How Fast Can Australian Shepherds Run? Vet-Verified Facts
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Australian Shepherds, being very active and energetic dogs, absolutely love to run. They are naturally talented sprinters, which makes them great at herding and catching frisbees. So, you know Australian Shepherds are good runners, but exactly how fast are they? On top of that, what else should you know about an Australian Shepherd before you decide to give one a forever home? Australian Shepherds can run up to 40 miles per hour.
We’ll answer all of your questions and more below.
How Fast Can an Australian Shepherd Run?
The average Australian Shepherd runs about 25 mph to 35 mph, which is pretty fast compared to other dog breeds. According to some reports, they are capable of running up to 40 mph, making them faster than many dog breeds.
Australian Shepherds were bred to be fast; they were meant to work as sheep herders. Their body and legs are designed for speed. Being neither too large nor too small and having big legs, Australian Shepherds have every advantage for speed.
Add in their tremendous stamina, and you have a dog fit for running a marathon.
Characteristics of Australian Shepherds
The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a weight of 40–65 pounds and a height of 18–23 inches. Their coats can have a wide range of colors, including black, red, red merle, and blue merle, often with white or tan markings. Australian Shepherds have a lot of fur and triangular ears that fold forward, and they can be pretty heavy shedders.
They require a large amount of attention and quite a bit of exercise. They are very active and love to play. On top of that, they are very intelligent.
History of Australian Shepherds
Surprisingly, the Australian Shepherd isn’t from Australia. The dog likely descends from Basque Shepherds, which originated in the Basque region of Spain and France. The Basque Shepherd was imported alongside herds of Merino sheep from Australia in the 19th century to the United States. This connection to the Basque Shepherds imported from Australia is where the Australian Shepherd gets its name.
What Kind of Person Is an Australian Shepherd Right For?
Maybe you’re considering getting an Australian Shepherd, but you don’t know if it's right for you. Luckily, we’ve outlined what is expected of an Australian Shepherd owner below.
Australian Shepherds require a lot of attention, and if you are busy and don’t have time for them, they probably aren’t for you. Aussies are very easy-going dogs and get along great with other pets and children. In fact, Aussies adore playing with children and other animals, but they may try to herd running kids and pets, so early training and supervision matter.
If you’re active, you shouldn’t have any problems with the Australian Shepherd's need for exercise. For instance, if you go running in the morning, your Aussie will be happy to accompany you.
Closing Thoughts
The journey that led to the Australian Shepherd was an interesting one. Basque Shepherds were sent to Australia to herd sheep, and their descendants were imported to America and became the brilliant Australian Shepherds we know today.
The Australian Shepherd is one of the faster dog breeds, running at about 25–35 mph. If you can devote your time and attention to your new furry friend, the Aussie is the perfect pet for you.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Chris Curtis, Shutterstock
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Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her pets, cats Binx and Link and dog Mystery. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.
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