Australian Shepherd

Australischer Schäferhund
Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a tireless working dog — highly intelligent and agile. Despite its name, it was developed mainly in the United States. It needs intense daily physical and mental activity; without it, it can become anxious or destructive.

📊 Characteristics

Size
Medium (15–25 kg)
Energy
🌋 Unstoppable — demanding sport every day
Coat
Medium — weekly brushing
Life expectancy
13–15 years
Care level
🔴 High — experienced owners
FCI group
Group 1

📈 Breed profile

Energy
95
Size
55
Coat care
60
Sociability
76
Trainability
68

Orientative rating (0-100) based on the breed’s general characteristics. Every dog is unique: its real energy, temperament and care needs may vary.

⚕️ Health — most common risks

⚠️
Eye conditions
⚠️
Epilepsy
⚠️
Hip dysplasia

This information is orientative. Always consult your vet for preventive monitoring.

💉 Recommended vaccination

💉 DHPPi (Distemper, Parvo, Hepatitis)Every 3 years
💉 RabiesYearly or every 3 years by country
💉 LeptospirosisYearly (high exposure)
💉 Bordetella (kennel cough)Yearly if boarding

Orientative schedule. Your vet will adapt the calendar to the geographic area and lifestyle of your Australian Shepherd.

💰 Estimated monthly cost

🥩 Food
~60
🩺 Vet
~25
🧸 Accessories
~15
📊 Total / month
~100

General estimate for Spain. It varies depending on food brand, city, pet insurance and lifestyle. It does not include extraordinary expenses.

📅 Life stages of the Australian Shepherd

🍼
Puppy0 – 12 months
  • ·Initial vaccination schedule (8, 12 and 16 weeks)
  • ·Socialisation with people, dogs and new environments
  • ·No going outside until vaccinations are complete
  • ·Puppy food suited to its size
🦴
Young adult1 – 3 years
  • ·Energy peak — needs consistent daily exercise
  • ·Basic training well established (sit, stay, recall)
  • ·Decide on neutering with your vet
  • ·Switch to adult food
🐕
Adult3 – 10 years
  • ·Stable routine of walks and feeding
  • ·Weight control (obesity affects the joints)
  • ·Annual vet check-up + vaccination reminders
  • ·Watch for early signs of common breed conditions
👴
Senior10+ years
  • ·Adapt exercise: more walks, less intense
  • ·Senior diet (fewer calories, more antioxidants)
  • ·Check-ups every 6 months + annual blood work
  • ·Orthopaedic beds if there is arthrosis

🔍 Similar breeds

Border Collie
Border Collie
Medium · 12–15 years
Beagle
Beagle
Medium · 12–15 years
Podenco
Podenco
Medium · 12–14 years
🐕
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