There are no guarantees when it comes to the Australian Shepherd lifespan, but your dog deserves everything you can do to keep him or her healthy as long as possible. An Australian Shepherds lifespan is 13-15 years. By nature, they’re aloof with strangers and need to be around different types of people to help them socialize better with humans in adulthood. Owner’s Tip: For a mentally healthy Australian Shepherd, give them a daily job to fulfill. As an Australian Shepherd sheds its winter coat, you may want to brush the coat more frequently. The median Australian Shepherd life expectancy is 9 years, but some do live significantly longer. Note: Always consult with your dog’s veterinarian about diet, even as they grow bigger. Medium to large dogs not your thing? Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England. You can evaluate the choices available with the Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association has published a guide to the congenital issues often seen in purebred dogs. If your Australian Shepherd is a family pet, he needs to live indoors; that is, when hes not out with you playing, jogging, working or showing up all the other dogs at the local … .hide-if-no-js { prevent the dog from getting to this point, published by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, longest living dog breeds are smaller in size, 18 to 21 inches at the withers depending on sex, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, Methods and mortality results of a health survey of purebred dogs in the UK, Health screening to identify opportunities to improve preventive medicine in cats and dogs, Estimated frequency of the canine hyperuricosuria mutation in different dog breeds, A retrospective evaluation of congenital ocular defects in Australian Shepherd dogs in Australia, Retrospective review of congenital heart disease in 976 dogs, Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England. Luckily they come in different colors and sizes. Australian Shepherd Life Expectancy & Health Concerns. But I don't want to do it until I get some information. They shouldn’t. Here are some areas that may call for extra trims as well as how to handle cutting your dog’s fur. He very energetic and so full of life. Many of these diseases can shorten a dog’s lifespan, but some are more dangerous than others. When properly socialized and trained, the Australian Shepherd is an ideal family dog who is gentle with small children, an enthusiastic playmate, and a protective guardian of home and family. And don’t even get me started on how this breed has been ‘dumbed-down’ by breeders who talk about valuing the breed standard, then consistently produce pups with the brains and temperaments of Goldens, labs, etc. The Australian Shepherd’s genetic background predisposes him or her to several serious illnesses including: Congenital deafness They are fun, gorgeous, and extremely loyal. My last dog was an Australian Shepherd-Brittany cross whom I got at approximately 1 year and had her for 14 years, which would make her 15 when she died. If you want to learn more about why you need to cut your Aussies’ tail, check out my article answering: do Australian Shepherds have tails? For a more in-depth review on the Aussie, check out my Australian Shepherd temperament guide. The Australian Shepherd, the cowboy’s herding dog of choice, is a medium-sized worker with a keen, penetrating gaze in the eye. However, even blind dogs can adjust well. Another theory is based on physical characteristics of these dogs. You need to go over all the pros and cons if you’re considering adopting an Australian Shepherd. | Photo: Brittany Butters The average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is typically listed as 12-15 years . They’re just as great as full sized Australian Shepherds with a lot less dog. If your Aussie will not be working for a living you must be willing and able to accomodate this need for physical activity. To help with managing livestock, herding dogs were needed. The Australian Shepherd has medium-length coats that shed heavily, especially in the season change days. The Australian Shepherd forms strong bonds with its family. Estimated frequency of the canine hyperuricosuria mutation in different dog breeds. So why are they called the Australian Shepherd if they’re not from Australia? It may be a good idea to separate them in the beginning. However, American farmers also took up the task of breeding a reliable herding dog without spending a lot of money importing one from across the world. Inherited epilepsy in dogs. The life expectancy of the Australian Shepherd ranges from 12-15 years. Symptoms of cancer in your Aussie include: lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty urinating and drinking water, development of a lump (mass), abnormal discharge and more. Methods and mortality results of a health survey of purebred dogs in the UK. As this dog needs a lot of mental as well as physical stimulation training is a … One of the best traits of the Aussie is their undying loyalty for the owner(s). Developed on American soil, the Australian Shepherd was bred for one thing: herding. Due to their intense herding instincts, expect an Australian Shepherd to try to establish dominance as the head of the house. Living With: Australian shepherds, particularly those from working lines of the breed, are active dogs that need to be busy. 2012. If for some reason you can’t make that happen, talk to your vet about reducing your dog’s calorie load. 2013. I love her dearly. Specifically, there are four known coat colors (and way more variations!). Before we knew it, the Australian Shepherd had arrived. As long as they were raised up with these other animals of the house, they’ll be fine with them. However, accidents can and do happen. Also, we do our research. For this reason, it’s best to brush them at least once a week. However, this should not be a strict guideline. Weight – 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female). Fortunately, they are eager to please and easy to train. Unfortunately, this is not the Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd is one of the best herding dogs, both skilled in herding livestock and dedicated to any assignment. This should be split into two meals – once in the morning and once at night. You can consult with your veterinarian on the recommended brand of their choice. That’s right. Left alone and confined, they become unhappy and can be destructive. Suggestions? All certified Aussie breeders will get their dogs’ eyes checked annually. Stones in cats and dogs: What can be learnt from them? The Australian Shepherd is a muscular medium-sized dog. There’s a ton of information to consume about these dogs, but with a little time and dedication, any owner can successfully raise an Aussie. These dogs are affectionate, lively, free-spirited and hard workers. PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that develops with old age. If your Aussie needs to go outside, sunscreen is highly recommended. You can start with the daily recommended but adjust as you see fit. Left alone and confined, they become unhappy and can be destructive. Association of American Feed Control Officials. Although this can happen anywhere, it’s most common in the elbows of your dog. Specifically, an hour of daily exercise is recommended. Cpersall “I live with two Aussies in apartment with no problems” – I live in an 850sq ft condo, previously a 500sq ft apartment with two Aussies ages 5 and 12 yrs. They’re energetic and fun, with a compassionate and affectionate side to them. In the photo, Asher is on the command ‘Place’. I was wondering why Australian Shepherds were pegged with a median lifespan of only 9 years. Read here to see how). The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed of dog that was developed in the United States, and identified as a breed in the early 20th century. Australian Shepherds shed year round and shed very heavily twice a year during season changes. Whether with other dogs, cats or small animals, Australian Shepherds love interacting with all kinds of animals. Living with an Australian Shepherd. Males measure 48–58 cm (19–23 in) at the withers, and females measure 46–56 cm (18–22 in).They can weigh from 35 to 70 pounds (16 to 32 kg)They have a well proportioned body, although slightly longer than tall, with strong legs and beautiful hair. Kids should still be supervised when interacting with an Australian Shepherd. However, not all of them are born with a tail. It’s your job, as the owner, to set the pack hierarchy right. If the strands don’t eventually break down, it could lead to cataracts and other troublesome eye conditions. If your Aussie doesn’t spend much time running on concrete pavement, clipping their nails when they get too long is also needed. Personally, i’d wait until they’re at least one year old before giving them the freedom to do so. Your best bet for finding an Australian Shepherd is through a breed specific rescue. On the other hand, a female Aussie can be between 18 to 21 inches tall. Australian Shepherds are extremely loyal dogs with tons of energy that are great for large open spaces in the countryside. The Australian Shepherd is one of the best herding dogs, both skilled in herding livestock and dedicated to any assignment. Living with Australian Shepherd. Grooming. You deserve to have your furry friend for as long as you can! Do not let them even think of being the family’s pack leader. And, in about 10% of the new borns, a kink or curve is seen in the tail. To minimize this, it’s crucial for you to establish firm rules and leadership. One of the oddest health conditions, Distichiasis occurs when an extra row of eyelashes grow on the edge of the dog’s eyelid. Finally, before running out and buying an Australian Shepherd, you should know that they tend to bark a lot, which isn’t always conducive to small spaces or shared living areas, such as apartments or condominiums. They are not actually Australian. AKC Breed Popularity – Ranks 17 out of 195. She does great! The journey was long for the Aussie, but they were finally officially in the books. Ekenstedt KJ, et al. Full of energy, Aussies need enough physical activity – and they need a lot. These dogs are inherently aloof and standoffish with unfamiliar people. Because Australian Shepherds are predisposed to urinary tract issues, your pup might need more. Strain GM. Failure to do this will put you and your dog at risk when they’re with strangers. But it’s important for all Australian Shepherd owners to be aware of them. For the most part, Australian Shepherds are healthy and robust dog breeds. They are best suited to country living or, at the very least, should have a large fenced yard and owners who want to spend time with their dog. For this reason, two bobtailed Aussies should not breed with one another. Of course, if your vet prescribes a certain level of activity, you should absolutely follow it. Recommendations include: Water intake is important as well. The types of cancer can vary, but the 5 most popular are Melanoma, Lymphoma, Hemangiosarcoma, Bone Cancer and Mast Cell Tumor. The Australian Shepherd can have a straight or a wavy water-resistant coat found in several unique color combinations like blue, blotched black and white with red patches, and several others. Outside factors such as size, physical activity and metabolism play into this. Even if you feed them the best food and get them plenty of exercise (such as running), there is still a chance of health issues. Australian Shepherd information including pictures, training, behavior, and care of Aussies and dog breed mixes. And by pack, I mean the family. Also, only a veterinarian can give you recommendations specific to your pet and based on his or her personal history. They have an upright squared stance and a deep chest. Still, they’ll remain aloof with strangers and gradually warm up to them. Australian Shepherd Apartment Living Real Owner Opinions 1. However, there’s still lots Aussie owners can do to secure their dogs some extra years. No tugging on their ears and tails and definitely don’t try to ride them like a horse. With proper care, there’s a good chance your Aussie won’t develop any of these problems, if any. You are probably living with an Australian Shepherd, often simply referred to as ‘Aussies’ and a sense of humour is a pre-requisite for owning this loveable but often clownish breed! All of these colors can come with different trims. These sizes are toy, miniature, and standard. The worlds oldest dog you are thinking of was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, who did indeed reach an astonishing 29 years old! These versatile, friendly, protective dogs are great work, activity, and even snuggling companions, and are cherished by owners around the world--in part because Australian Shepherd care and maintenance doesn't take too much work. Syme HM. Tips for Living with Allergies & An Australian Shepherd If you have allergies, but still want to adopt an Australian Shepherd, there are steps you can take to help mitigate the allergic reaction. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, so training will not be as difficult as you think. It’ll keep them occupied and give you a breather when dealing with these dogs. Australian Shepherds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. It’s the breeders that give incomplete answers that you should avoid. This will cause a lot of irritation for your Aussie and you may notice the dog squinting or frequently pawing at the eye (trying to scratch). If you notice this, keep them out of direct sunlight and contact your vet. Don't miss out on the perfect companion to life with a purrfect friend. Enrolling them in puppy school at a young age is a great start to socialization. 2011. I was curious if other owners had Aussies that had lived this old. Vets can help you to keep your dog’s teeth clean, an important factor since dental disease is a major contributing factor to systemic illness. YOU. Activity: If you’ve ever met an Australian Shepherd, you already know it’s hard for them to sit still. This is roughly on a par with the average lifetime of other dog breeds the same size, and the average life expectancy across all dog breeds. The best way to prevent any potential health conditions is to pick the right breeders from the start. My mini Australian Shepherd is 12 years old and everyone thinks he’s a puppy. When Aussies are doing their job, they’re the happiest. It’s important not to bathe your Aussie too often. Instead, they’re some of the sweetest dog breeds. Interact with them and certainly play with them. Aussies with epilepsy should not be bred, so make sure to consult with your breeder about this condition. I have an Aussie snoozing on the floor beside me who’s 15 yrs and 3 months (in Canada.) Also, they shed even more during spring time when they’re getting rid of their winter coats. Often called the Collie-nose, NSD is a condition that affects dogs with little or no pigment in their nose. Did I mention they jump ridiculously high? Australian Shepherd (Aussie) Contrary to the name, Australian shepherds—affectionately called Aussies—were bred as herding and working dogs on the American Frontier. Veterinary Ophthalmology. Stones in cats and dogs: What can be learnt from them? Australian Shepherd. I’ll be so sad when he’s gone. When they’re puppies, don’t let them run or jump on concrete (or any hard surfaces). The most common health problems include: Eye conditions like cataracts, iris coloboma. At the very least, a small backyard will do. In the early 50’s, many dogs imported from Australia had the same color pattern. Dogs can develop improper growth of cartilage between the joints. The best companion dog for an Australian Shepherd is without a doubt another Australian Shepherd. Australian Shepherds are a working breed, developed to herd and control livestock on ranches in the US in the 19 th century. Older Australian Shepherds are working dogs and need one to two hours of exercise a day, assuming they’re in good health. Your Aussie will either need surgery to remove a tumor or to go through chemotherapy in an attempt to kill the cancer cells. Because of their intelligence, they can get into trouble at home if they do not receive the proper amount of exercise and brain work. Your email address will not be published. Hip dysplasia Not all dogs are the same. As a potential Aussie owner, you should ask your breeder about this. Failure to do so can lead to minor injuries and discomfort. Perhaps the biggest misconception of the Australian Shepherd is their origin story. Their bones are still developing and their highly active personalities can lead to injuries. They’re most ideal for families that live on a farm (or suburbs) and those with an active lifestyle. In this quick, yet thorough guide to the Aussie breed, you’ll learn all the basics. As always, we’ve tried to make this article as accurate as possible using quantitative data from credible sources. This is roughly on a par with the average lifetime of other dog breeds the same size, and the average life expectancy across all dog breeds. If you ensure that your Australian shepherd is appropriately trained, gets enough exercise and has plenty of space to move his body around every day, then he'll repay you by being an affectionate, sweet, bright, pleasant and faithful … It’s a good idea to keep an Australian Shepherd in the backyard. Here are a few dog breeds that we believe are similar to the Australian Shepherd: Border Collie – Also herding dogs, the Border Collie are also the smartest dogs in the world. In fact, they’ll most likely have the documents of the grandparents as well. Although medication can help treat the problem, it can never be cured. To keep shedding under control and mats from forming in the coat, Aussies should be brushed weekly, year-round, several times per week during periods of heavy shedding. The Australian Shepherd lifespan is at least partially contingent on the quality and consistency of care that the dog gets, but it also depends on the health of the parents. In fact, these dogs are the happiest when they are physically stimulated with various dog tasks. In addition, they have oval eyes that come in a variety of color combinations. The answer is yes, they have tails. The breed was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bobtail, New Mexican Shepherd, California Shepherd, and Austrian Shepherd. WOW that is an amazing story. Just make sure it’s fully enclosed with high gates, as Aussies are amazingly high jumpers. You’ll probably need to do this twice a week during spring season. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A female Aussie typically ranges between 35 and 55 pounds. Make sure that your dog isn’t consuming too much magnesium, because this mineral can make it easier for urinary stones to develop. Left alone and confined, they become unhappy and can be destructive. Sadly, the answer is yes. The pendant ears that sit atop the head are triangular shaped and are always erect. Arab Journal of Urology. Girl playing with Australian shepherd dog. Despite the nickname, this condition is not seen in just Collies. By doing so, you can receive puppies with severe deformation and problems. They all share the same characteristics though which is fantastic. If you’ve made it all the way through, then you’re onto something great. If you’re still just on your way to bringing home a pup, make sure that his or her parents have undergone genetic testing. They are people-dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement, such as rewards (praise, food, play time).  =  The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed of dog that was developed in the United States, and identified as a breed in the early 20th century. Aussies in Apartments by: Andrea Hey there! They have a really keen sense of environment. It’s not unusual for an under-socialized Aussie to act aggressively and even bite a stranger. All oh which, are extremely beautiful. It’s why they’re some of the best herding dogs in the world. Journal of veterinary internal medicine. The preceding forebears of the foundation dogs likely had several sources, but were primarily UK rural landrace herding collies of various types and/or regions. Guide to Congenital and Heritable Disorders in Dogs. As for crate training to housebreak an Australian Shepherd, here are reviews for the 4 best dog crates for Aussies. Belgian Malinois – There are few dogs that can match the activity level of the Australian Shepherd. For example, with just coat colors, there are six different variations of the Aussie. Grooming: Australian Shepherds aren’t the easiest dog to groom. How long can our dog live and what might take him or her away from us too young? If you can spot early symptoms of these conditions, it could go a long way in preventing further complications with your Aussie. They need to experience interacting with all types of people, so in adulthood, they’ll be able to better recognize “good and bad people.”. With all these combinations, there’s a lot to choose from, especially if you don’t care if they are 100% Australian Shepherd. For animals that rely heavily on keen eyesight, it can be a problem. The Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a relatively new breed, it has gained popularity for its sweet and loving nature. But more exercise isn’t always better. But the overall health of the breed has recently declined dramatically, due mostly to human breeders who fail to take the time (ie. Such a gem! Note: Needless to say, if you have unfriendly or hostile large dogs in the house, it could pose a problem with your Australian Shepherd. Owner’s Tip: Don’t leave your Aussie in a small space while you’re at work. However, feathering behind their legs is seen among all variations of the Australian Shepherd. In addition, they tend to drool, so cleaning up their coat with dry saliva is necessary for good hygiene. check out our guide to Australian dog breeds, Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs. display: none !important; Although an organization had been established for these dogs, there was no standard breed description for the Aussie until 1977. Owners can often prevent the dog from getting to this point, and we’ll touch on that later. I’ve owned many dogs in my life, ranging from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi to the Pomeranian and German Shepherd. The ideal home for an Aussie is a home with a large, fenced yard. Don’t leave your pup in the crate all the time; take her outside every two or three hours during the day, then give her playtime when she comes back inside. Thanks for the reply. However, with a little knowledge and a little patience, caring for one won’t be as bad as you think. Aussies and Australian Shepherd puppies are very high energy dogs, which means they need a lot of stimulation to help keep them out of trouble. The medium length coat can have either straight or wavy hair. I have had two Australian Shepherd purebreds that got up to 16. But Australian Shepherds, with their focus, obedience, and loyalty, will wait for you at a designated spot until you find the perfect pair of shoes – if you invest in training them. Tolerates Being Left Alone Labrador Retrievers tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them. The first theory relates to the type of sheep they were herding early on. Epilepsy has been a problem with Australian Shepherds. Aussies make some of the best companions to families too. Australian Shepherds love spending time with their owners. For example, copper and white trims are popular with blue and red merle Aussies. You might not think of training as associated with the Australian Shepherd lifespan, but consider that the breed has one of the highest rates of traumatic deaths. Girl playing with Australian shepherd dog. We already know physical activity is important (have you tried getting your Aussie to swim? Mini male Aussies can range anywhere from 14 to 18 inches tall. Without physical exercise, Aussies can exhibit destructive behavior. Luckily they come in different colors and sizes. Early socialization is necessary for dogs, but especially for Aussies. by Clara (Madrid, Spain) Hey guys, So Australian Shepherds are definitely my dream dog and I've been thinking of getting one. In the photo, Asher is on the command ‘Place’. A dog’s bark cannot be eliminated, but it can be controlled. Cpersall “I live with two Aussies in apartment with no problems” – I live in an 850sq ft condo, previously a 500sq ft apartment with two Aussies ages 5 and 12 yrs. An Australian Shepherd is a great choice if you want a dog you can always play with. Plus the worlds oldest dog… IS AN AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD. Puppies, for instance, only need to run and play a few times a day. If you do have a dog with congenital heart disease or heightened risk of heart disease, you might be tempted to restrict his or her activity. It’s not a bad idea to get some dog puzzles and toys for your Aussie to play with. Early training and socialization are very important. Especially if they get to burn off energy at the same time. These furry creatures adore children and like to play for hours. Yes, you. Height – 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female). The best companion dog for an Australian Shepherd is without a doubt another Australian Shepherd. Let’s take a look at the most popular Aussie mixes! Dog and Cat Food Nutrient Profiles. As mentioned, Australian Shepherds come in a variety of coat colors. Before they were recognized as an official breed, the Australian Shepherds were believed to be herding sheep imported from Australia, among other livestock. When asked how often Australian Shepherds moult, the answer is 365 days a year. Group – Herding Group. She’s never had a health problem, apart from age-related arthritis and some cognitive decline. And despite its high activity needs, this breed will be much happier living indoors with the family it loves so much--which makes the Australian Shepherd a house dog for sure! For Australian Shepherds, this trait is an incomplete dominant trait. If you have kids, an Australian Shepherd is the perfect dog breed for them. Too many people acquire this breed because of its athletic prowess and intelligence, but don't provide enough opportunities for the dog to vent his energy and do interesting things. Australian Shepherds are a medium size breed, 18 to 21 inches at the withers depending on sex. In a UK survey involving 10 years of breed health data, owners of the longest living Australian Shepherd reported the dog’s lifespan at 15 years. Karmi N, et al. by Clara (Madrid, Spain) Hey guys, So Australian Shepherds are definitely my dream dog and I've been thinking of getting one. Like every other dog, basic grooming is necessary. Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice. For this reason, it may be difficult for first-time or novice owners to raise an Australian Shepherd. Congenital deafness and its recognition. As soon as you hear the footsteps of your Australian Shepherd, it’s time to clip. Is it a purebred? There’s no secret formula to raising a healthy Australian Shepherd. Living with an Australian Shepherd Training requirements. When you combine intelligence and undying loyalty in a dog, you get a highly trainable canine. I agree. Make it absolutely clear that they need to walk and stop according to your actions. He wasn’t 15, he was 30. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Australian Shepherd is that no specific dog looks exactly like another. I have a 9m mini Australian Shepherds. Make sure you get them into a routine of obedience training because they will love it. In the end, it helps produce a well-rounded and gentle Australian Shepherd. Perhaps through misinformation, many believed these dogs to be Australian breeds simply because they looked like one. Likely hear fierce warning barks the US in the United States to weather climates and can withstand moderate! Out on the surface, Australian Shepherds are working dogs – not simply pets to hang around the or... It out to see if your dog to “ stones ” in the dog lameness. 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