Australian Shepherds are intelligent, energetic, and loving pups. These dogs are suited to a variety of different situations, such as service dog work, working on a farm, or acting as a high-energy family companion.
If you own an Australian Shepherd, or you are interested in adopting one, you may be wondering about this breed’s lifespan and how to help them live longer. Our article provides you with details on the average Australian Shepherd’s lifespan and gives you some tips on how you can help your dog live a long, happy life.
How Long Do Australian Shepherds Live?
Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, which means they live slightly longer than larger dogs of a similar breed. These pups will generally live to be between 12 and 15 years old, though some might live all the way up to 18 years.
How long your Australian Shepherd lives depends on their genetics, how well they are cared for, and any specific health conditions they may encounter throughout their life.
Is the Mini Australian Shepherd Lifespan Different?
The mini Australian Shepherd lifespan is similar to that of the full-sized version of this dog. Mini Australian Shepherds can be expected to live between 13 and 15 years old. This breed can also have their lifespan affected by certain health conditions, genetics, and the care they receive throughout their lives.
To help your dog live as long as possible, you should make sure they receive routine veterinary care and have their daily needs met to ensure they are happy and healthy.
What Health Conditions Are Australian Shepherds Prone To?
Australian Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions due to their breed and genetics. If you own an Australian Shepherd, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that these conditions are appearing. Oftentimes, quick treatment and proper care can help to improve the longevity of your dog.
Health conditions that Australian Shepherds are prone to include:
- Anxiety – Australian Shepherds are prone to developing anxiety which can impact their overall health and their behavior. If you notice your dog showing signs of anxiety or stress, you may need to provide them with more mental stimulation or take them to a vet for evaluation.
- Eye Diseases – Australian Shepherds are more prone to certain eye diseases such as cataracts and Collie eye anomaly (CEA) than other breeds, and they should receive regular eye exams.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia happen when the joints of the hip and elbow are too loose, leading to pain, discomfort when moving, and an inability to move; surgery may be required to fix this problem.
- Skin Allergies and Infections – Australian Shepherds are prone to developing environmental and skin allergies in addition to skin infections which can impact their longevity and overall comfort.
- Multidrug Sensitivity – This is a genetic condition that can cause your Australian Shepherd to react poorly to certain drugs. It may be fatal in some cases, but it can be tested for.
- Epilepsy – Australian Shepherds are prone to developing epilepsy or other seizure disorders due to their genetics, and they may need a strict treatment regimen to control this disorder.
If you’re concerned about your dog developing any of these traits, speak to your veterinarian. Your vet may be able to conduct genetic testing for certain conditions or give you advice on how to mitigate the appearance of certain health conditions in your Australian Shepherd.
Extending Your Australian Shepherd’s Lifespan: Tips to Help Your Dog Live Longer
There’s no doubt that as a dog owner, you want your dog to live the healthiest and happiest life possible. Our tips below can help you understand how to take the best care of your dog possible.
Provide Ample Exercise
Australian Shepherds are an incredibly active breed, and these dogs have a strong drive to herd and to run around and play.
Your Australian Shepherd will benefit from regular exercise. Receiving enough exercise can help your dog stay physically fit and stimulated. If your dog does not get the exercise they need, they may become destructive, depressed, or bored — all conditions that can impact their overall lifespan.
Make sure to take your Australian Shepherd on several long walks each day. These dogs do best when they have access to a large outdoor area where they can run around and play. You can take your Australian Shepherd on routine hikes and walks where they can get all of their energy out. Visits to dog parks where your dog can socialize and play with other dogs are also recommended.
Encourage Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation for dogs.
Australian Shepherds, especially, are very intelligent and have a drive to work and learn. You will need to make sure that your dog stays mentally stimulated throughout their life. You can do this by engaging in regular and consistent training sessions with your dog, or you can teach them various skills so they can help around the home.
If you live on a farm or other large outdoor area, your Australian Shepherd may benefit from being taught how to herd and protect livestock. Australian shepherds are genetically predisposed to these kinds of behaviors, and they often thrive when they are given tasks to complete.
When leaving your Australian Shepherd at home, make sure that they have plenty of toys and puzzles to keep them engaged. These dogs are masters of figuring things out and learning routines. If your dog isn’t properly mentally stimulated, they may turn to mischievousness and being destructive as a way of getting out their pent-up energy.
Feed a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a large role in the lifespan of your dog. Obesity in dogs is linked to numerous diseases that can impact your dog’s lifespan. Being overweight can also impact a dog’s mental health and their ability to stay physically active.
You should strive to provide your Australian Shepherd with a healthy, complete diet consisting of wet or dry food, or a combination of both. Make sure that you understand how many calories your dog needs to be eating each day. This amount can change based on the size of your dog, their activity level, and the exact brand of food you are feeding them. Consult with your vet on the best tips for which food to feed and how much to feed your dog.
Schedule Regular Dental Appointments
Teeth cleaning and dental health are an often-overlooked part of keeping your dog healthy and ensuring they live a long life.
Dental health in dogs, much like with humans, is linked to overall body health, and it’s important that you keep your Aussie’s teeth and gums in good condition to ensure that they do not develop any health conditions or infections that can impact their overall health and lifespan.
As a supplement to professional dental cleanings, you can brush your dog’s teeth at home to ensure that their dental health stays in top shape throughout their life.
Practice Routine Grooming
Australian Shepherds have impressive silky coats, and it’s important to make sure that your dog’s coat is groomed regularly to keep them happy and in good health. Routine grooming can help you detect any skin conditions or points of pain on your dog, and keeping your dog’s coat tangle- and mat-free will help them feel their best.
Neglecting your dog’s grooming routine can lead to their fur becoming knotted and uncomfortable. Your Australian Shepherd may need to see a professional groomer every so often to get trimmed and receive a freshen-up for their coat.
Buy From Ethical Breeders
Ethical breeding makes sure that the parent dogs of an Australian Shepherd puppy are healthy and happy, leading to puppies that have good genetics and a chance at a long life.
You can recognize ethical breeders by their willingness to answer any questions about the Australian Shepherd breed, their ability to show you the areas where dogs are being housed, and by asking for any licenses or certifications that your state may require for dog breeders.
It’s important that you avoid backyard breeders and suspicious breeders that you may find online, as these breeders generally do not have the health of the dog in mind. They may encourage inbreeding or treat their dogs poorly, something that can lead to bad health for the adult dogs and the puppies. Backyard breeding may also result in genetic conditions that can impact your Australian Shepherd’s lifespan in the future.
Giving Your Aussie a Happy, Healthy Life
Giving your dog a happy, healthy life is something that all pet owners want. Your Australian Shepherd is likely to be a fun-loving, active, and playful pup, and proper care can help them live for as long as possible.
If you have any concerns about your Australian Shepherd’s health or the best way to take care of your canine companion, you can speak to your veterinarian to learn how to best support your furry friend.
Sources:
Author Williams, Krista, DVM, “Multidrug Resistant Mutation (MDRI)”, VCA Hospitals, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/multidrug-resistance-mutation-mdr1
Author Hunter, Tammy, DVM, “Collie Eye Anomaly”, VCA Hospitals, 2023.https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/collie-eye-anomaly
