livestock. Its gait is free and easy, and it must be able to change direction or speed instantly. Its double coat is weather resistant, with the outer coat of medium texture and length, straight to wavy. The expression is keen, intelligent and eager. The Australian shepherd has a great deal of stamina and is loving, bold, alert, confident, independent, smart and responsive. If it doesn't get a chance to exercise and challenge its strongly developed mental and physical activities, it is apt to become frustrated and difficult to live with. With proper exercise and training, it is a loyal, utterly devoted and obedient companion. It is reserved with strangers and has a protective nature. It may try to herd children and small animals by nipping. The Australian Shepherd (affectionately called an ‘Aussie’) does not actually originate in Australia. It is believed that some Basque farmers brought ancestors of these dogs with them when they emigrated to Australia, then subsequently to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush. However, the breed as it is known today was developed in the American Southwest over the next few decades. The Australian dog was crossed with several breeds in an effort to produce an animal able to deal with the harsh temperatures and demands of the American West. Breeding during this period was mainly focused on ability—speed, agility, and endurance--rather than appearance, which delayed the Australian Shepherd’s recognition as a breed. Australian Shepherds became popular pets after they were featured as rodeos performers in the 1950’s, and later in Disney films such as ‘Run Appaloosa Run’. Australian Shepherds were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1993.
08: | Duke |
Colors: | Black Blue Merle Red Red Merle |
Intelligence: | 4 stars Ranking: #42 Full Ranking List |
Puppy Prices: | Average $1000 - $2000 USD Usually, the average price of an Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $2,000, while a top-quality Australian Shepherd puppy can cost as high as $3,000 and upward. Their price depends upon the pup’s age, sex, quality, pedigree, and breeder’s location. |
Weight: | Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) |
05: | Tucker |
07: | Oliver |
Breed Group: | Herding (AKC:1991 & UKC) |
Watchdog Ability: | 5 stars |
01: | Rocky |
Cat Friendly: | 3 stars |
Health Issues: | 3 stars Hypoallergenic: No |
09: | Marley |
Adaptability: | 5 stars |
Barking Tendencies: | 2 stars Occassional |
Exercise Needs: | 5 stars More + Less - This energetic working dog needs plenty of vigorous exercise to stay in shape, mentally and physically, or better yet, some real work to do. Very intelligent and craving a good challenge, they need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive. |
Litter Size: | 6-9 puppies, average 7 |
03: | Bear |
Name: | Australian Shepherd |
Other names: | Aussie, Little Blue Dog |
Stranger Friendly: | 2 stars |
Grooming: | 3 stars More + Less - Moderate Maintenance: The Australian Shepherd has a lot of hair and his grooming needs may appear daunting, but caring for him isn’t as much work as you might think. Brush the coat regularly to remove dead hair that will otherwise land on your clothes and furniture. The rest is basic care. Active Australian Shepherds often wear their nails down naturally, but it’s a good idea to check them weekly to see if they need a trim. Otherwise, just keep the ears clean and brush his teeth frequently for good overall health and fresh breath. |
Apartment Friendly: | 3 stars This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. |
Dog Friendly: | 3 stars |
Life span: | 12-15 years |
Origin: | United States |
Size: | Medium |
Temperament: | Active Affectionate Friendly Good-natured Intelligent Protective Loving |
Trainability: | 5 stars Easy Training: The Australian Shepherd is fun to train because it learns quickly and easily. Aussies are unusually eager to please and adept at a wide variety of sports and games, such as herding, Flyball, and agility competitions. |
02: | Max |
10: | Oliver |
Height: | Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm) Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) |
Playfulness: | 5 stars |
Shedding Level: | 3 stars More + Less - Moderate Shedding: The Aussie sheds, but it’s a major event only twice a year, in the spring and fall. Frequent brushing, warm baths and thorough blow drying during that time will help keep the handfuls of hair under control. Outside of shedding season, bathe the Aussie only when he gets dirty. |
06: | Rocky |
Child Friendly: | 5 stars Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. |
Popularity: | 2022: #12 2021: #12 2020: #12 2019: #13 2018: #15 2017: #17 2016: #16 2015: #17 |
Rank: | Boy Names |
Type: | Purebred |
04: | Buddy |