Longevity
Life expectancy
With good lifestyle hygiene, an appropriate diet and regular veterinary follow-up, the Australian Shepherd often lives between 12 and 15 years. Its longevity depends in particular on genetic quality, its level of activity, orthopedic prevention and screening for ocular or neurological conditions.
Build
A robust breed?
It is an enduring dog and generally resilient when it comes from well-selected lines. It tolerates exertion and an active life well, but its robustness must not make one forget the hereditary risks known in the breed, in particular in terms of locomotor, ocular and genetic aspects.
Watch points
What to watch for
In this breed, prevention is based on a serious selection of breeding dogs, regular ophthalmological screenings and appropriate orthopedic monitoring. It is important to remain attentive to vision, locomotion, neurological signs and skin condition. In the event of antiparasitic or medicinal treatment, the use of products containing ivermectin requires great caution.
Hip dysplasia : a joint condition common in the breed, which can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia : it can disrupt locomotion and cause functional discomfort that may appear sooner or later.
Collie eye anomaly : this hereditary eye condition can impair vision and warrants regular screening.
Cataract : some hereditary or juvenile forms may appear in the breed and reduce the quality of vision.
Epilepsy : neurological seizures may occur in some predisposed individuals and require veterinary follow-up.
Progressive retinal atrophy : this degenerative eye disease can progress to reduced vision and then blindness.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Thanks to its double coat, the Australian Shepherd tolerates moderate cold and bad weather rather well, as well as reasonable heat if its activity is adapted. However, it must have a protective shelter when conditions become difficult, and its efforts must be limited during high heat with fresh water available.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Australian Shepherd must remain lean and muscular. Excess weight increases the load on the joints and can reduce its performance as well as its comfort of life. The ration must therefore be adjusted to its age, its actual size, its sterilization and above all to its daily activity level.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Choose a breeder who provides orthopedic and ophthalmologic screenings.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, decreased vision, or a neurological seizure.
- Inform the veterinarian of any doubt about MDR1 status before certain treatments.
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve the joints.
Vaccination
Australian Shepherd vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Australian Shepherd? Like all cats, the Australian Shepherd receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Australian Shepherd is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Australian Shepherd vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Australian Shepherd?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Australian Shepherd
The most useful screenings concern the hips and elbows, the ophthalmological examination, as well as genetic tests depending on the lines, notably for MDR1 sensitivity and certain hereditary eye disorders. In a future breeding dog, the traceability of the results is a real criterion of trust.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
