The Australian Shepherd is a beautiful and intelligent medium-sized dog. With a luxurious double coat and vibrant colors such as blue, red, and black – often in tricolor or bicolor combinations – they are stunningly lovely to look at.

But the Australian Shepherd isn’t just eye candy; these amazing pups weigh between 40-65 pounds and stand 18-23 inches tall, making them an ideal size for many homes. Plus, they can stay around for quite some time – with a lifespan of 12-15 years!

Even better, they aren’t terrible on the seasonal shedding front, either. You just need to make sure you brush them regularly to keep your house clean. One thing to note is that they are not hypoallergenic, so if allergies are a concern, this isn’t the perfect pup for you.

History

Australian Shepherds are believed to have originated in the western United States during the mid-1800s. It’s thought that these dogs were bred as working farm dogs to herd livestock such as sheep and cattle.

They were originally known as “Sheepdogs” or “Shepherd Dogs,” but their name was eventually changed to “Australian Shepherd” because of their resemblance to Australia’s iconic Collie breed. However, despite their name, there is no evidence that they were actually developed in Australia. 

In 1993, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Australian Shepherd as part of its Herding Group—the first time a major Kennel Club had recognized it as its own distinct breed!

Since then, this beautiful breed has gained immense popularity around the world due to its friendly temperament, intelligence, loyalty, and athleticism. 

Appearance

Meeting an Australian Shepherd for the first time could make you think of two little words – “all business.” From their slightly longer body and sturdy legs to their almond-shaped eyes that range from blue, amber, and brown, the Australian Shepherd strikes a majestic pose.

Their triangular ears set high on their head give them a wise look. Many have their ears folded over to complete their appearance, and most tails are docked. When it comes to being photogenic, these dogs know how to work it!

Coat

The Australian Shepherd has a beautiful and unique coat, with a double layer composed of medium and dense fur. This amazing coat makes the Aussie, as they are affectionately referred to, remarkably weather resistant.

The colors of the Aussie’s coats can vary from black, blue, or red in either bicolor or tricolor combinations, and their coats can be either wavy or straight.

Unfortunately for those sensitive to pet allergies, this breed is not hypoallergenic since they do have seasonal shedding.

Size

On average, the size of an adult male will weigh between 55 and 65 pounds while standing between 20 and 23 inches tall. Adult females’ size will generally range between 40 and 55 pounds, with a height ranging from 18 to 21 inches.

The sizes between genders suggest that male Australian Shepherds are typically larger than their female counterparts despite being roughly proportionally in height and weight measurements. 

Lifespan

The breed’s lifespan is quite reasonable, clocking in at 12-15 years on average. Since they’re such an active breed, keeping them well-exercised and mentally stimulated is essential.

This can help maintain their health and ensure they live as long as possible. Diet is key too – make sure they’re getting healthy, balanced meals in the right amounts to maintain their weight and promote health overall!

Environment

These pups are highly active, so they need plenty of space for exercise – and what better environment than a home with lots of open space, or even better – out on the ranch?

They can live in an apartment too, as long as there’s a nearby dog park for running around; additionally, they’re friendly with other pets, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

On top of that, Australian Shepherds love water and can easily handle both hot and cold weather conditions.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is an unforgettable companion, especially when it comes to their fantastic temperament. They are highly intelligent and playfully outgoing, loving time outdoors, whether playing alone or with a human or another pet companion.

Highly affectionate and loyal, they thrive on good relationships with family members. So whether you’re looking for a playful pup to keep your kids entertained or a devoted canine who loves spending time with the whole family, the Aussie is the perfect fit – they get along well with both children and other dogs due to their social nature.

Their intelligence often lands them at the top of obedience trials, so it’s no wonder why they have been loved as reliable companions for centuries.

Grooming

Grooming your Australian Shepherd is essential for their health and wellbeing, and it’s not as hard as it may seem. So let’s break down the basics of Aussie grooming. 

Brushing 

The first step in any good grooming session should be brushing. You should brush your Aussie’s coat at least once a week with a slicker brush to get rid of dead hair and dirt.

This will help reduce shedding and keep their coat soft and shiny. Make sure your brush is specifically designed for dogs so that the bristles won’t harm your pup’s skin.  

Bathing 

Your Aussie will need to be bathed every couple of months or so, depending on how often he gets into mud puddles! When bathing your pup, use a mild shampoo designed specifically for dogs.

Avoid getting soap in his ears or eyes, and make sure to rinse him off thoroughly before drying him off with a towel or blow dryer on low heat settings. 

Ears 

Australian Shepherds have floppy ears that can easily trap dirt, excess moisture, and bacteria—so cleaning them regularly is important! Use cotton balls dipped in a solution made of equal parts water and white vinegar to gently wipe away any dirt or wax buildup inside their ears.

Never insert anything into their ear canals—just clean the visible areas around their ear openings only! 

Nails 

Aussies have strong nails that grow quickly if left unchecked; therefore, trimming them regularly is vital for both comfort and safety reasons. You’ll want to invest in a pair of dog clippers specifically made for trimming nails; if you’re unsure about doing this yourself, many groomers are happy to do it for you!

Just make sure the clippers are sharp enough not to cause any discomfort or pain when clipping away the excess nail length.  

Teeth  

Taking care of your pup’s teeth is just as important as taking care of his coat or nails! Brushing his teeth daily with toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs will help prevent gum disease and other dental issues that can arise from neglecting oral hygiene.

Be sure to use a special dog toothbrush (or just your finger!) rather than an adult human toothbrush when brushing your pup’s teeth!

Nutrition

 Australian Shepherds are an energetic and active breed of dog. As such, they require a specific diet that can provide them with the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.

Australian Shepherds are active dogs requiring a high-quality diet rich in protein and other essential nutrients. High-quality dry kibble is usually the best option as it provides all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that your pup needs.

Look for kibble with at least 25 percent protein (ideally from animal sources) and 15 percent fat. Be sure to read labels carefully to know exactly what’s in your dog’s food. 

You can also supplement your Aussie’s diet with wet or canned foods, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables (just be sure to avoid anything toxic like grapes or onions).

It’s important to note that Australian Shepherds tend to gain weight quickly, so ensure you are not overfeeding your pup – use portion control when giving treats or additional snacks! 

The amount of food you feed your Australian Shepherd will depend on their age and activity level. For example, puppies will need more food than adult dogs because they are growing at a rapid rate; similarly, active adults may need slightly more than those who live a more sedentary lifestyle.

Generally speaking, you should feed an adult Aussie twice daily – once in the morning and once at night – with each meal consisting of 1/2 cup to 1 cup of dry kibble, depending on their size and activity level. 

You may also want to consider rotating between different brands of kibble every few months, so your pup does not get bored with their meals; this can help encourage them to eat more if needed!  

Training

Training an Australian Shepherd is a great way to build a special bond with your furry companion. These dogs are highly intelligent and have a reasonable amount of energy, making them quite trainable.

However, due to their high intelligence, they can become bored easily, so frequent breaks and positive reinforcement are key. Rewards are also important for successful training – think small treats for good behavior; Aussies respond really well to positive reinforcement.

Overall, training your Australian Shepherd will require plenty of patience, consistency, and love in order to get the most out of your time spent together and create that perfect bond between you and your pup!

Exercise

An Australian Shepherd is an energetic, active breed of dog requiring plenty of physical and mental exercise. However, it’s important to note that walking your Aussie isn’t enough. These pups need opportunities to thrive.

Fetching and chasing frisbees or balls are great for physical activity, and puzzle toys can be used for mental stimulation as well. So instead of leading a sedentary life, give your pup a chance to get creative with different activities like hiking or a playdate with another dog in your neighborhood so they can stay happy and healthy.

Exercise is key — it keeps problem behaviors at bay while also keeping them fit and active!

Conclusion

Overall, owning an Australian Shepherd is a big commitment. Still, it can also be incredibly rewarding—so long as you know exactly what kind of care they need before bringing one home!

They are loving animals who will provide endless amounts of entertainment and companionship for years to come. Just make sure that you do your research beforehand so that both parties involved benefit from this amazing breed!