Have Your Eye on an Australian Shepherd? Here’s What You Need To Know

Australian Shepherd caught your eye? ​Totally understandable—we think the Aussie Shepherd is among the most gorgeous dog breeds out there. No wonder so many people have been Googling “how much are Australian Shepherds?”

​Unfortunately they don’t actually originate from Australia (more on that later), but these highly intelligent dogs are still among our most popular breeds. Below, we take a look at the Aussie Shepherd’s origins, characteristics, cost, colour variations (one of our favourite topics!) and breed-specific health conditions you should know about.

Where do Australian Shepherd dogs come from?

​As mentioned, despite their name Australian Shepherds aren’t actually from Australia. These clever, energetic dogs were developed in the United States, mostly in the western states like California, during the 1800s.

🐑 So Why “Australian”?

The name comes from a mix-up in history. Some of the sheep that early American farmers used came from Australia, and they were herded by dogs that came along too. People thought those dogs were from Australia, so when breeders in the US created a new working dog based on those types, they called them Australian Shepherds—even though they were truly born and bred in America.

Aussie Shepherd characteristics

Australian Shepherd are known for being super smart, full of energy, and totally loyal to their people. These dogs are like the ultimate adventure buddies—always ready to go, always excited, and always up for a challenge.

The Australian Shepherd needs a job!

Aussie Shepherds were made for hard work. Farmers and ranchers needed smart, agile dogs to help them with livestock like sheep and cattle. The Australian Shepherd was built to herd—quick, responsive, and always eager to work. Even if you don’t have sheep, an Aussie still needs a “job”—something that keeps their brain and body busy. Training, agility courses, hide-and-seek, or even helping around the house (some can tidy their toys!) keeps them happy and balanced.

Smart as a whip

Aussies Shepherds are brilliant. They learn tricks quickly, remember routines, and are often stars in obedience training and dog sports. They love having something to do—whether it’s herding sheep, fetching a ball, or solving a puzzle toy.

If you teach them something once, they’ll remember it forever!

Energy galore

Australian Shepherds are like furry little athletes who need regular workouts. Walks, runs, hikes, games of tug—they’re all in. Without enough exercise, they might get a bit cheeky and come up with their own “fun”… like digging holes or rearranging your cushions.

Family-focused

These dogs are super loyal and love being with their people. They usually form a strong bond with their family and like to stick close by—sometimes even following you from room to room. Aussie Shepherds are often great with kids too, especially when raised together.

They might try to “herd” little ones by gently nudging or circling—it’s just their instincts!

In short:
Australian Shepherds are clever, loyal, energetic, and endlessly entertaining. They’re not couch potatoes—they’re doers, and they thrive with active, involved families who love fun, adventure, and a bit of chaos.

Australian Shepherd colouration

Aussie Shepherd coats are a sight to behold. There are four main base colours, and each Aussie has some unique patterns. This could include freckles on their nose, half-and-half faces (one colour on one side, a different one on the other), and white collars, chest blazes, socks, or cute white tail tips.

1. Blue Merle
   • A mix of grey, black, and sometimes silver, often with marbling or mottling.
   • Many have blue or mismatched eyes, which just adds to their magical look.
   • Often paired with white markings and copper/tan points.
2. Red Merle
   • A blend of light red (like cinnamon) and cream or beige, with splotches and swirls.
   • Their noses and eye rims are usually liver-coloured, and their eyes can be blue, amber, or even one of each.
3. Black
   • Solid black or black with white markings and/or copper points (like eyebrows or leg patches).
4. Red (Liver)
   • Solid reddish-brown, sometimes with white or copper highlights.
   • Not as common as black or merle, but absolutely gorgeous.

The Aussie Shepherd is also known for its beautiful eyes. They can be blue, brown, amber or mismatched (where one is blue and one brown) or even marbled (two colours in one eye).

Australian Shepherd health

Australian Shepherds are generally healthy, active dogs, especially when well-bred and properly cared for. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain inherited health conditions. Being aware of these will help you give them better care and catch any issues early.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together perfectly, which can lead to arthritis over time. It’s relatively common in medium to large dog breeds. Regular exercise, a healthy weight, and joint supplements can help, and in severe cases, surgery may be considered.

Elbow dysplasia

Like hip dysplasia, this is a joint issue—but it affects the front legs. It can cause lameness, pain, or stiffness, especially as the dog gets older. Management often includes weight control, physical therapy, or medication.

Eye conditions

Aussie Shepherds are known for their striking eyes, but they are also prone to a few genetic eye problems. These include:

Cataracts – clouding of the lens, which can affect vision
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – a degenerative disease that can lead to blindness
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) – an inherited condition that affects the development of the eye

Reputable breeders test for these, and regular vet eye exams help spot problems early.

Epilepsy and your Australian Shepherd

Some Australian Shepherds are prone to epilepsy, which causes seizures. It usually starts when the dog is young or middle-aged. While it can be scary, many dogs with epilepsy live full lives with the help of medication and regular vet care.

MDR1 gene mutation

Many Aussies carry a mutation of the MDR1 gene, which makes them sensitive to certain medications, such as some types of wormers, antibiotics, or painkillers. A simple genetic test can identify whether a dog carries this gene, and vets can adjust medication choices accordingly.

Other health conditions to keep an eye on include skin allergies, food sensitivities and autoimmune diseases, as well as deafness.

How much are Australian Shepherds​?

At the time of writing, the cost of an Aussie Shepherd typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 AUD, depending on several factors. Reputable breeders who prioritise ethical practices, early socialisation, and health testing generally charge more, as they invest significantly in the wellbeing of their dogs.

Puppies with strong pedigree or show-quality bloodlines often come at a higher price due to their genetic potential and breeding history. Coat colour and markings also influence cost—rare or highly sought-after colours like blue merle or red merle tend to be more expensive.

Insure your Australian Shepherd

Now that you know a bit more about these dazzling pups, including how much Australian Shepherds are, you might want to know about our hassle-free pet insurance.

Vet bills in Australia can be expensive and vet care isn’t subsidised like human health care. PD pet insurance can provide your pup and pocket with a soft landing in times of need. Click below to get a quote and know that PD Insurance gives you one or more months of FREE pet insurance when you buy an online plan.

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