Considering an Australian Shepherd? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Adopting

Australian Shepherds are stunning, intelligent, and deeply loyal—but they’re not a laid-back breed. Originally bred for herding livestock, Aussies need a lot of mental and physical engagement to thrive.

If you’re thinking about bringing one into your life, here’s everything you should know to decide if an Aussie is the right fit for you.

🐕 Temperament: Loyal, Alert, and Always Watching

Australian Shepherds are:

• Devoted to their families and often form strong bonds with one person
• Naturally protective and may be reserved with strangers
• Very aware of their surroundings—they notice everything
• Great with kids and dogs when socialized early

They’re affectionate and fun—but not usually the type to lie around all day. Aussies always want a job, even if it’s just following you from room to room.

🧠 Trainability: Exceptionally Smart

Aussies are among the most intelligent dog breeds:

• They excel in obedience, agility, and trick training
• They need consistent structure and clear expectations
• Bored Aussies will invent things to do (herding people, barking at shadows, chewing furniture)

Training is easy if you stay one step ahead. Without it, their energy and brains can become overwhelming.

⚡ Energy Level: Off the Charts

Australian Shepherds are working dogs with tons of stamina:

• Expect at least 1–2 hours of exercise per day
• They love running, fetch, swimming, agility, and long hikes
• Mental stimulation is just as important as physical play

They are not a good match for low-activity households. Under-exercised Aussies can become anxious, barky, or destructive.

🧼 Grooming & Shedding

Australian Shepherds have medium-length double coats:

• Moderate to heavy shedders, especially in spring and fall
• Weekly brushing (or more during heavy shedding) keeps their coat healthy
• Regular trimming of feet, rear, and ears helps avoid matting

They clean up well but love to get messy—many Aussies enjoy water and mud.

🩺 Health Considerations

Australian Shepherds are generally healthy but may be prone to:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Eye issues, including cataracts and collie eye anomaly
• Epilepsy
• Sensitivity to certain medications due to the MDR1 gene mutation (ask your vet)

They typically live 12–15 years, especially with proper care and regular vet checkups.

🏡 Lifestyle Fit

Ask yourself:

• Do you have time every day for training and exercise?
• Can you handle a dog that constantly wants to learn and move?
• Is someone home regularly to interact with the dog?

Aussies are happiest in active homes where they get to participate in daily life. They can adapt to suburban or rural homes, but apartment living is tough without a very committed exercise plan.

🍗 Feeding & Nutrition

Aussies thrive on a well-balanced, protein-rich diet:

• Most need 2–3 cups of high-quality kibble per day, split into meals
• Watch weight—some Aussies can be food-motivated
• Look out for food sensitivities or allergies (common with active breeds)

Always provide fresh water and avoid overfeeding treats.

🐾 Puppy vs. Adult Aussie

Puppy Aussies are:

• Smart, energetic, and often a handful
• Prone to nipping and herding behaviors (especially children)
• In need of lots of structure and training early on

Adult Aussies often have more impulse control and can be a great choice if you’re not ready for the full puppy challenge.

🧬 Adoption vs. Breeder

Adoption:

• Check rescues like Aussie Rescue Ontario
• You’ll often find both purebreds and Aussie mixes that need active homes

Breeders:

• Look for breeders who test for genetic conditions like MDR1, hips, and eyes
• Avoid breeders who focus only on looks or size (like “mini Aussies”) without health testing

Always ask to meet the parents and see the environment the puppies are raised in.

Final Thoughts

Australian Shepherds are incredible companions—loyal, bright, and full of life. But they need structure, purpose, and plenty of activity. If you’re ready to match their energy and meet their mental needs, an Aussie can be the most rewarding addition to your family.

At Playday Pups in Burlington, we’ve worked with many Aussies and Aussie mixes. They’re sharp, playful, and love a good challenge. Want to know if an Aussie would be a good fit for your household? Come meet some of our pack and see them in action!