How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need?

A lot. The AKC suggests at least an hour or two of vigorous exercise every day, plus mental work such as training or dog sports. An Aussie without an outlet often invents its own, such as chewing, barking or herding the family.

Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs?

Often, yes: the AKC rates them 5 of 5 with young children. They need an active family and supervision, because the herding instinct can lead to nipping at running kids. Training gives that instinct a better outlet.

Do Australian Shepherds shed a lot?

Moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal sheds. The AKC rates shedding 3 of 5. Weekly brushing, and an undercoat rake every few days during heavy shedding, keeps it manageable.

What is the MDR1 gene in Aussies?

It is a gene variant, common in herding breeds, that makes some medications dangerous at standard doses. A cheek-swab DNA test shows your dog’s status. The site’s MDR1 guide explains which drugs matter and what to tell your vet.

Breed guide

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, very energetic and very trainable herding dog. The AKC lists males at 20–23 inches and 50–65 pounds and a life expectancy of 12–15 years, and rates the breed 5 out of 5 for energy, trainability and need for mental stimulation. Aussies thrive with an active owner and a job to do; bored, under-exercised Aussies are a common rescue story.

At a glance

Height: 20–23 in (male), 18–21 in (female)
Weight: 50–65 lb (male), 40–55 lb (female)
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
AKC group: Herding Group

AKC trait ratings (1 to 5)

Energy
Trainability
Need for mental work
Good with young children
Good with other dogs
Openness to strangers
Shedding
Coat grooming
Barking

Personality

Aussies bond closely with their people and like to be part of everything. The AKC notes they can be territorial and protective of their home, and that they can turn destructive when left alone too often. They are typically reserved with strangers at first (AKC rates openness to strangers 3 of 5) and very good with children they know (5 of 5), though the herding instinct can show up as circling or nipping at running kids, which training should redirect.

Exercise

This is a high-energy athlete. The AKC suggests at least an hour or two of hard exercise every day, ideally with a purpose: long walks and hikes, running once the skeleton has finished growing, and dog sports such as agility, obedience or herding. Mental work matters as much as miles. Puzzle feeders, scent games and short training sessions keep an Aussie’s brain busy.

Grooming

The coat is a medium-length, weather-resistant double coat. Weekly brushing is usually enough, but during shedding season the AKC recommends working an undercoat rake through every two or three days. Check ears regularly and brush teeth often.

Health: what to know

Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and some cancers. The AKC lists these as the conditions responsible breeders screen breeding dogs for. Ask any breeder for the parents’ test results.
MDR1 drug sensitivity. Many Aussies carry a gene variant that makes some common drugs dangerous at normal doses. A simple cheek-swab test tells you your dog’s status; share it with every vet.
Ears and teeth. Regular ear checks and tooth brushing are part of routine care for the breed.

Training

Aussies are among the easiest dogs to train, because they are smart, eager and energetic. The AKC calls early socialization and obedience training a must, and points out that unchanneled energy is one of the most common reasons Aussies end up in rescue. Reward-based training, plenty of variety and a daily “job” bring out the best in them.

Is this breed right for you?

Usually a good fit for

Active owners who hike, run or do dog sports
People who enjoy daily training and want a dog that learns fast
Homes where the dog is included in family life, not left alone all day

Can be a tough fit for

Owners looking for a low-energy companion
Homes where the dog would be alone most of the day
Families who can’t supervise a herding dog around running children

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need?: A lot. The AKC suggests at least an hour or two of vigorous exercise every day, plus mental work such as training or dog sports. An Aussie without an outlet often invents its own, such as chewing, barking or herding the family.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs?: Often, yes: the AKC rates them 5 of 5 with young children. They need an active family and supervision, because the herding instinct can lead to nipping at running kids. Training gives that instinct a better outlet.
Do Australian Shepherds shed a lot?: Moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal sheds. The AKC rates shedding 3 of 5. Weekly brushing, and an undercoat rake every few days during heavy shedding, keeps it manageable.
What is the MDR1 gene in Aussies?: It is a gene variant, common in herding breeds, that makes some medications dangerous at standard doses. A cheek-swab DNA test shows your dog’s status. The site’s MDR1 guide explains which drugs matter and what to tell your vet.

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