Australian Shepherd
Height
20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
Weight
50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Size
Medium
About the Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are intense, clever herding dogs that usually want both a physical workout and a mental assignment. They are at their best with owners who like training, motion, and a dog that wants to be involved in everything.
The Good
- Exceptionally trainable and eager to work
- Athletic enough for sports, hikes, and busy routines
- Deeply engaged with their people
The Bad
- Needs serious exercise and mental stimulation
- Can invent their own job if you do not give them one
- Herding instincts can show up as chasing or heel-nipping
Is this dog right for you?
Best match for...
Similar breeds to check out
Browse all breeds
Australian Cattle Dog
Herding • Medium • High energy
Australian Cattle Dogs are smart, loyal herding dogs best for active owners who want daily exercise, mental work, and serious training drive.
Border Collie
Herding • Medium • High energy
People are often drawn to the Border Collie for its affectionate, energetic, and smart mix wrapped in a medium-size herding frame. They fit best when active households can plan around daily exercise and mental work and noise management instead of treating the breed like a plug-and-play match.
Belgian Malinois
Herding • Large • High energy
Belgian Malinoiss typically pair confident, hardworking, and smart traits with the presence of a large herding dog. They are often strongest fits for active households, especially when the household can stay on top of daily exercise and mental work and space and handling strength.
German Shepherd Dog
Herding • Large • High energy
German Shepherd Dogs are smart, athletic working dogs built for jobs, structure, and close partnership with their people. They do best when their brains and bodies stay busy and their training starts early and stays consistent.