
Australian Shepherd character, care and feeding
The Australian Shepherd, often affectionately called the ‘Aussie’, is a fascinating dog breed that impresses with its intelligence, versatility and striking appearance. Originally bred as a herding dog, the Australian Shepherd has made a name for itself worldwide - both as a reliable working dog and as a loyal family companion.
With its medium-length coat in impressive colour variations and the characteristic, often differently coloured eyes, it attracts everyone's attention.
This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Australian Shepherd: from origins and history to character traits, care and feeding. Discover whether this energetic and eager-to-learn dog is right for you and what you should bear in mind when buying one.

01 | ORIGIN & HISTORY
Where does the Australian Shepherd originally come from?
Despite their misleading name, Australian Shepherds don't actually hail from Australia. Their origins trace back to the USA, where they were bred as hardworking ranch dogs.
In the 19th century, Basque shepherds brought their flock-guarding dogs to the United States via Australia. These dogs were then crossed with local breeds to create a resilient and intelligent herding dog that could handle the demands of American ranchers. The name "Australian Shepherd" likely arose due to the Australian origin of the sheep these shepherds herded. Since then, the Aussie has become an indispensable companion in agriculture and a beloved family dog.

02 | BREED CHARACTERISTICS & APPERANCE
What does the Australian Shepherd look like?
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-proportioned dog with an athletic and harmonious build. Their coat is medium-length, dense, and weather-resistant, often slightly wavy or straight. The striking coat colors and patterns, combined with expressive eyes, give them a unique and appealing appearance. Their ears are medium-sized and set high, and their tail is naturally short or long, although tail docking is permitted in some countries.
How big does an Australian Shepherd get?
- Males: They reach a shoulder height of 51 to 58 cm (approximately 20 to 23 inches).
- Females: They are slightly smaller, with a shoulder height of 46 to 53 cm (approximately 18 to 21 inches).
Colors of the Australian Shepherd
The Aussie is characterized by an impressive variety of coat colors:
- Blue Merle: A mix of gray, black, and white, often marbled.
- Red Merle: Reddish-brown and cream tones, also marbled.
- Black: Pure black, sometimes with white or copper markings.
- Red: From light red to dark red, again with possible markings.
These base colors can be combined with white and copper markings, leading to a multitude of individual appearances.
What eye colors do Australian Shepherds have?
The eye colors of Australian Shepherds are extremely diverse and can even vary within a single dog:
- Brown
- Blue
- Amber
- Green
- Heterochromia: Different colored eyes or multicolored eyes are not uncommon.
This diversity contributes to the unique charm of the Aussie and makes it a particularly eye-catching breed.
What is the physique of an Australian Shepherd like?
The Australian Shepherd has a strong, muscular body that gives it agility and endurance. Its head is well-proportioned with a moderately pronounced muzzle. The eyes are almond-shaped and convey an intelligent and alert expression. The ears are triangular and set high, the tail is either naturally short or long and bushy.
How old does an Australian Shepherd get?
The average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. With good care, a balanced diet, and regular vet checkups, some Aussies can even live longer.
When is an Australian Shepherd fully grown?
An Australian Shepherd reaches physical maturity around 12 to 16 months of age. Mental maturity can last until the age of two, which is why consistent training and socialization are particularly important in the first years of life.

03 | TEMPERAMENT & PERSONALITY
What are the characteristics of an Australian Shepherd?
The Australian Shepherd is known for:
- High intelligence: They learn quickly and are always ready to take on new tasks.
- Energy and endurance: As a former working dog, they need plenty of exercise and activity.
- Loyalty: They build strong bonds with their people and are often very affectionate.
- Versatility: Whether herding, dog sports, or therapy work - the Aussie is a multi-talented dog.
- Alertness: They are attentive and report unusual events without being overly prone to barking.
These qualities make them an excellent companion for active people who are willing to give them the attention and exercise they need.
Is the Australian Shepherd a family dog?
Yes, the Australian Shepherd can be an excellent family dog. They are generally friendly to children and get along well with other pets, especially if they are used to them from a young age. Their playful nature and need for companionship make them a great family member. However, it is important that all family members understand the dog's needs and are willing to actively participate in their care and training.
Is the Australian Shepherd a beginner dog?
The Australian Shepherd is not necessarily suitable for beginners. Their intelligence and energy level require experience in dog training and an understanding of the needs of active breeds. Without proper guidance and exercise, they can develop unwanted behaviors, such as excessive herding of people or other animals, nervousness, or destructiveness.

04 | CARE, HEALTH & COMMON AILMENTS
How much care does an Australian Shepherd need?
- Coat care: Their coat should be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Daily brushing may be necessary during shedding seasons in spring and fall.
- Health care: Regular checks of ears, eyes, and teeth are important to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed as needed.
- Activity needs: Daily exercise and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being.
What is the best food for an Australian Shepherd?
A balanced diet is crucial for the health of the Australian Shepherd:
- High-quality dog food with a high meat content and without unnecessary fillers is a priority when feeding an Australian Shepherd.
- Our BARF dog food sets, for example, offer your Australian Shepherd a natural and healthy meal that is precisely tailored to his needs. Choose between the BARF sets with poultry, beef and lamb, beef and chicken, or tri-colour!
- The PREY method is a type of raw feeding that imitates the natural diet of dogs. All components of a prey animal are fed, muscle meat, offal, bones, blood and fur - which is why great attention should be paid to the quality of the food. PREY in the varieties beef, game, pheasant, goat, duck, chicken, goose, lamb or horse is particularly suitable for an Australian Shepherd.
- Dried treats are an excellent addition to the diet, both during training and as a snack. Not only are they a rich source of protein, they also promote your four-legged friend's dental hygiene. The best treats for your Australian Shepherd: rabbit ears, pig ears, bullwhip cut, beef jerky, beef noses, dried chicken breast, venison burger.
It is advisable to spread the food ration over two to three meals a day to keep the blood sugar level stable and prevent stomach torsion.
Breed-typical diseases in Australian Shepherds
- Hip dysplasia (HD): A hereditary disease that can lead to mobility problems.
- Eye diseases: Such as cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which can lead to blindness.
- Epilepsy: Some lines are prone to seizures
- MDR1 gene defect: A genetic mutation that causes hypersensitivity to certain medications.

05 | TRAINING & KEEPING
How much exercise/activity does an Australian Shepherd need?
- Daily exercise: At least 2 hours of intensive exercise are necessary. This includes long walks, jogging, or cycling.
- Mental workload: Intelligence games, obedience training, and dog sports such as agility or flyball are ideal.
- Social contacts: Regular contact with other dogs promotes their social behavior.
How much training does an Australian Shepherd need?
- Consistent training: Important from the beginning to steer their strong character in the right direction.
- Positive reinforcement: Reward-based training encourages their willingness to learn.
- Varied training: Monotony bores them quickly, so training methods should vary.
Can you keep an Australian Shepherd in an apartment?
While an Australian Shepherd can live in an apartment, this is only recommended if they are sufficiently exercised. A house with a garden would be ideal so that they can move freely outside of walks. It is important that they do not have to spend the whole day alone in the apartment.
Can an Australian Shepherd be left alone?
The Aussie is very people-oriented and tends to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. It is important to gradually accustom them to being alone and to ensure that they are sufficiently occupied. Longer periods of time alone at home should be avoided.

06 | CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE GETTING AN AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
Is an Australian Shepherd right for me?
An Australian Shepherd is right for you if you:
- Are active and spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Have experience with dogs or are willing to learn a lot.
- Have the time and patience for intensive activity and training.
- Are interested in dog sports or other activities with your dog.
It may not be right for you if you:
- Have little time or are often on the go.
- Are looking for a quiet, undemanding dog.
- Are a beginner in dog ownership and do not want to deal intensively with training.
Where can I buy an Australian Shepherd?
- Reputable breeders: Look for memberships in breeding associations such as the VDH (German Kennel Club) and visit the breeder in person.
- Animal welfare organizations: There are special Aussie rescues or animal shelters that occasionally place Australian Shepherds or mixed breeds.
- Adoption: Older dogs or those with special needs sometimes look for a new home.
How much does an Australian Shepherd cost?
- Purchase costs: Between 1,000 and 1,500 euros for a puppy from a reputable breeder.
- Ongoing costs: Food, vet visits, liability insurance, dog tax, grooming products, and accessories.
- Additional expenses: Dog school, dog sports, possibly trainer lessons.
It is important to consider not only the purchase costs but also the ongoing expenses and any unforeseen costs.
07 | INTERESTING FACTS, TRIVIA & EXTRAS
Popular Mixes
- Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix ("Border-Aussie"): Combines the intelligence and work ethic of both breeds, but also requires a lot of exercise.
- Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever Mix: Combines the friendliness of the Labrador with the energy of the Aussie, often a good family dog.
- Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix ("Aussiedoodle"): Known for hypoallergenic coat and high intelligence, ideal for allergy sufferers.
Similar Dog Breeds
- Border Collie: Even more eager to work, considered the most intelligent dog breed.
- German Shepherd: Larger and stronger, versatile in service and guard work.
- Shetland Sheepdog: Similar appearance in miniature, also intelligent and active.
- Belgian Shepherd: Also an energetic herding dog with a strong work ethic.