Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds embody what they were bred to do: herd. They are fast, smart and always on the move. As such, providing training and outlets for all their energy are a must.

Because they have a natural herding instinct, Aussies may try to round up unsuspecting children or neighbors on a bike ride. For this reason, it’s crucial to train your Aussie early so they understand how to behave and what’s expected of them. Be sure your pup is well-trained before they go off-leash, too, since Aussies are known for their speed.

Cultivate their natural curiosity by implementing daily training sessions that engage their mind and their bodies. They want to please you, and daily training sessions will deepen your bond.

Playtime is another way to engage Aussies—a blow off some of that energy! Just about any game you invent will be enthusiastically enjoyed by your pup. Most Aussies adore fetching and can have  impressive skills; they have a well-deserved reputation as disc dog champions.Throw a Frisbee for your pet at the park and onlookers are sure to be amazed at what your Aussie can do.

While your Aussie’s exuberant personality might make you think they are incredibly social, they tend to be cautious around strangers. Proper socialization when your Australian Shepherd is a puppy will help them feel comfortable in new environments with unknown people.

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

Hearty dogs bred for life on the farm or ranch, Aussies are relatively rough-and-tumble dogs who need outlets for their high energy, sharp minds and desire to work. A healthy Aussie is an active Aussie, so make sure to keep them active no matter the weather or your schedule.

The Australian Shepherd breed has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years and is generally hearty. Presently, the breed as a whole has a long life expectancy—it’s not unusual for an Aussie to live to 16 years old. However, there are a few health issues to be aware of:

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a painful genetic condition in which the ball of the femur doesn’t properly fit into the hip socket. Environmental factors, such as obesity, can exacerbate symptoms, which means a healthy diet and regular exercise routine are crucial for Aussies. Vets can manage hip dysplasia in Aussies with physical therapy and medication; in some cases, they may need to do surgery.
• Eye Problems: Cataracts are common in Aussies—about 4 percent will develop them. Aussies are also at risk of other eye defects, including Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), a hereditary disease of the nerve and eye tissue that ultimately leads to blindness. Although surgery can treat cataracts, it won’t help with CEA. Aussies are also susceptible to distichiasis, a condition in which an eyelash grows abnormally, potentially scratching the eye. Depending on the severity, treatments range from an eye lubricant to surgery. If you notice anything unusual about your Aussie’s eyes, bring it to your vet’s attention.
• Cancerous Tumors: Cancer is the most common cause of death in Aussies, particularly lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma (cancer from the cells that line blood vessels). Let your vet know if you notice any unusual growths. Some growths are noncancerous (benign), but others are cancerous. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Usually, the quicker the diagnosis, the more treatment options.
• Obesity: Never let your dog overeat and underexercise. Because obesity can lead to joint and heart problems, it’s important to catch obesity early and get on track toward a healthy weight. Your vet can help you with a mealtime and exercise strategy to keep your Aussie healthy and happy while losing a few pounds.

Like with any pet, take your dog in for regular check-ups so you and your vet understand your Aussie’s healthy “normal.” This can help you better identify when your Aussie behaves atypically. Small changes, such as lethargy, lack of interest in food or water or urinating or pooping more or less frequently, may be a sign of a larger issue, so get changes checked right away.

A misconception about the Australian Shepherd’s origin is that they hail from Australia. Believe it or not, the Aussie’s story begins not in Australia but in the Basque region of Spain, near the Pyrenees mountains that border Spain and France. Here, herdsmen selectively bred the ancestors of the beloved Aussie for their herding abilities.

As people from the Basque region settled in Australia during the 19th century, they brought these working dogs with them. Over time, these dogs were bred with other herding dogs, like Border Collies, and found homes on Australian ranches.

As migration progressed from Australia to the American West, Australian Shepherds found footing in California, where the locals mistakenly assumed Australia was the dogs’ place of origin. California ranchers admired these dogs for their work ethic and exceptional herding abilities. As a result, they became valued for their abilities in the rodeo adding “rodeo performer” to their resumé.

The AKC added Australian Shepherds to the Herding group in 1993. Today, they are still regularly found on ranches and farms worldwide. Not only are they great additions to high-energy families, but Aussies can also be found working as service or therapy dogs and in jobs like search and rescue.

It’s commonly thought there are two types of Aussies: the Australian Shepherd and the Miniature Australian Shepherd. During the 1960s in California, breeders developed the Miniature Australian Shepherd  by breeding to create a smaller body size while retaining the intelligence and activity level of the Aussie. But the dogs they used were unregistered, so their exact lineage isn’t clear. Today these diminutive dogs are known as the Miniature American Shepherd and entered the AKC Stud Book in 2015.

Are you looking to add an Australian Shepherd to your family? An Australian Shepherd can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000-plus for a purebred puppy. Be sure to do your homework on how to acquire a healthy puppy: Ask to see the parents and be sure that a breeders’ stock has health clearances for hips, elbows and eyes.

If you’d like to adopt, reach out to Australian Shepherd organizations, such as Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline (ARPH), a nationwide network of Australian Shepherd rescues, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. Find one via Chewy’s network. With any rescue, you want to know what you are adopting: Look for a health status and temperament evaluation. As with all dogs, it’s essential to factor in veterinarian care, training, food, and pet sitting into your budget, as well as the initial cost.

With a lot of energy, loyalty and love to give, life with an Australian Shepherd will never be boring. They are ready for any challenge you give them and love competition. If you’re ready to hike, bike, explore the outdoors, and form an unforgettable bond with a canine companion, you can’t beat an Australian Shepherd.