General Appearance

The Australian Shepherd is a well-balanced, medium-sized dog with a slightly longer-than-tall body. It is lithe and agile, with a smooth, ground-covering gait. The breed is known for its expressive eyes, merle or solid coat patterns, and a tail that is naturally bobbed or docked.

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Size

• Males: 20–23 inches at the shoulder

• Females: 18–21 inches at the shoulder

• Weight: 40–65 pounds (males); 35–55 pounds (females)

Size should not compromise symmetry, athleticism, or function.

Head

• Skull: Moderately broad and flat on top, slightly rounded at the crown.

• Muzzle: Equal in length to the back skull, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.

• Stop: Moderate but distinct.

• Eyes: Almond-shaped and expressive. Colors include brown, blue, amber, or any combination, including marbling and flecks.

• Ears: Triangular, set high, of moderate size, and carried forward and slightly to the side when alert.

• Nose: Black in black and blue merles; liver in red and red merles.

Body

• Neck: Strong, slightly arched, and of moderate length.

• Back: Level and firm from withers to hip joint.

• Chest: Deep with well-sprung ribs.

• Loin: Strong and slightly tucked up.

• Tail: Naturally bobbed or docked to no more than 4 inches.

Legs & Feet

• Forequarters: Shoulders well-laid back, upper arm equal in length to the shoulder blade, forming a 90-degree angle.

• Hindquarters: Muscular and well-angulated.

• Feet: Oval, compact with well-arched toes and thick pads.

Coat

• Type: Medium-length, weather-resistant double coat. Straight to wavy texture.

• Undercoat: Density varies with climate.

• Mane and Frill: More pronounced in males.

• Feathering: Moderate on back of legs, and a moderate ruff around the neck.

• Color: Blue merle, red merle, solid black, or solid red—all with or without white markings and/or tan points. White should not predominate on the head.

Gait

Smooth, easy, and balanced. Aussies are agile and capable of a quick and graceful movement, showing excellent reach in front and strong drive behind. The back remains level while in motion.

Temperament

• Smart, loyal, and energetic, the Aussie thrives on activity and purpose.

• Naturally protective of its home and family, without aggression.

• Reserved with strangers, but never shy or timid.

• Highly trainable, excelling in obedience, agility, herding, and service work.

Faults

• Overly heavy or coarse build

• Shyness or aggression

• Poor movement or lack of balance

• Overly long or curly coat

• Predominant white on the head or body

Disqualifications

• Undershot or overshot bite greater than 1/8 inch

• Pricked ears

• Non-docked tail longer than 4 inches (unless naturally bobbed)

• Blue eyes in red-coated dogs (per some registry standards)

 

Ideal Owner

The Australian Shepherd needs a home that can provide plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. Ideal for active families, hobby farmers, or competitive dog sports, Aussies form deep bonds and shine brightest when given a job to do—whether herding livestock, running agility courses, or cuddling with their person after a long hike.

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The Australian Shepherd — affectionately known as the Aussie — is a highly intelligent herding breed developed in the western United States during the 19th century, recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1993. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was refined primarily by Basque shepherds who brought their dogs through Australia to the American West, where the breed became indispensable on ranches and farms. WowPooch (February 2026) documents over 40 confirmed Australian Shepherd mixed breeds currently being created by breeders across the United States. Designer Kennel Club registers both purebred Australian Shepherds and every Aussie mix. WowPooch

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The most popular Australian Shepherd designer crosses include the Aussiedoodle (also called the Aussiepoo — Aussie × Poodle, the most popular Aussie cross per Animal Corner April 2026), the Ausky (also called the Aussiesky — Aussie × Siberian Husky, first seen in 2004), the Aussiedor (Aussie × Labrador Retriever), the Australian Retriever (Aussie × Golden Retriever), the Border-Aussie (Aussie × Border Collie), and the Texas Heeler (Aussie × Australian Cattle Dog). DKC already has dedicated registration pages for the Aussiedoodle and the Texas Heeler. The AKC registers purebred Australian Shepherds — but AKC cannot and does not register any Aussie mix regardless of generation. Animal Corner

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Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers for purebred Australian Shepherds, Aussiedoodles, Aussiepoos, Auskies, Aussiedors, Australian Retrievers, Border-Aussies, Texas Heelers, and all other Aussie crosses with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Australian Shepherd or Aussie mix without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual DKC registration number that new owners can use to register for $45. Papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

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Whether you are registering a purebred Australian Shepherd or a first-generation Aussie cross you bred yourself, Designer Kennel Club provides official breed and ownership documentation accepted for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.