Australian Shepherd
aw-STRAYL-yun SHEP-urd
Intelligent, Work-oriented, Exuberant, Loyal. Originally bred for herding livestock on american ranches.
An adult Australian Shepherd weighs 50-65 lbs (male) or 40-55 lbs (female), needs 980-2,210 calories daily, and lives 12-15 yrs. This medium-sized breed balances well between manageable size and robust health. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Australian Shepherd needs 980 to 2,210 calories per day. An average male (58 lbs / 26.1 kg) needs around 1,660 kcal; a female (48 lbs / 21.5 kg) roughly 1,440 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Australian Shepherd. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Australian Shepherd has a life expectancy of 12-15 yrs, which is typical for dogs in this size range. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and epilepsy, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Among the most demanding breeds for exercise. Needs 90+ minutes daily, including off-leash running and mental challenges. Excels at agility, flyball, frisbee, and herding trials. Herding instincts run deep in the Australian Shepherd. Without a job to do, they may try to herd children, other pets, or even passing cars. Channel that drive into structured activities: agility, flyball, advanced obedience, or herding trials if available in your area. Without sufficient exercise, the Australian Shepherd is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Australian Shepherds have a medium-length double coat, can be straight or wavy coat. Origin: United States (developed from European herding breeds).
Despite the name, developed in the American West. The merle coat pattern carries health risks when two merle dogs are bred together (vision and hearing problems). Their intelligence is a double-edged sword; a bored Aussie is a destructive Aussie.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
The Australian Shepherd responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training. Their eagerness to learn makes them suitable for advanced obedience, trick training, and competitive sports. Start training early and keep sessions varied to maintain their interest.
Tools for Australian Shepherd owners
Frequently asked questions
A healthy adult Australian Shepherd requires between 980 and 2210 calories daily. A 58-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Medium breeds are flexible eaters. Two meals daily with consistent portion sizes keeps most at a healthy weight. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 50-65 lbs (22.7–29.5 kg). Females run lighter at 40-55 lbs (18.1–24.9 kg). Medium breeds can carry extra weight without it being visually obvious, especially those with thick coats. Hands-on rib checks are more reliable than looking. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
The Australian Shepherd's most notable breed-specific vulnerability is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include epilepsy, cataracts, mdr1 gene mutation. Not every Australian Shepherd will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
The Australian Shepherd is built for activity and needs 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Good activities for this breed include agility, herding trials, frisbee. Mix physical activity with mental challenges like training, puzzle feeders, or nose work. An under-exercised Australian Shepherd will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026