Australian Shepherd

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium-length, weather-resistant double coat

The outer coat is of medium texture and moderate length, lying straight or with a gentle wave, over a soft undercoat whose thickness changes with the climate. The body is athletic and balanced, a little longer than tall, with medium bone. The tail may be naturally long, naturally short (bobtail) or docked where permitted.26

Personality what they are like

An even-tempered, clever working dog with strong herding and guarding instincts. Aussies are devoted to their families, playful and eager to learn, and can keep going all day. They may hold back a little when meeting strangers, but shyness is not typical of the breed.2635

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. A long walk, a run or an energetic play session daily, plus jobs for the brain such as herding, agility, flyball, obedience or trick training, keeps an Aussie content.453

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush one to two times a week (the Royal Kennel Club says more than once a week), increasing during seasonal sheds. Shedding is about average for a double-coated breed.45

Home where they are happiest

Thrives in an active home with space to run, such as a house with a secure garden or a farm, and owners who have time for daily exercise and training. The weather-resistant coat handles outdoor activity in most conditions.456

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced diet suited to a medium, active dog and to its life stage. Aussies usually hold a healthy weight, but portions should be adjusted if the dog starts to put on extra.5

Company who they like around

People-oriented and happiest when included in family life and given work to share. Usually good with other dogs and pets and playful with children; reward-based training with games suits the breed well.53

The story where it all began

Although its name points to Australia, the breed took shape on ranches in the western United States during the 1800s. Its ancestors are thought to include Spanish shepherd dogs, possibly the Carea Leones type, and collie-type dogs that arrived with shipments of sheep from Australia and New Zealand; Basque shepherds who had worked in Australia are often linked to the story, which is how the Australian label is believed to have stuck. After the Second World War the Aussie reached a wide audience through rodeos, horse shows, films and television. Rodeo performer Jay Sisler toured the US and Canada in the 1950s and 1960s with his trick dogs Queenie, Stubby and Shorty, who also appeared in Disney films. The Australian Shepherd Club of America was founded in 1957 and adopted its breed standard in 1977. The UKC recognised the breed in 1979, the AKC in 1991 (Herding Group from 1993), and the FCI provisionally in 1996 and definitively in 2007.23478961

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard No. 342, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs), Section 1 (Sheepdogs); provisional acceptance 4 Jun 1996; definitive acceptance 21 May 2007; current standard published 26 Mar 20091

UKC

Herding Dog Group; recognised 19796

AKC

Recognised 1 Sep 1991; entered the Herding Group 1 Jan 19939

The Royal Kennel Club

Pastoral Group4

Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)

Breed parent club and registry since 1957; its standard dates from 19778

Popularity Ranked 14th among AKC-registered breeds (12th in 2024)11