# Australian Shepherd (*Canis lupus familiaris*) An Australian Shepherd is an energetic herding dog that loves to work and play. Many have speckled, merle coats. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Farms and active homes; wide parks and trails - **Also known as:** Aussie ![Australian Shepherd](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426261/objects/4419.jpg) ## Appearance The Australian Shepherd has a medium-length, often striking merle coat in blue or red, or solid black or red, with white and tan markings. Its intelligent eyes can be brown, blue, amber, or even two different colors (heterochromia), adding to its unique look. Its tail is naturally bobbed or docked. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were actually developed in the western USA! - Some Aussies are born with a naturally short or 'bobbed' tail, instead of a long one! - Their stunning merle coat pattern means no two Australian Shepherds look exactly alike! - They often choose one person in the family to bond with most, becoming a true 'velcro dog'! ## Special abilities - **Focused Herding Gaze:** Australian Shepherds can use an intense stare that helps them control and direct livestock with precision. - **Quick-Paws Agility:** Australian Shepherds have incredible agility and speed because of their athletic build, helping them change direction fast. - **Problem Solver Brains:** Australian Shepherds have high intelligence that helps them quickly learn complex tasks and commands. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 46-58 cm - **Weight:** 18-29 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-15 years - **Speed:** 45 km/h - **Litter Size:** 4-9 - **Gestation:** 58-68 days ## Diet & Feeding These omnivores primarily eat specially formulated dog food, supplemented with occasional treats. - **Primary Foods:** dry dog kibble, wet dog food, lean meats, cooked vegetables, dog treats ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** Humans (*Homo sapiens*) — They are companion animals and working partners for people. - **Depends on:** Domestic Sheep (*Ovis aries*) — They were originally bred to herd sheep, guiding them efficiently. - **Depends on:** [Cattle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cattle) (*Bos taurus*) — Australian Shepherds also herd cattle on farms and ranches. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Tool Use](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tool-use): This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Play running games in open spaces, not near roads; always with an adult. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Australian Shepherd? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Australian Shepherd? 46-58 cm ### How much does Australian Shepherd weigh? 18-29 kg ### How long does Australian Shepherd live? 12-15 years ### How fast can Australian Shepherd move? 45 km/h ### What does Australian Shepherd eat? These omnivores primarily eat specially formulated dog food, supplemented with occasional treats. ### Where is Australian Shepherd usually found? Farms and active homes; wide parks and trails ### How many babies does Australian Shepherd usually have? 4-9 ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Australian Shepherd: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/australian-shepherd)