American Herder

Height: 20"-23" (males), 18"-21" (females)
Weight: 50-65 pounds (males), 35-50 pounds (females)
Coat: Medium texture and length, straight to wavy and weather resistant
Colors: Black, blue merle (black patches on grey), red and red merle (red patches on beige). All these can have white and copper trim on the face, feet and chest.
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years


The Australian Shepherd is an attentive and animated dog, with enough strength and stamina to work or play all day.

Aussies have been used for many purposes; their use with livestock demanded a natural worker who was easy to train, and their devotion to their owners made them the ideal family farm dog and guardian of the homestead. Modern times have seen these talents used in even more diverse ways such as Search and Rescue, Drug Detection and Hearing and Handicap work. The original purpose of the breed as a working stock dog is still maintained across America on ranches and farms, as well as through competition at stock dog trials.

Because these dogs were developed to work and control livestock, their intelligence and energy needs to be used elsewhere if they are not working. Australian Shepherds don't necessarily have to let loose on a farm, but they aren't content being couch potatoes either. They need daily exercise and attention - obedience training is highly recommended. When raised with children, Australian Shepherds quickly become devoted and protective playmates. Most love to swim, fetch balls and are excellent Frisbee players.

Generally, the breed is friendly but tends to be reserved and cautious with strangers. Even if they have never seen sheep or cattle they usually have a strong herding instinct which means that Australian Shepherds need fenced yards and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children and traffic can be simply overwhelming.

Although minimal, there is some grooming required to keep the Australian Shepherd's coat clean and conditioned, such as regular brushing and nail trimming. To maintain their high energy levels, they may eat more than other more sedate dogs of similar size.

Hip dysplasia and several different eye defects are the most common problems in the breed; these include progressive retinal atrophy and Collie eye anomaly.