Skip to content
#31 in Australia

Australian Shepherd: Complete Australian Breed Guide

United States (despite name; developed from Spanish/English herding dogs)

Working Dog Medium Breed Moderate — Manage in summer Trend: Growing
Size Medium
Weight 27–32 kg / 23–27 kg
Height 51–58 cm
Lifespan 14 years
AU Price $1,500 - $3,000
Annual Cost $2,636/yr
Exercise 120 mins/day
Grooming 3–4 times per week
Hazel Russell
Written by Hazel Russell · Bachelor of Veterinary Science — Charles Sturt University Last updated 4 Apr 2026 · 5 min read

Australian Shepherd Overview

Origin: United States

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the western United States. Basque shepherds who emigrated via Australia brought their herding dogs, and American ranchers refined the breed for working livestock.

Intelligent, energetic herding dog developed in the United States from Spanish and English stock. Highly trainable, excel at sports, form deep bonds with families. However, extreme exercise needs (120+ minutes daily), high energy, severe separation anxiety, and heavy grooming make them unsuitable for apartments or low-energy owners.

Thrive with active families willing to provide extensive exercise, training, mental stimulation. Excel at agility, herding trials, obedience competitions. Without adequate exercise, become destructive with behavioural problems. Better in cooler Australian states (VIC, TAS, SA) than hot climates.

Suit active, experienced owners with time for daily training and sports. Excellent for rural properties. Not suitable for apartments, first-time owners, or sedentary lifestyles.

Australian Shepherd Personality & Temperament

Understanding the Australian Shepherd temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.

Intelligent, eager to please, loyal, playful | Intense energy; high prey drive; herding instinct; responsive to training; form strong bonds; require extensive stimulation | Excellent with children (if socialised); good with other dogs; high barking; severe separation anxiety

Breed Ratings at a Glance

How the Australian Shepherd scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).

Energy Level
5/5
Trainability
5/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
Shedding Level
4/5
Affection Level
4/5
Kid-Friendly
4/5
Dog-Friendly
3/5
Cat-Friendly
3/5
Barking Level
3/5

Is a Australian Shepherd Right for You?

❌
Apartment Unsuitable; needs 120+ mins daily
⚠️
House with yard Fair if large yard
❌
First-time owner Not suitable; require experienced handlers
❌
Renters Difficult; high energy, destructive
⚠️
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA) Fair; better in southern states
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT) Excellent; thrive in southern states
❌
Elderly/retired owners Too high-energy
❌
Working owners (8hrs alone) Poor; severe separation anxiety
✅
Rural/acreage Perfect; space for herding, running
✅
Active lifestyle Perfect; excel in sports
Separation Anxiety: High — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.

Australian Shepherd Size & Appearance

Size
Medium
Weight M
27–32 kg
Weight F
23–27 kg
Height
51–58 cm
Coat
Double coat, moderate length, wavy to straight
Colours
Blue merle, red merle, black, red (with white and/or tan markings)
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No

Australian Shepherd Health & Lifespan

🟠

High: Hip Dysplasia

Australian Shepherd is predisposed to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint develops abnormally leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Ensure your breeder provides hip scores for both parents. Maintain a lean body weight and provide appropriate exercise to support joint health.

🟠

High: MDR1 Drug Sensitivity

Australian Shepherd may carry the MDR1 gene mutation causing sensitivity to certain medications including ivermectin, loperamide, and some sedatives. A simple DNA test can confirm carrier status. Always inform your vet that Australian Shepherd may be MDR1-affected before any treatment.

14 years Average Lifespan

Known Health Conditions

Joint malformation. Screened via X-ray.

Est. treatment: $3,000–$8,000

Foreleg joint malformation.

Est. treatment: $2,500–$6,000

Genetic eye disease affecting retina. Genetic testing available.

Est. treatment: $800–$2,000

Vision loss and blindness.

Est. treatment: $1,000–$2,000

Clouding of the lens. Genetic screening available.

Est. treatment: $800–$2,000 per eye

Genetic sensitivity to certain medications. Genetic testing available.

Est. treatment: $0 (genetic test)
Recommended Health Tests:

Hip and elbow scores, MDR1 DNA test, ophthalmologist evaluation

Pet Insurance for Australian Shepherd

Avg Annual Insurance: $750
Monthly Estimate: $1,200–$1,800/month. Insurers: Bow Wow Meow, PD Insurance, Petcover.

Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA

TIP: Insure before 6 months.

Compare insurance policies for your Australian Shepherd

Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.

Compare Pet Insurance →

Australian Shepherd Cost of Ownership (AUD)

CategoryAmount (AUD)
PURCHASE $1,500 - $3,000
Food $1,900
Vet $550
Grooming $250
Insurance $750
TOTAL/yr $2,636
Monthly $153
LIFETIME (14 yrs) $36,904
FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS $1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school)
$36,904 Estimated lifetime cost (14 years)

All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.

Australian Shepherd Grooming Guide

Frequency 3–4 times per week
Brushing 4–5 times weekly; daily during shedding season
Professional Cost $80–$150
Coat Double coat, moderate length, wavy to straight
Shedding ★★★★☆/5
Tools Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week

Australian Shepherd Exercise Needs

Daily Exercise 120 minutes
Type Herding, agility, running, mental stimulation, sports
Energy ★★★★★/5
Separation Anxiety High
Mental Stimulation Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)

Training Your Australian Shepherd

Trainability: ★★★★★/5
First-Time Owner: ★★☆☆☆/5

Highly intelligent, eager to please, responsive to training. Require extensive mental and physical stimulation. Without adequate exercise and training, develop destructive behaviours and separation anxiety. Early socialisation essential. Excel at sports (agility, herding trials, obedience).

Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds

Australian Shepherd Feeding Guide

Annual Food Cost: $1,900

2.5–3.5 cups daily, split into two meals. High-quality large-breed kibble (22–26% protein). Expect $35–$50/week.

Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias

📊 Calculate your Australian Shepherd's daily food amount →

Finding a Reputable Australian Shepherd Breeder

REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)

GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops

✅ Green Flags

  • Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
  • Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
  • Provides health test results for parents
  • Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
  • Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)

❌ Red Flags

  • Multiple breeds always available with no wait
  • Won't let you visit or meet the mother
  • No health testing mentioned
  • Price significantly below market average
  • Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:

ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF

Adopting a Australian Shepherd in Australia

RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Australian Shepherd Rescue Australia
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia

Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)

Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform

❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

PetRescue.com.au RSPCA Australia

Australian Shepherd — Frequently Asked Questions

Good for apartments?

No. Extreme energy (120+ mins daily) makes apartments unsuitable. Develop destructive behaviour and anxiety if under-exercised.

Exercise needs?

120+ minutes daily of vigorous activity plus mental stimulation. Need herding activities, agility, or sports.

Herd children and pets?

Yes, herding instinct is strong. May nip at heels of children. Training helps manage but doesn't eliminate instinct.

First-time owners?

No. Require experienced, active owners willing to invest in training and exercise.

Insurance cost?

$1,200–$1,800 annually (Bow Wow Meow, PD Insurance, Petcover).

Left alone?

No. Severe separation anxiety if alone 3–4+ hours. Will bark excessively, destroy, and exhibit anxiety.

Hot climates?

Moderate. Double coat struggles in QLD/NT/WA. Better in VIC, TAS, SA.

Health issues?

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, MDR1. Genetic screening essential.

Diet?

2.5–3.5 cups daily of large-breed kibble (22–26% protein). Expect $35–$50/week.

Sports?

Excellent. Excel at agility, herding, obedience, dock diving. Mental stimulation through training essential.