Australian Shepherd
Strikingly beautiful and incredibly smart, the Australian Shepherd is a high-energy herding dog that thrives with an active family. They excel in agility, flyball, and any task that challenges their minds.
mediumHerdingUnited Statesintelligentenergeticloyalwork-orientedprotective
Quick Stats
Weight
18–29 kg (40–64 lbs)
Height
46–58 cm (18–23 in)
Lifespan
13–15 years
Coat Type
long
AKC Popularity
#12
Good For
Active Lifestyles, Houses with Yards
Breed Ratings
Personality
Intelligence
5/5
Trainability
5/5
Playfulness
5/5
Energy Level
5/5
Social
Good with Kids
4/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
Good with Strangers
3/5
Lifestyle
Apartment Friendly
1/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Watchdog Ability
4/5
Barking Level
3/5
Care
Shedding
4/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
Health Robustness
4/5
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price
$800–$2,000
Monthly Food
$50
Annual Vet
$450
Annual Grooming
$200
Est. First Year Total
~$2,650
Est. Annual Total
~$1,250
Looking for Australian Shepherd name ideas?
Browse 100+ name ideas organized by gender and category.
Common Health Issues
hip dysplasiaepilepsycataractsMDR1 gene mutation
Health robustness rating: 4/5. Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs with fewer breed-specific health concerns than average.
Compare Australian Shepherd with Other Breeds
Australian Shepherd vs French Bulldog
See the full comparison →
Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever
See the full comparison →
Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever
See the full comparison →
Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd
See the full comparison →
Australian Shepherd vs Poodle
See the full comparison →
Australian Shepherd vs Bulldog
See the full comparison →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Australian Shepherd cost?
A Australian Shepherd puppy typically costs $800–$2,000. The estimated first-year cost including food, vet visits, and grooming is around $2,650, with ongoing annual costs of approximately $1,250.
How long do Australian Shepherds live?
Australian Shepherds have an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, MDR1 gene mutation.
Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?
Australian Shepherds score 4/5 for being good with children. They are generally excellent family dogs and get along well with children of all ages.
Do Australian Shepherds shed a lot?
Australian Shepherds have a shedding level of 4/5. They are heavy shedders and require regular brushing to manage loose fur.
Are Australian Shepherds good for apartments?
Australian Shepherds score 1/5 for apartment friendliness. They are better suited to homes with yards and ample space to move around.