Australian Shepherd Dogs for Adoption

455 adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the US. Showing 1–30 of 455 below.

About adopting a Australian Shepherd

Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd was developed on American ranches, and it remains a herding dog through and through: quick, attentive, and eager to be part of whatever the family is doing. Young Aussies fill rescues when their intelligence and drive collide with a household that wanted a pretty dog.

An Aussie puppy or adolescent needs daily training and mental work along with exercise. Agility, frisbee, trick training, and hikes all suit them, and many become velcro dogs who follow their person from room to room. Left idle, they may herd children, chase cars, or bark at movement. They are sensitive and respond best to positive, consistent handling.

Aussies are often good with children who are old enough to respect the dog and with other pets when raised together. They can be reserved with strangers. The coat needs regular brushing. Ask the shelter or rescue about the individual dog's background, its comfort around kids and other animals, and the training it has received so far.

455 Australian Shepherd dogs available — page 1 of 16

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Photo of Sponsor Or, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Grafton, Wisconsin

Sponsor Or

Australian Shepherd MaleLarge1 year

Updated: 9/22/26 Dog Name: Mars Sex: Male Estimated Breed: Australian Shepherd Mix Approximate Age: 11-12 months Approximate Weight: 45 lbs Litter Nam…

Tail Waggers 911 • Grafton, WI

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Photo of Marlee, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Holly Springs, North Carolina

Marlee

Australian Shepherd FemaleMedium1 year

Marlee is the definition of sweet, calm, and gentle. She’s incredibly chill and would much rather quietly take in the world around her than be the cen…

Pawfect Match Rescue • Holly Springs, NC

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Photo of Callie, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Denver, Colorado

Callie

Australian Shepherd Female2 years

Callie is a super sweet petite gal at only 22# and approximately 2 y/o. Our guess is a mini Australian Shepherd or Border Collie mix who got a longer …

Colorado Corgis and Friends • Denver, CO

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Photo of Smoky Bear, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Croydon, New Hampshire

Smoky Bear

Australian Shepherd MaleMediumest. 3–7 yrs

Meet Smoky Bear! Bear is a 3 year old neutered male aussiedoodle. He was surrendered locally. At 53 pounds this sweet boy is obese and has started a d…

Barking Dog Farm Rescue • Croydon, NH

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Photo of Kooper, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Landenberg, Pennsylvania

Kooper

Australian Shepherd MaleMedium0 years

KOOPER is an 8 month old Mini Australian Shepherd. HE IS DEAF and needs a family who can accommodate a deaf dog, teach him hand signals, and give him …

CompAnimals Pet Rescue Inc • Landenberg, PA

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Photo of Little T, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Yardley, Pennsylvania

Little T

Australian Shepherd MaleLarge1 year

This 77-pound dog isn’t little but that’s what his name is, Little T. Little T is a one-year-old mix of Aussie and Lab with a goofy personality. He lo…

Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA

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Photo of BJ, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Yardley, Pennsylvania

BJ

Australian Shepherd FemaleLarge1 year

Meet BJ! She’s a 1-year-old 60-to-70-pound Aussie/Lab who isn’t just beautiful. She’s very sweet, loves people, and loves toys. She is dog selective, …

Crossing Paths Animal Rescue • Yardley, PA

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Photo of Penelope, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Holbrook, New York

Penelope

Australian Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

PENELOPE arrived 9/19/2026 to Long Island. She is staying with a foster family until she finds her forever home. They report her first night was a a s…

Last Chance Animal Rescue • Holbrook, NY

At Risk
Photo of Piper, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Herndon, Virginia

Piper

Australian Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Piper — A Beautiful Blue-Eyed Aussie Looking for a Loving Home Beautiful Piper is an Australian Shepherd with gorgeous blue eyes and a gentle, sw…

Fancy Cats Rescue Team • Herndon, VA

At Risk
Photo of Phoebe, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Herndon, Virginia

Phoebe

Australian Shepherd FemaleMedium0 years

Meet Phoebe — A Beautiful Girl With a Heart of Gold With her gorgeous merle coat and beautiful green eyes, Phoebe is impossible to overlook—but it’s h…

Fancy Cats Rescue Team • Herndon, VA

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Photo of Moonbeam, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Clinton Township, Michigan

Moonbeam

Australian Shepherd FemaleLarge6 years

Macomb County Animal Shelter and Animal Control • Clinton Township, MI

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Photo of Miss Fancy, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Franklin, Tennessee

Miss Fancy

Australian Shepherd FemaleMedium5 years

Our petite Aussie mix 5 year old beauty is called Miss Fancy. A dainty little Tennessee Treasure that is looking for a special family to bless with he…

Critter Cavalry Rescue • Franklin, TN

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Photo of Coral, adoptable Australian Shepherd in FRAMINGHAM, Massachusetts

Coral

Australian Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Coral is a beautiful puppy! Great markings and amazing eyes!!! She is a typical playful puppy who want to play with anyone willing. Dogs, cats, kids, …

As Sweet As A Peach Animal Rescue Inc • FRAMINGHAM, MA

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Photo of Nova, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Peralta, New Mexico

Nova

Australian Shepherd FemaleMedium2 years

Please scroll down and read the entire bio before emailing with questions. We will not respond to emails that ask questions already in the bio of the …

Almost Home NM • Peralta, NM

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Photo of Dallas, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Riverside, California

Dallas

Australian Shepherd MaleMedium5 years

Riverside County Animal Control - Riverside Shelter • Riverside, CA

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Photo of Yiddish: Schlep, adoptable Australian Shepherd in Romoland, California

Yiddish: Schlep

Australian Shepherd MaleLargeBaby

Adoption fee: $750 The Yiddish Puppies Oy vey, have we got a litter for you! Yiddish is a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jewish communities…

Doggie Protective Services • Romoland, CA

Adopting a Australian Shepherd — FAQ

Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs?

Australian Shepherds can be wonderful family dogs for active homes with time for training and exercise. Their herding instinct means they may try to gather running children. Families that include the dog in daily activities and give it a job tend to have the best experience.

How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need?

An Australian Shepherd needs vigorous daily exercise plus mental work. A long walk alone rarely satisfies a young Aussie, so add fetch, agility, or training sessions. Without enough activity they can become anxious or destructive. Adults slow slightly but remain high-energy dogs.

Do Australian Shepherds shed?

Yes, Australian Shepherds shed moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal coat changes. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and reduces mats behind the ears and legs. The shedding is manageable for most homes but noticeable, especially in spring when the undercoat lets go.

How do I adopt a Australian Shepherd?

Open any dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then use the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance simply gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find.

Are Australian Shepherd dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?

Many Australian Shepherd dogs — especially adult dogs who are already house-trained — can be a great match for first-time owners. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about that dog's individual energy level, training, and personality before you apply.

How much does it cost to adopt a Australian Shepherd?

Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but typically include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health check. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.

Are Australian Shepherd dogs good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. The shelter or rescue caring for each dog can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone before you commit.

Can I foster a Australian Shepherd instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a Australian Shepherd gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home, which is a great way to see if the match feels right before committing. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.

What should I expect in the first weeks after adopting a Australian Shepherd?

Most dogs have a brief adjustment period — a few days to a couple of weeks — as they settle into a new home. A consistent routine, a comfortable place to rest, and patience make the transition easier for both of you. The shelter or rescue can tell you what to expect from the specific dog you're adopting.