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Australian Shepherds in St. John's, right now
We aren't tracking any adoptable Australian Shepherds in or near St. John's at the moment. Listings update regularly as Newfoundland rescues take in new dogs, and a Australian Shepherd in St. John's typically gets adopted within days of being posted. Browse the full Newfoundland dogs list to see Australian Shepherds in other Newfoundland cities, or save this page and check back soon.
See every adoptable Australian Shepherd across Newfoundland and Labrador →
Adopting an Australian Shepherd in Newfoundland and Labrador
The Australian Shepherd is a brilliant, high-energy herding breed, usually 40 to 65 pounds (with popular mini versions smaller), known for its striking coat and even more striking intelligence. Aussies are devoted, trainable, and endlessly willing to work. This page pulls every adoptable Australian Shepherd and Aussie cross from the Newfoundland shelters we cover into one place, refreshed regularly.
Aussies reach rescue when their intensity overwhelms a household that expected a calmer dog. They are one of the smartest, most rewarding breeds for an active owner and a difficult fit for a sedentary one, so read the foster notes on drive carefully.
Drive, training, and honest expectations
An Australian Shepherd needs a job. Plan on one to two hours of daily exercise plus real mental work (training, dog sports, scent games) or their energy turns into barking, herding, and destruction. They bond closely, can be reserved with strangers, and their herding instinct can mean nipping at running children without guidance and socialization. They thrive with an active, committed owner and rural NL space.
Two breed notes to raise with any rescue: some Aussies carry the MDR1 gene mutation (medication sensitivity), so tell your vet the dog is an Aussie; and merle-to-merle breeding can produce deafness or blindness, worth asking about. The weather-resistant double coat handles Newfoundland cold easily but sheds and needs regular brushing. Newfoundland rescues provide a veterinary assessment before adoption.
Looking more broadly? Browse every adoptable dog across the province on Dog Adoption Newfoundland and Labrador.
Australian Shepherd Adoption FAQ — St. John's
How many Australian Shepherds are available for adoption in St. John's?
As of August 2026, there are no Australian Shepherds listed in St. John's rescue on LocalPetFinder right now — Australian Shepherds are among the rarer dogs in local rescue. Inventory turns over quickly, so setting an alert is the most reliable way to catch one, or consider an adoptable Australian Shepherd mix.
Where can I adopt an Australian Shepherd near me in Newfoundland?
Aussies and their crosses come into Newfoundland rescue through owner surrenders, often when their drive proved too much. St. John's and rural NL rescues see them occasionally. This page aggregates every adoptable one from the Newfoundland shelters we cover; set an alert and read the foster notes on energy.
Are Australian Shepherds good first dogs?
Usually not. Aussies are brilliant but intense working dogs that need far more exercise, training, and stimulation than a typical pet, and their herding instinct needs guidance. They suit an experienced, very active owner who enjoys training. A first-time owner set on the breed should be ready to commit serious daily time, or consider a calmer breed.
How much exercise does an Australian Shepherd need?
One to two hours of genuine activity a day, plus mental work. Walks alone are not enough: they need running, training, and problem-solving to stay balanced. An under-exercised Aussie becomes anxious, barky, and destructive. This is a high-drive breed that rewards an active home and struggles in a low-activity one.
Should I buy or adopt an Australian Shepherd in Newfoundland?
Adopt. Aussies and their crosses appear in rescue, frequently because a home underestimated them, so adopting an adult lets you match the dog's drive to your lifestyle. Adoption fees run roughly $300 to $600 and include spay or neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip. Whatever the source, go in clear about the exercise and training the breed needs.
What is the difference between a Standard, Mini, and Toy Australian Shepherd?
The Standard Australian Shepherd is the recognized breed. The Miniature (now its own breed, the Mini American Shepherd) and the Toy Aussie are smaller versions bred down in size, popular but not the same registered breed. All come in the striking Aussie colours: blue merle, red merle, black, and red, usually with copper and white points. Breeding two merle dogs together can produce double-merle puppies with a high risk of deafness and blindness, so merle-to-merle breeding is a real welfare concern. Size aside, every Aussie needs serious daily exercise and a job.
How much does it cost to adopt an Australian Shepherd in St. John's?
Adopting an Australian Shepherd in St. John's typically costs $300 to $700, and puppies usually carry a premium at $500 to $900. The exact fee varies by rescue, and older dogs are often reduced. That fee is not a purchase price. It covers work already done on the dog: spay or neuter, vaccinations, deworming, microchip, and a basic vet workup, which would cost several hundred dollars more if you arranged it yourself after buying. Buying the same breed from a registered breeder generally runs well over $1,000, usually with a waitlist. Ask the rescue what is included before you apply, since a few include extras like a starter bag of food or a first-month insurance trial.
Are these Australian Shepherds for sale in St. John's?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Australian Shepherd here comes from a St. John's-area rescue or shelter, not a breeder, pet store, or classified seller. Adoption fees are typically a few hundred dollars and already include spay or neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip, versus roughly $2,000 to $5,000+ to buy an Australian Shepherd from a breeder. If you searched "australian shepherd for sale St. John's," adopting gets you a healthy, vetted dog for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Australian Shepherd in St. John's, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable Australian Shepherd breeder typically charges $2,000 to $5,000+ and often has a waitlist, while a rescue Australian Shepherd costs a few hundred dollars fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap "for sale" ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are frequently backyard breeders or puppy-mill resellers with unvetted, sometimes sick animals and no health guarantee. If you do buy, insist on meeting the parents, seeing where the litter was raised, and getting vet records. For most St. John's families, adopting a rescue Australian Shepherd is cheaper, faster, and gives a dog in need a home.