Australian Shepherd

Despite its name, this herding dog was actually first selected by ranchers in the U.S.A. The breed has since become popular across the globe.

Australian Shepherd Dog Food

Medium Adult

Medium Adult 7+

Medium Ageing 10+

Medium Adult Wet Chunks in Gravy Dog Food Pouch

Medium Adult Loaf Dog Food Can

Medium Ageing 7+ Loaf Dog Food Can

Medium Ageing 10+ Pouch

Medium Puppy

Medium Mother & Babydog Starter

Medium Puppy Chunks in Gravy

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations. Every pet is different, even within a breed. This snapshot of breed specifics should be taken as an indication alone. For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as meeting their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioural needs). Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child. Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice. All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

Male	Female
Height	Height
51 - 58 cm	46 - 53 cm
Weight	Weight
20 - 25 kg	20 - 25 kg

Life Stage
Adult
1 to 7 years
Mature	Senior
7 to 10 years	From 10 years
Baby	Junior
Birth to 2 months	2 to 12 months

Male	Female
Height	Height
51 - 58 cm	46 - 53 cm
Weight	Weight
20 - 25 kg	20 - 25 kg

Life Stage
Adult
1 to 7 years
Mature	Senior
7 to 10 years	From 10 years
Baby	Junior
Birth to 2 months	2 to 12 months

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Get to know the Australian Shepherd

All you need to know about the breed

Three words best describe the Australian Shepherd: Extremely high energy. The breed is a delight, in appearance and in disposition. If your home has wide open fields or a large yard, you will have the pleasure of watching this breed blossom from puppyhood into a wonderful, carefree dog.

Know too that soon enough, the natural instincts of your Australian Shepherd will kick in. That means a need to herd, and if you don’t own sheep, it will be children, other pets, even you. Your Aussie means no harm: It’s merely his way of keeping everyone organised and carrying out their genetically ingrained duties. This is a taskmaster of a dog, most content when at work.

That said, make sure that exercise for your Australian Shepherd is daily and almost constant, whether he resides in the suburbs or the country. The breed is a superb family pet, a medium-sized dog with a bright face and tireless energy level. An equally active owner is best - marathoners welcome! Because of their deep roots in herding and ranch work, the Australian Shepherd is a staple in the American sport of rodeo. They excel at agility or obedience trials as well. Training for the Australian Shepherd is a cinch but strong discipline is key. Their incredible smarts are an asset on the job but they can be wiley if they want to. With an affinity for their owners, teaching your Australian Shepherd should be an enjoyable task in the end.

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2 facts about Australian Shepherds

Three spotted Australian Shepherd puppies asleep on one another

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History of the breed

A truly international pedigree, the Australian Shepherd has benefitted from being bred in one country, named for another, and treasured in a third. The Australian Shepherd’s lineage spans several centuries, starting with their descent from herding breeds, namely Pyrenean Shepherds from the Basque region between France and Spain.

As wanderlust struck for the Basque people in the 1800s, they ventured to the faraway land and new continent of Australia. Sheep herding there necessitated a keen canine; the Australian Shepherd’s high intelligence fit perfectly. They were soon crossed with the Collie to sharpen the breed. Ever on the move, the Basques set out for new territory in California where the breed was embraced by cattle ranchers and named the Australian Shepherd after their supposed land of origin. The dog is now commonly seen on ranches, in rodeo, and used for search-and-rescue. The American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1993.

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Australian Shepherds

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Australian Shepherd

Healthy diet, healthier dog

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CARING FOR YOUR AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD

Grooming, training and exercise tips

The mature Australian Shepherd is graced with gorgeous, plush fur, which means a good deep brushing needs to happen once a week, especially important after outdoor runs since grass seeds may get trapped in their hair and cause abscesses. Bathe only when needed. As for exercise, it can’t be emphasised enough that the energy level of the Australian Shepherd is sky-high and running for the breed is second nature. Make sure you have a good large property, or take them on a few daily walks or runs yourself. As for training your Australian Shepherd, it must be firm. The breed can be crafty, and will look to outsmart an unsuspecting owner if they can. It’s not toward a menacing end but only that they have a strong mind. Start early to let them know who is in charge.

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Australian Shepherd