Australian Shepherds are athletic and intelligent. Aussies are known for their herding and livestock guarding abilities.

Australian Shepherds have a sweet temperament that is kind and gentle, which makes them ideal companions. They love to play with children if they are socialized to them at a young age, and they will show a great deal of affection to all members of the family. Although friendly and perky with the family, they will be shy toward people they have not yet met. They are great workers who are determined and eager, displaying stamina and endurance that would make other dogs jealous!

At maturity, Australian Shepherds will reach a height of 18 to 23 inches and a weight of 35 to 75 pounds. Their double coat is rather long, whether it is wavy or straight. The hair on their heads and legs is shorter than the hair on the rest of their bodies, and their under coat is usually a bit thicker but softer. Coat colors are blue merle, red merle, black, and red with or without white markings or tan spots. The male has a longer mane than the female, but both sexes have the characteristically bobbed tail. Their wonderful coats will need weekly brushing and combing, to avoid excessive shedding during the spring months. Australian Shepherds will require regular exercise. They love to be active when it comes to agility tests, sports, long runs, and sheepdog trials.

Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the 19th century to be herders and to guard precious livestock. They graced the United States with their presence during the same century. It is said that they were developed in Spain.

Some Australian Shepherds will develop seizures, discoid lupus erythematosus, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease cataracts, cleft palate thyroid diseas, and progressive retinal atrophy. Other possible problems prospective breeders should look out for are collie eye anomaly, patent ductus arteriosis, deafness, and nasal solar dermatitis.

They must be brushed weekly and exercised daily.

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