| Height | 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Smart / Work-Oriented / Exuberant [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Australia [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 14 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
A high-energy, athletic dog, the Aussie needs a great deal of exercise on a daily basis. At minimum, he should have a large, fenced-in yard to run around in for at least an hour or two daily. Aussies bond closely with their owners and love to accompany them on long walks'¿or, better yet, hikes. [1]
Grooming
In general, weekly brushing sessions will keep the Australian Shepherd's waterproof, double-layer coat looking its best. During shedding season, though, more work will be required. During this period an undercoat rake can be used every two or three days to remove the abundant dead hair, followed by a cleanup with the wire brush. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Aussies are generally healthy dogs, and a responsible breeder will test breeding stock for health concerns such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts and certain forms of cancer. An Aussie's ears should be checked regularly to remove foreign matter and avoid a buildup of wax, and his teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Australian Shepherd in 1991. [1]
- It ranked No. 14 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 17 in 2015. [2]
- The AKC lists Australia as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smartest Breeds of Dogs, Medium Dog Breeds, Best Guard Dogs” breed lists. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Australian Shepherds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Australian Shepherd get?
AKC breed information lists height 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) and weight 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Australian Shepherd?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Australian Shepherd, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.