Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia but was developed in the United States through breeding dogs brought from Australia. Its history traces back to Basque shepherds who migrated first to Australia and then to the western United States with their dogs. These dogs were refined and perfected under the harsh herding conditions of the American frontier.
Energy Level
Natural energy and enthusiasm throughout the day.
Exercise Needs
Amount of physical activity required to stay healthy.
Playfulness
Willingness to play and engage in games.
Affection Level
Tendency to show affection toward humans.
Dog Friendliness
Friendliness and tolerance toward other dogs.
Pet Friendliness
How well this pet gets along with other animals.
Stranger Friendliness
Reaction toward unfamiliar people.
Ease of Training
How easy it is to train and teach commands.
Watchfulness
Alertness and tendency to notice surroundings.
Vocality
Tendency to bark, meow, or make other sounds.
Grooming Requirements
Level of grooming effort needed on a regular basis.
Heat Sensitivity
Sensitivity to hot weather conditions.
Cold Tolerance
Ability to withstand cold temperatures.
Secondary concerns: Hip dysplasia, nasal solar dermatitis, Pelger-Huet anomaly, iris coloboma, hypothyroidism
Occasional issues: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis, elbow dysplasia
Suggested tests: Hip, eye, thyroid, Collie eye anomaly DNA, elbow
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Note: This breed may be sensitive to ivermectin. Homozygous merles are prone to deafness and blindness.
