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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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 lead to pain, lameness and osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: it can disrupt locomotion and cause functional discomfort that may appear more or less early.
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 decreased vision and then blindness.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Australian Shepherd need? Like all dogs, Australian Shepherds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Australian Shepherd vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Australian Shepherd booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Australian Shepherd need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
