Australian Shepherds' Size Classed as medium in size, Australian Shepherds can grow to stand around 46-58 centimetres tall, however sizes will vary. They can also weigh between 16 and 32kg, with females being slightly lighter and smaller in overall frame.
Australian shepherds are medium-sized dogs with a solid build and low center of gravity. They are about 18 to 23 inches in height, and weigh from about 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). Males generally are taller and heavier than females.
They are very active yet easy-going dogs that love to romp with children and they tend to get along well with other pets. Australian shepherds have wonderful personalities and adapt well to families with children. They are not aggressive dogs and make ideal companions in an active household.
Australian Shepherds are considered moderate to heavy shedders, and they will shed quite a bit of fur each day. Your Aussie will likely leave fur behind on your clothes after cuddling, on the bedding it was resting on, and you will likely see a thin layer of fur on your floors.
Your Aussie will bond to his family and be protective of and loyal to them. Many dog owners are surprised to learn that even though Aussies have strong guarding and herding instincts, they are sweet and cuddly indoor dogs that can even be kept in apartments.
Outdoor likes
A Mini Aussie likes outdoor exercise and activities. He is a natural outdoor working dog and does best when he has a task to complete (this is due to their original breed purpose of being herding dogs).
A potential con is that they are known to be a high energy breed. If you're not an active person, I would not recommend this breed for you as they do require daily walks and training to have a well-balanced dog.
Of course, Aussies need plenty of physical exercise: no less than one hour per day, and preferably upwards of two hours. This goes for both standard and mini Aussies. Beyond the physical however, Aussies need to work out their brains.
If you are a first-time owner, you're probably wondering, at what age will my Mini Aussie calm down?! All puppies and young dogs experience a period of extreme activity. In Aussies, it should stop at around 2-3 years of age.
In the case of the Australian Shepherd pup, tail docking is a procedure that benefits the life of the dog. A shorter tail prevents potential breaking later in life and ensures a cleaner and more sanitary lifestyle for the dog and its owner.
Most Australian Shepherds will need 16 months to reach their full adult size, although many will already be at their adult height around a year old.
Aussies are best suited for families with an active lifestyle and a large fenced yard. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and have an average life span of 12-13 years.
Adult Australian Shepherds need around 12 to 14 hours of sleep daily, depending on how much energy they burn during the day.
Australian Shepherds are extremely active dogs that require more than 2 hours of exercise a day. They require committed owners who are willing to give them lots of exercise if they are not going to be used as a working dog.
They require plenty of attention. Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
Aussies are remarkably intelligent, quite capable of hoodwinking an unsuspecting novice owner. In short, this isn't the pet for everyone.
They're a very devoted breed and highly intelligent. Australian shepherds bond with their owners and family and take their role as guardians seriously. This can cause them to be protective, but also aggressive toward things they perceive as a threat if they're not properly socialized and trained.
The bottom line. Australian Shepherds are bundles of fun, but they are also highly sensitive dogs. You should never leave an Aussie alone for more than four hours at a time, and try to make the most out of every day to prevent boredom and loneliness when they're left to their own devices.
Australians may see themselves as a hard-partying bunch but new research has shown they go to bed earlier than any other country. The University of Michigan study found a typical Australian adult goes to bed around 10.45pm – a full hour earlier than the Spanish, who have the world's latest bedtime.
Hopefully this helps you understand the mystifying question “why does my dog sit on me.” If your Australian Shepherd likes to plop down on you, you should be flattered. This is a sign they love you and are loyal to you. They found their spot.
Aussies can be very clingy. They crave human companionship and love being included in pretty much everything you do, including being involved in all family activity. Since they require an active lifestyle, they will want to join in everything and anything that is going on around them.
Australian Shepherds enjoy cold weather, but cannot live outside in it.
Our furry friends are normally comfortable in a wide variety of temperatures, although the ideal temperature will vary depending on the individual dog and the thickness of its coat. Most Australian Shepherds find temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to be comfortable.
How often does your Aussie have to go outside? As a puppy, at least once every hour, maybe every 2 hours in some instances. By the time your Australian Shepherd is all grown up, he should be outside 3 to 5 times every day.