With their sharp minds, endless energy, and unwavering loyalty, Australian Shepherds — affectionately known as Aussies — are more than just stunning dogs. Bred for herding, these intelligent and agile pups thrive on activity, whether it's rounding up livestock or keeping up with an adventure-loving owner.
Thinking about bringing an Australian Shepherd into your life? Get ready for a loyal, lively companion who’ll keep you on your toes. Whether you're welcoming a new pup or already have an Aussie by your side, this guide will help you keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of what it takes to care for an Australian Shepherd.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were actually developed in the United States in the 19th century to herd livestock. They are believed to have descended from Basque shepherd dogs that arrived in the U.S. via Australia. The breed quickly became a favourite among ranchers and farmers due to their intelligence, stamina, and strong herding instinct.
Key characteristics
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs known for their striking coats, expressive eyes, and lively personalities. They’re highly intelligent, energetic, and loyal, excelling in activities such as agility, obedience, and herding trials.
Health considerations
Australian Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to joint issues, obesity, and dental disease.
A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support their joint and overall health.
Appearance and size
Aussies have a well-proportioned, athletic build with a thick double coat that comes in a variety of colours, including blue merle, red merle, black, and red. Their eyes can be brown, blue, or even a mix of both, adding to their unique charm.
Australian Shepherd personality and temperament
The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent, energetic, and loyal breed with a natural drive to work. Originally bred for herding livestock, Aussies are quick learners who thrive when given tasks to do. Their sharp minds make them highly trainable, excelling in obedience, agility, and canine sports. However, their intelligence also means they need consistent mental stimulation—without it, they can become restless and develop unwanted behaviours like excessive barking or herding small children and pets.
In addition to their intelligence, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and strong work ethic. They require plenty of physical activity beyond a simple walk, thriving in active households that can provide them with running, hiking, or interactive games that challenge both their body and mind. While incredibly affectionate with their families, they can be reserved around strangers, making early socialisation essential to help them develop into well-rounded companions. Their loyalty also makes them excellent watchdogs, always alert to their surroundings.
Despite their hardworking nature, Australian Shepherds are deeply people-oriented and form strong bonds with their families. They do best in homes where they receive plenty of attention and companionship, as they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Their natural herding instincts and protective tendencies require patient training and redirection, but for the right owner, their intelligence, enthusiasm, and devotion make them an incredibly rewarding companion.
Size guide
A full-grown Australian Shepherd weighs between 18-29 kg and can grow between 46-58 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics. They tend to stop growing in height by 12-16 months of age when they reach adulthood.
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How long do Australian Shepherds live?
Australian Shepherds have an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s a lot we can do to help them thrive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
“Australian Shepherds can be genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia. Dogs can benefit from developing strong joints through careful exercise and nutrition. Lyka’s high-protein diets contain nutrients to support tissue development and omega-3 with anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also custom-portioned to help maintain your dog’s healthy weight to prevent additional strain on their joints.”
– Dr Darcy Marshall, Lyka Veterinarian, BSc, DVM
Learn more about Dr Darcy Marshall and her veterinary experience.
What does an Australian Shepherd eat?
This active and intelligent breed needs nutritious food to fuel their mind and body.
The best Australian Shepherd diet is made with real food ingredients, like high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and they’re delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for an Australian Shepherd’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect a dog’s joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: The life-changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Australian Shepherd puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Australian Shepherd puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Australian Shepherd health issues
Australian Shepherds from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, reputable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint conditions
Australian Shepherds can be prone to inherited developmental conditions like hip dysplasia. Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis because their joints have tried to compensate for the unstable movement.
You can support your Australian Shepherd’s joints with a diet containing ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like omega fatty acids at the optimal ratio.
Lyka meals are rich in omega-3 from fish oil and sardines. We also use fresh Aussie produce like vegetables and plant superfoods (full of phytochemicals and antioxidant properties) to help maintain strong and supple joints.
Look for these other joint-loving ingredients in Lyka meals:
🥥 Coconut: full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to support supple joints
🌱 Fennel Seeds: a superfood that’s great for swollen joints and arthritis
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help →
2. Gum disease
Gum disease in dogs (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
All dogs benefit from a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy.
Your dog’s diet can help too.
💚 Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum): shown to reduce plaque and tartar build-up1.
🦷 Dental treats: chews like Lyka’s Busy Beefies and Pig Twigs, are designed for repeated chewing which can also support your pup’s oral health.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →
3. Obesity
It can be easy for Australian Shepherds to gain unnecessary weight, if they’re not given adequate exercise or a portion-controlled diet, putting additional strain on their backs and joints.
Maintain your pup's optimal weight with a custom portioned, complete and balanced diet that keeps them nourished and in excellent shape. Pair this with regular walks and playtime to keep them active and healthy, along with regular veterinary check-ups.
Include real ingredients in their diet like quality proteins and low GI carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels and support a healthy weight and body shape, like:
🍠 Purple sweet potato: a low-GI carbohydrate option that gradually releases energy to satisfy your pup.
🦘 Kangaroo and Chicken: low-fat, high-quality protein options for healthy weight management.
🥬 Kale: fresh, non-starchy produce with bioavailable nutrients and dietary fibre for healthy digestion and satiety.
Read more: Lyka's vet guide to healthy dog weight →
Australian Shepherd coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
Keeping your Australian Shepherd well-groomed is about more than just a sleek and shiny coat – it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Australian Shepherds have a thick double coat that sheds year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and autumn. Regular brushing helps to minimise loose fur and keep their coat healthy.
Grooming
Brushing your Aussie at least 2-3 times a week helps prevent matting and keeps their coat looking its best. They don’t require clipping as this can affect the growth of their double coat.
They only need a bath every 4-6 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use mild, dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Australian Shepherd hygiene tips
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly, they can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk.
Introduce your Australian Shepherd to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums. Dental chews can also contribute to oral hygiene.
Routine ear checks are important to spot signs of an ear infection, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Australian Shepherd exercise requirements
Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily. They thrive on a variety of activities that engage both their bodies and minds.
Long walks, running, and hiking are excellent ways to keep them physically fit, while agility training, obedience trials, and herding exercises stimulate their natural instincts. Swimming is also a great low-impact activity for Australian Shepherds, helping to maintain strong muscles and healthy joints.
Interactive play, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek, can provide additional mental and physical stimulation. Without proper exercise, Australian Shepherds may develop behavioural issues such as excessive barking, digging, or chewing. Ensuring they have an active lifestyle helps them remain balanced, happy, and well-behaved.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
Training an Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to learn, making them one of the easiest breeds to train. However, they require firm, consistent training and positive reinforcement techniques. Consistent training from puppyhood is essential to shape them into well-mannered adults.
Early socialisation is crucial to ensure they are comfortable around new people, animals, and environments. Puppy school and controlled exposure to different sights, sounds, and situations help develop their confidence and social skills.Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
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How to choose a reputable Australian Shepherd breeder
So, you’ve decided that an Australian Shepherd is the pup for you. How exciting! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them questions about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like hip dysplasia scoring.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable German Shepherd breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents – it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is an Australian Shepherd puppy?
You can expect to pay around $2,000 to $5,000 for a puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still got some unanswered questions about Australian Shepherds? Check out our FAQs below:
Are Australian Shepherds hypoallergenic?
No, Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately year-round and require regular grooming.
When should I desex my Australian Shepherd?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is an Australian Shepherd pregnant?
The Australian Shepherd gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Are Australian Shepherds good with other pets?
Yes, with proper socialisation. Their herding instincts may cause them to chase or "round up" smaller animals, but with training, they can get along well with other pets.
Are Australian Shepherds good for first-time dog parents?
Not always. They are an intelligent and trainable breed but require high exercise and mental stimulation. First-time owners should be ready for an active, committed lifestyle.
Where should my Australian Shepherd sleep?
Indoors, near their family. A dog bed in your room or a quiet space in the home works best, as Aussies thrive on companionship and don’t do well sleeping outside.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Australian Shepherd comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Australian Shepherds across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
Join our pack of proud Australian Shepherd parents today.
References
1Effects of Edible Treats Containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the Oral Health of Dogs: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Study
