Despite the name, Australian Shepherds were developed in the American West as elite cattle and sheep herding dogs. They are extraordinarily athletic, spectacularly intelligent, and so intensely driven that they will find something to herd regardless of whether you provide them with livestock. Children, cats, visiting relatives, garden hoses — everything is a valid candidate. Aussies are magnificent, high-energy, high-maintenance, and completely addictive once you've owned one.
3 Things Nobody Tells You About Australian Shepherds
- They come in an overwhelming variety of colours and eye colours. Blue merle, red merle, black, red — with or without white and tan markings. Blue eyes, brown eyes, one of each, or marbled combinations. Every Aussie looks slightly different, which is part of their visual appeal and a source of constant "what breed is that?" conversations on walks.
- Natural bobtails exist. Some Australian Shepherds are born with a naturally bobbed tail — a genetic trait in the breed. Others are docked. If you're getting an Aussie puppy, be aware of the tail situation early.
- They will try to manage your schedule. Aussies notice patterns, remember routines, and will remind you — insistently — when it's walk time, dinner time, or any other established time that you've deviated from. This is endearing for approximately three days before you realise they're running the household.
Health Things to Actually Watch For
- MDR1 gene mutation: Critical. A significant percentage of Aussies carry a mutation that makes them dangerously sensitive to certain drugs including ivermectin (in standard anti-parasite doses), loperamide, and several common anaesthetics. DNA test your dog and inform every treating vet. The Merle gene is associated with but doesn't perfectly predict MDR1 status.
- Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Same as Border Collies — heritable eye malformation ranging from mild to vision-threatening. DNA test breeding stock.
- Hip dysplasia: Common. Ask breeders for hip scores.
- Epilepsy: Present at elevated rates. First seizures typically 1–5 years of age.
Your Aussie Care Cheat Sheet
- DNA test for MDR1 before any parasite treatment or surgery — show result to every vet.
- 2+ hours vigorous exercise daily: running, frisbee, agility, herding, dock diving.
- Mental stimulation as important as physical — Aussies need their brains engaged daily.
- Brush 2–3× weekly; the double coat tangles and sheds heavily seasonally.
- Never shave the double coat — it regulates temperature and protects skin.
Track your Aussie's vaccine schedule and health events on the Woofio Australian Shepherd care page.