# Australian Shepherd

Also known as: Aussie
- **Group:** Herding (FCI group 1)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** United States
- **Height:** 46–58 cm
- **Weight:** 16–32 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years
- **Temperament:** Intelligent, Active, Loyal, Protective, Playful
- **FCI standard:** No. 342

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in California as a ranch herding dog. It is a clever, athletic worker with striking merle colours and a real need for a job.

## Overview

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, is a medium-sized herding dog from the American West. It is famed for its intelligence, stamina and unique colouring.

Once a pure ranch worker, it is now one of the most popular companion breeds in North America, but it keeps strong herding instincts.

## History

The breed grew from herding dogs brought to the Americas by Spanish settlers and from collies that arrived in California with sheep from Australia and New Zealand, which gave the breed its name. It was shaped in the nineteenth century by Californian shepherds.

Rodeo performer Jay Sisler's trick dogs made it famous in the mid-twentieth century. A breed club followed, then United Kennel Club recognition in 1979, the American Kennel Club in the 1990s and later the FCI.

## Appearance

The Aussie is athletic and slightly longer than tall, standing 46 to 58 cm. It has a moderately long, wavy double coat, feathered on the legs and short on the face. Blue merle, red merle, black and red, with or without white and tan, are accepted.

Some are born with naturally bobbed tails. Eyes may be brown, blue, amber or mixed.

## Temperament

Aussies are bright, loyal and eager to work, and usually devoted to family while wary of strangers. They are playful but may try to herd children or other pets by nipping at heels.

Without enough exercise and mental work they can become bored and destructive.

## Care and exercise

This breed needs a lot of daily activity: running, games and training. It shines in herding, agility, obedience, flyball and disc sports.

The double coat needs brushing once or twice a week and more during seasonal shedding. Early socialisation and consistent, positive training help channel its energy.

## Health

Aussies commonly carry the MDR1 gene mutation, which causes sensitivity to some drugs such as ivermectin; a test is available. Eye problems including hereditary cataracts occur. Breeding two merles can produce double merle puppies with hearing and vision problems, so responsible breeders avoid this. Hip dysplasia is relatively uncommon, and median lifespan is over 13 years.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 5
- Exercise needs: 5
- Grooming: 3
- Shedding: 4
- Trainability: 5
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/australian-shepherd
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Shepherd · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q37629
Photo: Trickdog-Fina (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Australian_Shepherd_red_bi.JPG
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.