The Australian Shepherd is a purebred dog breed that’s part of the herding group, according to the American Kennel Club. This doggo was initially bred for cattle ranching. However, they are versatile dogs and can be used for other jobs, such as therapy dogs, drug detectors, service dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. Overall, this breed is known for being smart, work-oriented, and exuberant.
This dog breed is medium-sized with males being a little larger and heavier than females. For example, males can grow to be about 20 to 23 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. On the other hand, females can grow to be about 18 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 55 pounds. While this dog doesn’t come in many coat colors, it’s easy to spot an Australian Shepherd from other dog breeds. For instance, you’ll find this dog having a coat that’s black, blue merle, red, or red merle, often with white markings.
One of the best things about the Australian Shepherd is that they’re excellent with young children. They’ll make for a great “nanny dog,” gently playing with them and keeping an eye on them. However, you should always still supervise dogs and children playing together just in case. In addition, this doggo is loyal and affectionate with its family members, good around other dogs, and good with strangers. However, their watchdog instincts might kick in first before being friendly toward strangers. Luckily, they’re never aggressive and they’re easy to train.
Australian Shepherd – A High Energy Dog
With proper care, the Australian Shepherd has an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. They have high energy levels, so even though they don’t bark much and are medium-sized, you’ll want to provide this dog breed with a bigger house and a fenced-in yard. They need to have at least two hours of exercise and physical activity every day to keep them fit and happy. In addition, they’ll love having a job to do. Luckily, grooming is minimal with weekly brushing to keep shedding at bay.
