10 Things Only Australian Shepherd Dog Owners Understand

Australian Shepherds, or “Aussies,” are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty. If you are lucky enough to own one of these amazing dogs, here are ten things that only you can truly understand:

1. They have a lot of energy – Australian Shepherds are a high-energy breed that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. A typical adult Aussie, weighing between 40-65 lbs (18-29 kg), needs at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity daily. This isn't just a walk around the block; think fast-paced fetch sessions with a frisbee, long hikes, or even a solid hour at a dog park. Without it, you might find your furniture rearranged or your garden re-landscaped!
2. They are intelligent – Australian Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and they thrive on learning new commands and tricks. They are quick learners and excel at obedience training. You can teach a 12-week-old Aussie puppy "sit" and "stay" in just a few short sessions. Many owners find their Aussies pick up complex commands like "find your toy" or "put it away" with remarkable speed. This intelligence also means they need mental challenges; puzzle toys and regular training sessions are essential to prevent boredom.
3. They are loyal – Australian Shepherds are fiercely loyal to their owners and make great family pets. They form strong bonds with their families and will protect them at all costs. This loyalty often manifests as a strong desire to be near their people, often following you from room to room. While generally friendly, they can be reserved with strangers, always keeping a watchful eye on their family.
4. They love to work – Australian Shepherds were originally bred as working dogs, primarily for herding sheep and cattle in the American West. They still have a strong work ethic. They excel at herding, agility, and other dog sports. Many Aussies thrive in competitive obedience, earning titles like CD (Companion Dog) or CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) by mastering a series of advanced commands and routines. Even if you don't herd livestock, activities like competitive frisbee or advanced trick training can fulfill this innate drive.
5. They are good with children – Australian Shepherds are great with children and make wonderful family pets. They are patient and gentle, and they love to play and interact with kids. However, due to their herding instincts, they might try to "herd" small children by nudging or nipping at their heels. This is rarely aggressive, but it's important to teach both the dog and the children appropriate boundaries and supervised play.
6. They need socialization – Australian Shepherds need early socialization to prevent them from becoming anxious or aggressive towards other dogs and people. This includes exposing them to a variety of situations and people during puppyhood, ideally between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Enroll your Aussie puppy in a puppy kindergarten class, introduce them to at least 100 different people (of all ages and appearances), and expose them to various sights and sounds like city traffic, skateboards, and other friendly dogs. Without proper socialization, an Aussie might become overly wary or reactive, making walks and public outings challenging.
7. They shed a lot – Australian Shepherds have a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year, typically in spring and fall, as they blow their undercoat. During these periods, you might find yourself brushing your Aussie daily for 15-20 minutes, filling a brush with fur each time. Even outside of shedding season, weekly brushing with a slicker brush and an undercoat rake is necessary to prevent mats and keep their coat healthy. For more on managing shedding, you might find our German Shepherd Care Guide helpful, as they share similar double-coat challenges.
8. They can be vocal – Australian Shepherds are a vocal breed and may bark to alert their owners or express their emotions. This can range from a sharp "woof!" at a squirrel in the yard to a series of barks when they want to play or need to go outside. It’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent excessive barking. Training a "quiet" command can also be very effective. For example, when your Aussie barks at the mail carrier, acknowledge the alert, say "thank you, quiet," and reward them when they stop barking.
9. They have a strong herding instinct – Australian Shepherds have a strong herding instinct and may try to herd other animals or children. You might notice your Aussie circling family members, nudging them into a group, or even nipping gently at heels. It’s important to channel this energy into appropriate activities, such as agility or obedience training. Herding balls, which are large, durable balls that dogs can push and chase, can be a great outlet. You can also explore local herding classes if available, allowing them to work with actual livestock in a controlled environment.
10. They are prone to certain health issues – Australian Shepherds are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems (like Collie Eye Anomaly or Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and epilepsy. For instance, hip dysplasia can manifest as early as 6 months of age, with symptoms like limping or reluctance to jump. Regular veterinary check-ups, especially annual exams, can help catch these issues early. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding dogs for these conditions, so always ask for health clearances. If you notice any concerning symptoms, use our Dog Symptom Checker or contact your veterinarian immediately.

In conclusion, Australian Shepherds are a special breed that require dedicated owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. They are intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs that make great family pets and working dogs. If you are lucky enough to own an Australian Shepherd, you know firsthand how amazing and rewarding these dogs can be. For those considering if an Aussie is right for them, our Breed Selector Quiz can help guide your decision.

Written and reviewed by the Doggie General editorial team. This article is general information for dog owners, not veterinary advice. If your dog is unwell or you are worried about its health or behavior, contact your veterinarian. When you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission.