Breed Profile: The Australian Shepherd

For families looking for a friendly and energetic playmate, they should consider the Australian Shepherd. This dog is unique in physical appearance, and full of heart. With care and attention, the Australian is a happy and loyal companion to families and individuals around the world.

Despite the misleading name, most sources concur that the Australian Shepherd originated in the Basque region of the Pyrenees Mountains. Traditionally, the Australian Shepherd was used as a herding dog, primarily for sheep in the mountains. Even today, the Australian Shepherd continues to find work herding livestock, and competing in herding trials. However the dog is also a beloved companion today, often times enjoying a life of leisure and play.

The Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog, typically standing 18 to 25 inches tall. They are most commonly black or red in color, though the dog usually has some sort of patterned coat. The most frequently seen coat patterns are marbled or merle. There are also manytri or bi-colored Australian Shepherd dogs. The Australian Shepherd has a double coat that requires plenty of brushing.

In some countries, the Australian Shepherd has a docked tail. However laws against the practice of docking are leaving more and more dogs with their full tail. Interestingly, the Australian Shepherd may have a variety of different eye colors including amber, green, blue, and brown.

This dog, like most herding dogs, is full of energy. They require a great deal of regular exercise in order to be happy and at ease. The Australian Shepherd truly enjoys working, training, and competing. They are quick and willing learners, and very intelligent. This is not a dog to neglect, as they really thrive on the attention of their owners. With adequate playtime and respect, the Australian Shepherd is very loyal and devoted to their owners, and enjoy spending time in contact with humans.