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Is an Australian Shepherd the right dog for you? Find out what it's like to live with an Aussie.

Bright and energetic, Australian Shepherds excel with active pet parents who have the time to train them. Your Aussie will thrive if they have plenty of space, lots of exercise, and the opportunity to engage in physical activity that also puts their mind to work, such as obedience or agility training.

Characteristics
If you’re really into working out and won’t stop talking about it (no judgment), there’s a dog out there who’s just as competitive and sporty as you are. As the MVP of the dog park, the Australian Shepherd (or “Aussie”) loves playing fetch, running agility courses, and any activity that unleashes their playful side.   

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic pups that need pet parents with the time to teach them new tricks, go on long walks or hikes, and invest in fun activities you can do together, like agility trials or even a SUP session.

Appearance
The Australian Shepherd has a striking gaze, a fluffy double coat, a lean body, and a tail that’s either bobbed, docked, or long and furry. Their eyes can be many colors, but they’re often light blue and occasionally mismatched. The Aussie’s coat color can also vary. 

While there’s no kennel club that recognizes a “mini” version of the Australian Shepherd; the American Kennel Club (AKC) does recognize a separate breed called the Miniature American Shepherd, which is smaller and has a distinct breed standard: https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/mini...

Temperament
Australian Shepherds were bred to herd. As such, they’re fast, smart, and always on the move, so other outlets for their robust energy are a must.

Because Aussies have a natural herding instinct, they may try to round up unsuspecting children or surprised neighbors out on a bike ride. It’s wise to train your dog early so they understand how to behave in polite society. Be sure to keep your pup on a leash or within a securely fenced area—these dogs are speedy.

Feed their natural curiosity with daily training sessions that engage their mind and body. Aussies genuinely want to make you happy, and this dedicated time together will deepen your bond.

Playtime is another way to blow off some energy. Australian Shepherds will enthusiastically engage in just about any game you can invent. Most adore playing fetch, and they have a well-deserved reputation as disc dog champions.

Your Aussie’s bubbly personality might make you think they’re a social butterfly, but they tend to be cautious around strangers. Properly socializing an Australian Shepherd puppy will help them feel more comfortable in new environments when they’re older.

Bottom line: Aussies dislike downtime (except when they’re sleeping!), so keep them entertained with lots of outdoor time and toys, such as interactive puzzles, flying discs, and balls.

Health
The Australian Shepherd lifespan is about 12–15 years, and it’s not unusual for an Aussie to live to be 16. However, there are a few common health issues in this breed to be aware of. 

Cancer: Aussies have an increased risk of some cancers, particularly lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, a cancer from the cells that line the blood vessels. Let your vet know if you notice any unusual lumps (although some growths can be internal), and keep in mind they could be benign.

Epilepsy: A neurological disorder defined by seizures, epilepsy can be an inherited condition in Aussies. There are no genetic screening tests, but often the condition can be controlled with daily, lifelong medication. See a vet immediately if your dog has a seizure.

Eye issues: Cataracts are the most common eye disease in Aussies, but they’re also at risk of collie eye anomaly (CEA), a hereditary disease of the nerve and eye tissue that ultimately leads to blindness. Aussies are also susceptible to distichiasis, in which an eyelash grows abnormally, scratching the eye.

Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a painful genetic condition where the ball of the femur doesn’t properly fit into the hip socket. Obesity can make symptoms worse, so a healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial. 

Multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) mutation: MDR1 is a genetic mutation commonly found in herding breeds and can be detected via genetic testing. This mutation makes dogs more sensitive to some medications, particularly the popular drug ivermectin, which is found in heartworm prevention. Always consult your vet about the right medication for your pet.  

Take your dog for regular checkups so you and your vet understand your Aussie’s healthy “normal.” This can help you better identify when your Aussie behaves abnormally.

Learn more about the Australian Shepherd: https://www.chewy.com/education/dog-b...

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