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Australian Retriever Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Australian Retriever so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginUnited States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Australian Retriever? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix

Australian Retriever Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Australian Retriever? Learn how big the Australian Retriever breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does an Australian Retriever weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Australian Retriever breed.
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Australian Retriever?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Australian Retriever? Australian Retriever height:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Australian Retriever?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm)

Australian Retriever Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Australian Retriever puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Australian Retriever costs.
$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Australian Retriever, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Australian Retriever for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Australian Retriever gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Australian Retriever? How many Australian Retriever are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Australian Retriever is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Australian Retriever Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Australian Retriever? Discover the Australian Retriever's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Outstanding: Australian Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Australian Retriever is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Australian Retriever? Learn about the Australian Retriever's trainability and response to training methods.
Australian Retriever dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Australian Retriever as a watchdog? Learn about the Australian Retriever's alertness and guarding instincts.
Australian Retriever dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Australian Retriever dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is an Australian Retriever protective of its territory? Learn about the Australian Retriever's guarding instincts and behavior.
Australian Retriever dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Australian Retriever Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Australian Retriever have? Learn about characteristic Australian Retriever temperament and behavior traits.
ActiveLovingProtectiveIntelligentConfidentFriendlyAffectionateReliableKindGood-naturedTrustworthy
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Australian Retriever sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Australian Retriever dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Australian Retriever a good family dog?
High: Australian Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Australian Retriever need? Australian Retriever social needs:
Australian Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Australian Retriever to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Australian Retriever roam?
Australian Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Australian Retriever have high prey drive?
Australian Retriever dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Australian Retriever dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Australian Retriever Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Australian Retriever bark a lot? Learn about typical Australian Retriever vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Australian Retriever rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Australian Retriever? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Australian Retriever breed.
The Australian Retriever is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Australian Retriever live in an apartment? Learn about the Australian Retriever's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Retriever indoors.

Australian Retriever Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Australian Retriever to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Australian Retriever's flexibility to new situations.
Australian Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Australian Retriever be left alone? Learn about the Australian Retriever's tolerance to solitude.
Australian Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Australian Retriever Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Australian Retriever biting potential? Learn about the Australian Retriever's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Australian Retriever has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Australian Retriever mouthy? Learn about the Australian Retriever's tendency to use mouth during play.
Australian Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Australian Retriever dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Australian Retriever bite? Learn about the Australian Retriever's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Retriever bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Australian Retriever measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Australian Retriever is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Australian Retriever bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Australian Retriever bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Australian Retriever puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Australian Retriever, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Australian Retriever bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Australian Retriever can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Australian Retriever Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Australian Retriever live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Australian Retriever breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Australian Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Australian Retriever handle different weather? Learn about the Australian Retriever's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Australian Retriever? Discover typical conditions affecting the Australian Retriever breed.
Australian Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Australian Retriever need vet visits? Learn about the Australian Retriever's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Australian Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Australian Retriever breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Australian Retriever breed? Most common health risks of Australian Retriever:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyDeafnessDrug SensitivityElbow DysplasiaDistichiasisCollie Eye AnomalyDetached RetinaNasal Solar DermatitisOsteochondrosis DissecansPersistent Pupillary MembranesHemangiosarcomaOsteosarcomaSubvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Australian Retriever Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Australian Retriever? Understand daily activity needs of the Australian Retriever breed.
Australian Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Australian Retriever need? How much exercise do Australian Retriever dogs require per day?

Do Australian Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises?

Australian Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Australian Retriever breed need?
Australian Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Australian Retriever Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Australian Retriever prone to weight gain? Learn about the Australian Retriever's obesity risks.
High: The Australian Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Australian Retriever more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Australian Retriever weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Australian Retriever need daily? Learn about the Australian Retriever's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Retriever Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Australian Retriever hypoallergenic? Learn about the Australian Retriever's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Australian Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Australian Retriever come in? Discover all possible Australian Retriever color variations.
Black Red Blue Golden MerleLight
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Australian Retriever need? Learn about Australian Retriever coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Australian Retriever requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Australian Retriever, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does an Australian Retriever drool a lot? Learn about the Australian Retriever's drooling habits.
The Australian Retriever is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Australian Retriever smell bad? Learn about the Australian Retriever's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Australian Retriever has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Australian Retriever have? Learn about the Australian Retriever's fur characteristics.
FeatheredSilkyWavyShinyStraight
Bathing Needs
How often does an Australian Retriever need baths? Learn about the Australian Retriever's bathing requirements.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Australian Retriever dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Australian Retriever? Do Australian Retriever dogs shed a lot?
Australian Retriever dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Australian Retriever Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Australian Retriever good with children? Learn about the Australian Retriever's behavior around kids of different ages.
Australian Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Australian Retriever get along with other pets? Discover the Australian Retriever's compatibility with other animals.
Australian Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Australian Retriever temperament with other people:
Australian Retriever dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Australian Retriever dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Australian Retriever breed live with a cat?
Australian Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Australian Retriever good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Australian Retriever dogs get along with other dogs?
Australian Retriever dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Australian Retriever can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Australian Retriever breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Australian Retriever breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Australian Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Australian Retriever dogs good office canines? Do Australian Retriever dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Australian Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Australian Retriever dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Australian Retriever temperament with senior people? Are Australian Retriever dogs good for elderly owners?
Australian Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Australian Retriever As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Australian Retriever be a service dog? Learn about the Australian Retriever's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Australian Retriever breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Australian Retriever good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Australian Retriever's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Australian Retriever breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Australian Retriever good at detection work? Learn about the Australian Retriever's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Australian Retriever breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Australian Retriever do search and rescue? Learn about the Australian Retriever's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Australian Retriever breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Australian Retriever good on boats? Learn about the Australian Retriever's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Australian Retriever breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Yes

Australian Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, as a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Australian Retriever pull carts? Learn about the Australian Retriever's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Australian Retriever is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Australian Retriever used in military service? Learn about the Australian Retriever's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Australian Retriever Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Australian Retriever usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-9 puppies, average 7
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Australian Retriever pregnant? Learn about the Australian Retriever's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Australian Retriever: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Australian Retriever have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Australian Retriever Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Australian Retriever in? Learn about the Australian Retriever's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Australian Retriever in? Learn about the Australian Retriever's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Australian Retriever Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Outstanding: Australian Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Training Difficulty: Australian Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Australian Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Watchdog Rating: Australian Retriever dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Australian Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Australian Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Australian Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Australian Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Australian Retriever dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Australian Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Australian Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Australian Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Obesity Tendency: High: The Australian Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Australian Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Australian Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Australian Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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