Australian Shepherd

Breed traits

About the Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are built for people who like to stay busy. Despite the name, their modern history is closely associated with ranch life in the United States, and they're very much working dogs at heart. They're intelligent, athletic and highly responsive to training. Give an Aussie something interesting to learn and a way to burn off energy, and they can be an absolute joy. Hiking, agility, obedience, scent work and other activities can all give them the kind of mental and physical outlet they enjoy. The challenge is that they don't necessarily understand the concept of "I've had a busy week, let's do nothing today." Without enough stimulation, their intelligence and energy can become a problem rather than a benefit. They're affectionate and can be wonderful family dogs, but they're best suited to people who genuinely enjoy an active lifestyle and want to include their dog in it.