I used to own a German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd Mix Dog from about 2003 to 2016 when he passed away
In the last article I mentioned how we bought a 2500 dollar German Shepard Puppy from a Breeder but realized it was too much like a wolf and not enough like a pet for my wife and I. But, it's true he was the grandson of the world champion Schutzhund and he is now a Police Dog in Southern California. You know one of those dogs that can jump over cars and stuff like that.
But, before this we owned a Long Hair German Shepard and Australian Shepard mix and this was the most intelligent dog I ever have owned that was a male. But, he passed away in 2016 which is why we tried to raise a Schutzhund German Shepard Champion type of dog and he was just too much for us when he got my wife by the neck as a puppy. I realized I needed my wife alive and not to be his dead Beta instead.
However, Furby which is what he was already called "The Long Hair German Shepard Australian Shepard Mix was amazing and we owned him from about 2003 until he passed away around 2016 of old age. I think he likely was born around 2000 but we got him at about 2 years old or so from the SPCA.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, high-energy American herding breed developed in the 19th-century United States (primarily California and the American West) to work livestock on ranches. Despite its name, the breed's foundational lineage traces back to European sheepdogs from Spain and the Pyrenees, with further development involving collies and other stock dogs before being perfected in North America.
Key Breed Characteristics
Height: 18–23 inches (46–58 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: Males typically weigh 50–65 lbs (22–29 kg); females typically weigh 40–55 lbs (18–25 kg)
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Coat & Colors:
A weather-resistant medium-length double coat featuring striking patterns including blue merle, red merle, solid black, or solid red, often accented with white markings or copper points. Their eyes are famously expressive and can be blue, brown, amber, or marbled/heterochromatic (different colored eyes).
Temperament and Care Needs
Temperament: Highly intelligent, active, loyal, and eager to please. They possess a powerful, innate herding instinct and thrive when given a "job" or active mental stimulation.
Exercise Requirements: Requires extensive physical exertion—often over 2 hours of daily activity—including running, hiking, or agility training to prevent destructive boredom.
Grooming: Their dense double coat requires regular brushing (2 to 3 times a week) and increased maintenance during seasonal shedding periods.
Health Considerations
Common Conditions: Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, hereditary cataracts, collie eye anomaly, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and epilepsy.
Genetic Sensitivities: Susceptible to the MDR1 gene mutation (drug sensitivity to ivermectin and other medications). Breeding double merles (merle-to-merle) carries a high risk of congenital blindness and deafness.
If you are considering adding an Aussie to your family, let me know:
Your living situation (apartment vs. rural home with a large yard)
Your daily schedule and how much exercise you can provide
I can help you decide if an Australian Shepherd is the right fit for your lifestyle.
The Australian Shepherd, a lean, tough ranch dog, is one of those 'only in America' stories: a European breed perfected in California by way of Australia.
People also ask
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