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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+17
Dogs
# The Australian Shepherd: temperament, price, health, and breeders
United States
A brilliant, athletic herding dog and very close to its family.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–15 yearsBudget ≈ €130/monthPuppy €700 – €1,800
[Find a breeder 450](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=australian-shepherd)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Excellent
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Limited
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Very intelligent: he quickly understands exercises and likes working with his human.
- Versatile: he excels in many activities such as obedience, agility, or active hiking.
- Attached to his family: he often forms a strong bond and willingly takes part in household life.
- High activity needs: without real physical and mental exertion, it can become difficult to manage.
- Regular shedding: its coat requires regular maintenance and sheds more during shedding periods.
- Genetic sensitivity: selection and screening are essential in this breed.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active households: it is well suited to people who are available to walk, play and work with it every day.
- Dog sports enthusiasts: its speed, concentration and desire to cooperate make it an excellent partner.
- Families often at home: it thrives better when it truly shares the daily life of its loved ones.
Not recommended for
- People who are often absent: it does not cope well with boredom and the lack of daily interactions.
- Sedentary households: its energy and need for activity rarely find a suitable response there.
- Beginners with little availability: its liveliness and educational needs require time and involvement.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
52 cmAustralian Shepherd
- Height at the withers
- 46–58 cm
- Weight
- 19–34 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, straight to wavy
- FCI group
- 1
- Origin
- United States
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Australian Shepherd in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
Contrary to what its name suggests, the Australian Shepherd is not originally from Australia. The breed was developed in the United States by farmers at the beginning of the 20th century to gather and drive livestock. Its ancestors are said to have been herding dogs of Basque origin, passing through Australia before reaching North America. Its popularity increased sharply after World War II, first on ranches for its working qualities, then as a family and sport dog.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog, slightly longer than tall, with well-sprung ribs, a deep chest and a slightly sloping croup. Its coat is of medium length, straight or slightly wavy, double and shorter on the head and ears, with a slight ruff in males. Its ears are triangular and drop, its almond-shaped eyes can be amber, brown, blue or mottled, and its straight tail must not exceed 10 cm. The coat can be blue merle, red merle, red or black, with or without white and tan.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
An action dog, playful, curious and loyal, the Australian Shepherd combines great energy with an overall balanced temperament. He is very attached to his family, likes to take part in everything that happens at home and shows remarkable intelligence. Versatile at work as well as in sporting activities, he often remains a little reserved with strangers without being naturally quarrelsome.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Easy to train Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The Australian Shepherd needs space, companionship and daily activity. It is not very well suited to apartment living and thrives more in a home able to offer it frequent outings, games, learning and canine activities. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes can be a base, but this athletic dog above all needs real physical and mental exercise to avoid boredom.
Training
## Training and socialization
Education can start very early, from the age of 2 months, with a firm approach but without violence. The Australian Shepherd responds well to rewards and encouragement, while brutality does not suit him well. His liveliness and strong-willed temperament make early socialization essential, and sharing activities such as agility, canicross or obedience often contributes greatly to his balance.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Australian Shepherd
The price of an Australian Shepherd varies mainly depending on the quality of the selection, the health tests of the breeding dogs, the reputation of the kennel and the potential of the line. A consistent price normally comes with good follow-up, clear identification and precise information on the screenings carried out.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Australian Shepherd is generally robust, but it has well-identified predispositions to several hereditary conditions. Vigilance mainly concerns hereditary canine eye diseases, hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and certain skin conditions. Particular attention must also be paid to sensitivity to certain treatments, notably those containing ivermectin.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Australian Shepherd needs a complete and digestible diet, capable of supporting an often sustained activity without promoting weight gain. Energy density, the quality of animal proteins and the regularity of intake are essential to maintain its muscle mass and its recovery.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-shepherd/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Australian Shepherd owes part of its modern popularity to its versatility and its ease in dog sports, but also to several cultural appearances. One can notably mention Huck in the film Marmaduke, where several Australian Shepherds were used on screen. Its spectacular appearance must not, however, make one forget that it remains above all a true working and active dog.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Australian Shepherd
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Australian Shepherd suited to apartment living?
No, it is not an apartment dog: it needs space and very significant physical, mental, and social exercise every day. Living in an apartment is only conceivable on an exceptional basis, with an owner who is very available and structured daily activities.
### Is the Australian Shepherd easy to train?
Yes, it learns quickly and likes to cooperate, but its liveliness and sensitivity require consistency, regularity, and positive training from a very young age.
### Does it shed a lot?
Its shedding can be pronounced, especially with seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps limit dead hair and keep the coat in good condition.
## Find a Australian Shepherd breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Australian Shepherd breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Australian Shepherd breeders in Occitanie67](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/occitanie) [Australian Shepherd breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine58](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Australian Shepherd breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes55](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Australian Shepherd breeders in Grand Est44](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/grand-est) [Australian Shepherd breeders in Hauts-de-France42](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/hauts-de-france) [Australian Shepherd breeders in Normandy41](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/normandy) [Australian Shepherd breeders in Pays de la Loire32](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/pays-de-la-loire) [Australian Shepherd breeders in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté30](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/bourgogne-franche-comte)
### Australian Shepherd breeders by country
[450 breeders of Australian Shepherd in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd) [372 breeders of Australian Shepherd in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/germany) [128 breeders of Australian Shepherd in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/italy) [62 breeders of Australian Shepherd in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/austria) [29 breeders of Australian Shepherd in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/denmark) [26 breeders of Australian Shepherd in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/netherlands) [15 breeders of Australian Shepherd in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/spain) [4 breeders of Australian Shepherd in Belgium](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/belgium) [4 breeders of Australian Shepherd in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/united-kingdom) [2 breeders of Australian Shepherd in Hungary](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd/hungary)
[All breeders of Australian Shepherd in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd)
## Ready to welcome a Australian Shepherd?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-australian-shepherd)
## Compare Australian Shepherd with other breeds
- [Australian Shepherd vs. Border Collie](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/australian-shepherd-vs-border-collie)
- [Australian Shepherd vs. German Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/australian-shepherd-vs-german-shepherd-dog)
- [Golden Retriever vs. Australian Shepherd](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/golden-retriever-vs-australian-shepherd)
## Discover other breeds
[Miniature American Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/miniature-american-shepherd)
[Australian Cattle Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/australian-cattle-dog)
[Border Collie
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/border-collie)
[Kelpie
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kelpie)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
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