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Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the American West as a ranch and herding dog. It is a medium-sized, athletic, highly intelligent breed known for its merle coats, striking eyes, and tireless work drive. It suits active owners and families who can give it real exercise and a job to do, and it is not a good fit for sedentary households.
Aussies are intelligent, energetic, and deeply loyal to their families. They are eager to work and quick to learn, and they excel at obedience, agility, herding, and disc sports. They can be reserved with strangers and protective of their home. Their herding instinct is strong and may lead to nipping at heels or herding children if not channeled. They need mental engagement and can become destructive if bored or under-exercised.
The AKC standard calls for males 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder and 50 to 65 lbs, and females 18 to 21 inches and 40 to 55 lbs. The Miniature American Shepherd is a separate AKC breed at 13 to 18 inches; it has its own page.
The Aussie has a medium-length, weather-resistant double coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavily in spring and fall. Brushing several times a week controls loose hair and prevents mats behind the ears and on the legs. Aussies are not hypoallergenic.
Australian Shepherds can inherit hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, collie eye anomaly, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. The breed carries a high rate of the MDR1 gene variant, which causes sensitivity to certain common medications, including some parasite preventives and anesthetics, at otherwise normal doses; MDR1 status is DNA-testable and owners should tell their veterinarian before any medication is prescribed. Merle-to-merle breeding can produce double-merle puppies with vision and hearing defects, so ask how the parents were paired. Recommended parent testing includes OFA hip and elbow clearances, eye clearances, and DNA screening for MDR1, PRA, and collie eye anomaly.
Aussies are high-energy working dogs that need 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise plus mental work. They do best in a house with a yard and an active family, and they are poorly suited to apartments unless the owner is committed to daily running or sport. They should live indoors with the family.
Typical lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Exercise, mental stimulation, lean weight, and MDR1 awareness support a healthy life.
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