The Australian Shepherd, a lean, hard-edged dog, is one of those ‘only in America’ stories: a European breed that ended up in California by way of Australia. A fixture on the rodeo circuit, they are closely associated with the cowboy’s life. The Shepherd dog, the herding dog of choice, is a medium-sized worker with a keen and keen eye.

Shepherds dog, known for their striking beauty and tenacity, make excellent companions for active individuals and families. With proper training and socialization, these dogs grow into intelligent and loving adult dogs, eager to embark on adventures and form long-term relationships with their owners.

Mini Australian Shepherd Size

Miniature Shepherds are typically 13 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 20 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Despite their small size, they retain the same intelligence, athleticism and loyalty as their standard counterparts, making them a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a more compact companion.

Australian Shepherd price

An Shepherd typically costs between $600 and $1,200. Prices for show-quality dogs or dogs with unusual pedigrees can be high, sometimes exceeding $2,000.

Toy Australian Shepherds

Toy Australian Shepherds are even smaller than their miniature counterparts, standing 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Despite their small size, they have the same intelligence, agility and caring temperament as regular and miniature Shepherds, making them ideal companions for families and people in smaller living situations. 

Short Haired Australian Shepherds

Short-haired Shepherds, or “smooth-coated” Shepherds dog, have a shorter and smoother coat than their long-haired counterparts. Although less frequent than the typical medium-length coat, short-haired Shepherds dog retain the breed’s intelligence, agility, and loyalty.

Australian Shepherd Colors

Australian Shepherds come in a range of colors, such as:

Blue Merle:

A marbled coat with gray and black spots, often with white and tan markings.

Red Merle:

Red merle is similar to blue merle, but with red spots instead of black.

Black:

A solid black coat with little or no white markings.

Red:

A rich reddish-brown coat that may have tan or white markings.

Red Tri:

A pattern of red, tan and white markings.

Black Tri:

Same as Red Tri, but with black instead of red.

These coat colors can also vary in intensity and pattern, contributing to the breed’s distinctive and striking appearance. 

Australian Shepherd Shedding

Australian Shepherds are moderate shedders, shedding year-round but heavier during seasonal changes. Their double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a long outer coat, which protects them from various weather conditions. Regular grooming, including brushing several times per week, can help reduce shedding and keep your coat healthy and manageable. Additionally, offering a balanced diet and keeping them hydrated can help reduce shedding.

Full Grown Mini Australian Shepherd

Fully grown Miniature Shepherds are typically 13 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 20 and 40 pounds. Despite being smaller than the typical Shepherd dog, they have the same intelligence, agility and loyalty, making them ideal companions for active families and individuals.

Are Australian Shepherds Good with Kids  

Yes, Australian Shepherds get along well with children because of their gentle and friendly nature. They often form close friendships with children and love to engage in activities and play with them. However, as with any breed of dog, interactions between Shepherds dog and small children should be supervised to guarantee the safety and comfort of dog and child.