About this Breed

The Australian Shepherd, or Aussie, is the 17th most popular dog in the United States, and given their intelligence and temperament, it’s no wonder they’re so well-loved. Despite their name, the Australian Shepherd actually originated from the ranches of the United States around the 1800s. They are praised by stockmen and breeders for their trainability and intelligence. They have a medium build and a wide variation of different coat colors.

Australian Shepherds have considerable energy and they usually need a job to do to keep themselves entertained, though they’re also happy to spend time with the family and settle down at the end of the day. Australian Shepherds are often employed as guide dogs, rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. In addition to exercising an Aussie, it’s equally important to keep their mind occupied, as if an an Australian Shepherd gets bored they do have the tendency to invent their own games or activities, which sometimes involve destructive behaviors. This is a breed that thrives on close companionship. Aussies are at times called “Velcro Dogs” for their tendency to stay close to their owner.