Australian Shepherd
Description
Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States during the 1840s Gold Rush era by Basque shepherds who migrated from Australia. This breed descends from some of Europe's finest herding dogs and quickly became a cowboy favorite for its exceptional herding skills and versatility. Australian Shepherds weigh between 40 and 65 pounds and have a medium-length double coat that comes in black, blue merle, red, and red merle, often accented with white markings and tan points. Australian Shepherds are bright, adaptable, and eager to please, making training straightforward for owners who can meet their physical and mental needs. They tend to be reserved around strangers but are generally good-natured with family and other pets. These dogs thrive in active homes where they receive plenty of exercise and mental challenges to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They’re not suited for apartment living or owners unable to commit to their activity demands. Bottom line: Aussies need purposeful work or play to stay balanced and happy.
Grooming
Australian Shepherds have a medium-length double coat that sheds heavily during spring and fall, requiring consistent maintenance to keep it manageable. Brush your Aussie three times a week, increasing frequency during shedding seasons to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Use an undercoat rake to target dead fur beneath the topcoat, which helps reduce shedding around the house. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended; follow up with blow-drying to effectively remove loose undercoat and maintain coat health. Pay attention to white markings and tan points, which can show dirt more easily—spot clean these areas as needed to keep them bright. Pro tip: Schedule a thorough de-shedding session every 4 to 6 weeks to control seasonal hair loss and keep your home cleaner. - Brush 3× weekly, more in shedding seasons - Use undercoat rake for dead fur - Bathe every 4–6 weeks - Blow-dry to remove loose undercoat - Spot clean white/tan markings Bottom line: Regular brushing and seasonal de-shedding prevent mats and excessive hair around your home.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Australian Shepherds require about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to keep them mentally and physically satisfied. A morning walk can be brisk and focused on leash training or obedience drills, while an evening session might include more exploratory sniffing or off-leash play in a secure area. This breed benefits from varied routes and interactive walks that challenge their intelligence and curiosity. Without enough structured exercise, they may become restless and engage in unwanted behaviors. Example routine: Start with a 50-minute morning walk including basic commands and leash work, then finish with a 50-minute evening stroll featuring scent games or socialization opportunities at a dog park. Bottom line: Two daily walks totaling 100 minutes keep an Aussie engaged and well-behaved.
Boarding
When boarding an Australian Shepherd, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. Aussies enjoy active play sessions, so plan for two energetic play blocks each day combined with scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable routine to help reduce stress and build trust. These dogs thrive on structure and mental stimulation, so enrichment activities are essential during their stay. Because Aussies can be reserved with strangers, patient, calm interactions from staff members will encourage positive socialization. Offering puzzle toys or scent trails during downtime can prevent boredom and promote relaxation. Bottom line: Proper crate size plus active play and mental challenges ensure a smooth boarding experience for Australian Shepherds.