Australian Shepherd dog
Medium breed active energy Double coat Herding Group 🌍 United States 🏆 #17 most popular

Australian Shepherd

Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant

The Australian Shepherd, the cowboy’s herding dog of choice, is a medium-sized worker with a keen, penetrating gaze in the eye. Aussie coats offer different looks, including merle (a mottled pattern with contrasting shades of blue or red). In all ways, they’re the picture of rugg…

⚖️ 40–65 lbs (18.14–29.48 kg) 📏 18–23" 🎂 12–15 yr lifespan 🧠 Intelligence #42 (Average)

Australian Shepherd Characteristics

Energy

80%

Shedding

60%

Trainability

100%

Grooming

40%

Friendliness

60%

Coat Type

Double coat

Weekly Brushing

Breed Data

🧠
#42
Intelligence
🎂
12.3yr
Avg lifespan
💰
$21K
Lifetime cost
🍖
$466/yr
Annual food
👨‍👩‍👧
Great
With kids
🩺
2
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: deafness, hip problems

Expert Picks for Australian Shepherds

⭐ Top Pick Taste of the Wild High Prairie

dog food

Taste of the Wild High Prairie

★★★★★ 4.7

Best value grain-free option — great for active dogs…

$52.99 Check price →
KONG Extreme Dog Toy

toys

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

★★★★★ 4.7

The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers — nothing else comes close…

$17.99 Check price →
K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

beds

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

★★★★★ 4.5

Best cooling bed — essential for flat-faced breeds and dogs in warm cl…

$49.99 Check price →
Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

health

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

★★★★★ 4.5

Best DNA test overall — unmatched health screening depth…

$149.00 Check price →
Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

training

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

★★★★ 4.4

Best GPS collar for active owners — 3-month battery is class-leading…

$149.00 Check price →
Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

★★★★★ 4.5

Best probiotic coat spray — supports skin microbiome health between ba…

$14.99 Check price →

Australian Shepherd Care Tips

✓

Needs 60-90 minutes active exercise daily; thrives with a job or sport.

✓

Seasonal shedder — daily brushing during spring and fall coat blows is essential.

✓

Highly trainable — excels with positive reinforcement; start obedience classes early.

All Australian Shepherd Guides

🍖 Best food for Australian Shepherds → 🎾 Best toys for Australian Shepherds → ✍️ Australian Shepherd names → 🛏️ Best beds for Australian Shepherds → ✂️ Grooming guide → 🩺 Health problems → 💊 Best supplements → 🦮 Training guide →

FCI Classification

FCI Group

Group 1 — Sheepdogs and Cattledogs

Section

Herdershonden

Status

recognized