Is an Australian Shepherd Right for Your Family?
Australian Shepherds are incredible dogs — loyal, intelligent, and endlessly versatile. But they are not for everyone. This interactive guide will help you figure out if an Aussie is the right match for your lifestyle.
We get asked this question more than any other: "Would an Australian Shepherd be a good fit for us?" The honest answer is — it depends. Aussies are amazing dogs in the right home, and a real challenge in the wrong one.
Rather than just listing traits, we built this interactive guide to help you genuinely assess the fit. Take the quiz, explore the traits, and picture what a day with an Aussie actually looks like.
Take the Quiz
Answer 7 quick questions to see how well your lifestyle matches an Australian Shepherd's needs.
How active is your lifestyle?
Know the Traits
Tap each trait to learn more about what it really means to live with an Aussie.
A Day in the Life With an Aussie
Here's what a typical day looks like with an adult Australian Shepherd. Can you picture this being your routine?
Morning walk around the neighborhood (20-30 min)
Breakfast + maybe a quick trick or two
Settles nearby while you work — nap, chew toy, or people-watching
Potty break + a little backyard fetch or tug
Crate time — a safe space to rest and decompress while you run errands
Out of the crate — back to relaxing nearby with a great off switch
Evening activity — a walk, some fetch, or just hanging out in the yard
Dinner + evening wind-down
Couch time with the family — their favorite part of the day
Final potty break, then sleep (probably on your bed)
The Bottom Line
An Aussie might be perfect if you...
- Lead an active lifestyle and enjoy the outdoors
- Want a dog that's a true partner in your daily life
- Are committed to ongoing training and mental enrichment
- Don't mind regular grooming and dog hair everywhere
- Want a loyal, intelligent companion who lives to please
- Can provide daily walks and occasional adventures
An Aussie might not be right if you...
- Prefer a low-energy, low-maintenance dog
- Work long hours and the dog would be alone most of the day
- Want a dog that's friendly with everyone immediately
- Are not willing to commit to regular grooming
- Expect a dog that trains itself or needs minimal guidance
- Aren't willing to invest in training and mental stimulation
Think an Aussie is right for you?
We'd love to hear from you. Every family we work with goes through our application process so we can match you with the perfect puppy for your lifestyle.
Kylea Norton
Kylea is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and the breeder behind Queen City Farm. With a background in veterinary medicine and dog training, she raises Australian Shepherds with a focus on temperament, health, and responsible placement.
Meet the Breeder