Short Haired Australian Shepherd: Complete Breed Guide & Care Tips

Breed Overview: What Is a Short Haired Australian Shepherd?

The short haired Australian Shepherd — sometimes called a "smooth coat Aussie" — is not a separate breed but rather a coat variation within the standard Australian Shepherd recognized by the AKC. While the breed standard describes a medium-length, weather-resistant double coat, some Aussies inherit a recessive smooth-coat gene that produces noticeably shorter fur across the body, with minimal feathering on the legs and tail.

Despite the coat difference, these dogs are 100% Australian Shepherd in temperament, drive, and physical ability. They originated in the western United States — not Australia — developed between the 1800s and mid-1900s by ranchers who needed versatile herding dogs to work livestock across rugged terrain. Basque shepherds arriving from Australia with their herding dogs gave the breed its misleading name.

Short coated Aussies remain relatively uncommon compared to their longer-coated counterparts. They're not specifically bred for the smooth coat — it simply appears in litters when both parents carry the recessive gene. This means you'll typically find them through standard Aussie breeders rather than specialty programs.

Physical Characteristics: Size, Build & Coat Details

The short haired Australian Shepherd shares the same athletic, slightly-longer-than-tall build as any standard Aussie. Males typically stand 20–23 inches (51–58 cm) and weigh 50–65 lb (23–29 kg), while females measure 18–21 inches (46–53 cm) and weigh 40–55 lb (18–25 kg).

The coat is the distinguishing feature. Where a standard Aussie has 2–4 inches of outer coat with pronounced feathering on the back of the legs and a full plumed tail, the smooth coat variation measures roughly 0.5–1.5 inches across the body. The undercoat is still present — these are double-coated dogs — but it's denser and shorter rather than long and flowing. You'll still see slight feathering behind the ears and a modest tail brush, but nothing like the dramatic "fringe" of a show-ring Aussie.

Colors remain identical to the breed standard:

• Blue merle — mottled gray and black with possible tan points
• Red merle — mottled liver and cream with possible tan points
• Black tri — solid black with white and tan markings
• Red tri — solid liver with white and tan markings

Eye color varies widely: brown, blue, amber, or heterochromia (two different-colored eyes) are all common. Some Aussies have striking marbled or split eyes regardless of coat length.

Temperament & Personality: What Living With a Short Haired Aussie Is Really Like

Coat length changes nothing about personality. Short haired Australian Shepherds carry the full intensity of the breed's herding heritage. Here are the core traits you'll encounter daily:

1. Relentless work drive. This dog needs a job — not a walk around the block, but a mentally and physically demanding task. Without one, they'll create their own: herding your children, chasing shadows, or dismantling your couch cushions. I've seen Aussies learn to open refrigerators, unlatch gates, and systematically empty kitchen cabinets when under-stimulated.

2. Intense loyalty with velcro tendencies. Aussies bond deeply with their primary person and follow them room to room. They're not aloof or independent like some herding breeds. Expect your dog to sit on your feet, lean against your legs, and watch your every move with unblinking focus.

3. Wariness with strangers. The breed standard describes Aussies as "reserved" with unfamiliar people. This isn't shyness or aggression — it's a thinking dog assessing whether a newcomer is a threat. Early socialization (8–16 weeks is critical) prevents this from hardening into fear-based reactivity.

4. High intelligence with a problem-solving streak. These dogs learn commands in 5–10 repetitions but also learn unwanted behaviors just as fast. If you accidentally reinforce jumping by giving attention when they jump, you'll have a jumper for life within a week.

5. Herding instinct that extends beyond livestock. Nipping at running children's heels, circling other dogs at the park, and "eyeing" cats are all expressions of the breed's hardwired herding behavior. This isn't aggression — it's genetics — but it requires management and redirection.

Exercise & Activity Needs: The Non-Negotiable Minimum

The short haired Australian Shepherd requires a minimum of 90–120 minutes of structured activity daily. This is not a suggestion — it's the threshold below which behavioral problems reliably emerge. A 20-minute walk and a backyard potty break will not suffice.

Physical exercise alone won't tire an Aussie. These dogs need cognitive work. A 60-minute agility session that requires them to memorize course sequences will leave them more satisfied than two hours of mindless fetch. Consider dog sports seriously — Aussies dominate in agility, obedience, rally, and herding trials.

For apartment dwellers: this breed can technically live in an apartment if you commit to 2+ hours of outdoor activity daily and provide indoor enrichment. Realistically, a house with a securely fenced yard (minimum 5-foot fence — Aussies are athletic jumpers) is strongly preferred.

Common Health Issues: What Short Haired Aussies Are Prone To

The short haired Australian Shepherd shares the same genetic health risks as all Aussies. Coat length does not influence disease susceptibility. Always consult your veterinarian for breed-appropriate screening, and ask any breeder for OFA or PennHIP health clearances on both parents.

The MDR1 mutation deserves special attention. Dogs with this mutation (inherited as an autosomal recessive trait) can have severe, potentially fatal reactions to common medications including ivermectin, loperamide (Imodium), and certain chemotherapy agents. The Washington State University Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Lab offers a $70 cheek-swab DNA test. If your Aussie tests positive, keep the results in your phone and share them with every veterinarian and emergency clinic you visit.

Merle-to-merle breedings carry a 25% risk of producing "double merle" puppies, which often have severe hearing and vision deficits including deafness and microphthalmia. Responsible breeders never mate two merle-patterned dogs together.

Grooming Requirements: Less Coat, Still Work

The short haired Australian Shepherd is lower-maintenance than a full-coated Aussie, but "short hair" does not mean "no grooming." The double coat still sheds — and during spring and fall coat blows, it sheds aggressively.

Weekly routine (non-shedding season):

• Brush 1–2 times per week with a rubber curry brush (like the Kong ZoomGroom, ~$8) or a medium-bristle brush
• Check and clean ears weekly with a vet-recommended ear cleaner — Aussies with drop ears are prone to moisture buildup
• Nail trim every 3–4 weeks if nails don't wear naturally on hard surfaces
• Teeth brushing 3–4 times per week minimum with enzymatic dog toothpaste

Shedding season (spring and fall, lasting 3–6 weeks):

• Daily brushing with an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool (the Furminator Medium Short Hair model, ~$35, works well for this coat type)
• Expect clumps of undercoat to release easily — a 10-minute session can fill a grocery bag
• Bathing every 3–4 weeks with an oatmeal-based dog shampoo helps loosen dead undercoat

Never shave a short haired Aussie. The double coat provides insulation against both heat and cold, and shaving can damage the coat's regrowth pattern permanently, leading to patchy, woolly fur that no longer regulates temperature effectively.

Training & Intelligence: Channeling the Drive

Short haired Australian Shepherds rank among the most trainable breeds — Stanley Coren's research places the Australian Shepherd in the "brightest dogs" category, capable of learning new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions and obeying on the first command 95% of the time or better.

However, intelligence and obedience are not the same thing. A smart dog who hasn't been taught boundaries will outsmart you. Use positive reinforcement methods exclusively — high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken), toy rewards, and praise. Force-free, reward-based training builds the trust this sensitive breed needs. Aversive tools like shock collars or prong collars can trigger fear-based aggression in Aussies and damage the handler bond.

Training milestones to target:

• 8–12 weeks: Name recognition, sit, down, handling exercises, crate introduction
• 3–6 months: Reliable recall in fenced areas, leash manners, impulse control ("leave it," "wait")
• 6–12 months: Advanced obedience, introduction to dog sport foundations, off-leash reliability in controlled settings
• 12+ months: Sport-specific training (agility, herding, obedience competition), therapy dog preparation if temperament allows

The herding instinct means your Aussie will likely try to herd moving objects — children on bicycles, joggers, other dogs. Teach a solid "leave it" and redirect herding energy into appropriate outlets like Treibball (herding large exercise balls) or formal herding lessons with a certified instructor.

Family Suitability: Kids, Pets & Living Arrangements

With children: Aussies do best with children age 8 and older who understand how to interact calmly with dogs. The herding instinct makes them unreliable around toddlers who run and squeal — the dog may attempt to "herd" the child by nipping at heels or bumping. Always supervise interactions and teach children to respect the dog's crate and resting spaces.

With other pets: Same-species socialization from puppyhood usually produces good dog-to-dog manners. Cats are a mixed outcome — some Aussies coexist peacefully with household cats, while others maintain a permanent prey response. Introduce cats gradually using baby gates and positive reinforcement, and never leave them unsupervised until trust is established over months.

Apartment living: Possible but demanding. You'll need to commit to multiple daily outings totaling 90+ minutes, access to off-leash areas, and significant indoor enrichment. A house with a fenced yard is the more realistic environment for this breed.

Cost of Ownership: Budgeting for a Short Haired Aussie

Expect the following costs when bringing home a short haired Australian Shepherd:

Expense Category	Cost Range
Puppy from responsible breeder (health-tested parents, AKC registered)	$1,800–$3,500
Adoption from breed-specific rescue	$300–$600
First-year veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm)	$800–$1,500
Annual veterinary care (wellness exam, vaccines, preventives)	$500–$900/year
High-quality food (25–30 lb bag, premium brand)	$55–$85/month ($660–$1,020/year)
Dog sports / training classes	$150–$400 per 6-week session
Pet insurance (accident + illness)	$40–$75/month
Grooming supplies and tools	$80–$150 (initial purchase)
First-year total (puppy + supplies + vet + food)	$4,000–$7,500
Ongoing annual cost (after first year)	$2,000–$3,500

When searching for a breeder, prioritize those who perform OFA hip evaluations, annual CERF eye exams, and MDR1 DNA testing on both parents. The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) maintains a breeder referral directory. Be cautious of breeders advertising "rare short haired Aussies" at premium prices — the smooth coat is a natural variation, not a specialty product that justifies inflated pricing.

Adoption through ASCA-affiliated rescues or general Australian Shepherd rescues is a viable option, particularly for adults whose exercise needs and temperament are already known. Many Aussies end up in rescue because owners underestimated the breed's intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article provides general breed information and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health decisions specific to your dog. For suspected poisonings, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).