The Australian Shepherd is one of the most energetic dogs out there. They have a lot of energy and are playful. While this works out great for them as puppies, it isn’t always easy for their owners. People don’t always realize how much time and attention the Australian Shepherd requires. This blog will help you understand Australian Shepherd life expectancy and give you tips to help keep them around as long as possible.
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What is an Australian Shepherd?
The Australian Shepherd is a herding and working dog originally bred in the United States.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, high-energy, happy, and athletic dog that originated in the 19th century. They are best at herding livestock and various farm animals. They are loyal family pets that can live in many different environments because they thrive on physical and mental challenges.
Australian Shepherds love to be active and will work hard to please their owners. Their intelligence makes them easy to train with positive reinforcement methods like food rewards or vigorous praise for desired behaviors. They can make great pets for people who live busy lifestyles who want to come home to a loyal pet who can greet them with a wagging tail every day.
What to expect from an Australian Shepherd
One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, Australian Shepherds are intelligent dogs that are very strong and agile. They are often used as herding dogs and have been a favorite companion for farmers and ranchers alike.
The Australian Shepherd is a hard-working dog that is loyal to its owners. They’re also great farm dogs because they’re not afraid of work or danger. This breed does well in various jobs because it instincts to want to please its owner.
Australian Shepherd Life Stages
The life stage of the Australian Shepherd spans from puppyhood to adulthood.
Puppyhood: The first two years of an Australian Shepherd’s life are considered “puppyhood.” Puppies under two years old will need to spend a lot of time playing, chewing on things, and exploring their surroundings. They will also need to be fed 3-4 times per day. Puppyhood is when they start learning about basic obedience commands and being around other animals and humans.
Adolescence: Between the ages of 2-3 is adolescence for the Australian Shepherd. Adolescent dogs are still learning and developing social skills with other dogs and humans. They also need to be taught how to take care of themselves, as this is usually when they become too complex for their owners to continue taking care of them.
Adulthood: Dogs that are over the age of three are adults in the Australian Shepherd breed. However, this doesn’t mean that their needs have evolved past the point of care. As adult dogs, they’ll need more than just food and water – they’ll need mental stimulation and physical activity to keep them happy and healthy.
What health problems does an Australian Shepherd have?
Australian Shepherds have several health problems that are breed-specific.
Some major health problems are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also have a high chance of developing cataracts, epilepsy, heart disease, skin allergies, and cancer.
The Australian Shepherd is also prone to other health problems like:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PRA is a disease that slowly causes blindness in Australian Shepherds. This condition is often noted at the time of the dog’s first eye exam when they are about one year old.
- Von Willebrand’s disease. Von Willebrand’s disease is an inherited bleeding disorder in which the dog has low levels of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in their blood that causes them to bleed and clot very slowly. When they are young, most dogs with this condition do not show any signs of being ill or injured, but as they get older they may start showing symptoms such as nosebleeds, bruising, or prolonged bleeding from cuts or wounds.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPS). This disease involves degeneration of the hip joint and it can be either acquired or inherited. Males are more likely to develop this condition than females and symptoms usually show up around 3-6 months of age.
Most of these health problems are inherited, and you should check your puppy’s parents for these conditions.
How long do Australian Shepherds live?
Australian Shepherds are popular dogs for a lot of reasons. They’re easy to train, and they have protective instincts that make them great watchdogs. So what is an Australian Shepherd’s life span?
But one of the biggest reasons is their lifespan – Australian Shepherds live an average of 12-14 years.
How old can Australian Shepherds live?
The average life expectancy of an Australian Shepherd is about 12 years, but they can live over 15 years if they are well cared for by their owner.
The oldest recorded age for an Australian Shepherd is 29 years and 5 months. This old shepherd dog was called Bluey, and he lived in the early 1900s.
What do Australian Shepherds usually die from
Australian Shepherds die of cancer, heart disease, and stroke more often than most other breeds. This is likely due to a combination of genetic predisposition, overexertion while playing with kids or during work hours, and an injury.
How to keep your Australian Shepherd Healthy
There are three major considerations to keep your Australian Shepherd healthy and happy. The first one is the physical condition of the dog. The second is the mental state of the dog, and finally, the social aspect of having a companion.
Physical Condition: Dogs need a healthy diet that suits their needs. It also needs to be fed in a manner that best suits its lifestyle and regular exercise to maintain muscle mass and prevent obesity.
Mental Condition: Dogs are exposed to stresses from being left alone for long periods at home or in an unfamiliar environment or being judged by people who do not understand them. They also need plenty of positive reinforcement when they do things right, but you should never punish them for doing things wrong. It’s also important to spend time with them when they’re feeling down.
Socialization and Companionship: Dogs are pack animals and need to feel part of the family to be happy and healthy. A dog is a companion who will always be there for you. They also provide socialization for kids, adults, older people, and those with mental illnesses or disabilities. Leaving your dog alone for long periods of time can result in separation anxiety and lead to behavior problems.
Teaching your Australian Shepherd tricks will keep your dog mentally engaged and happy.
It’s no secret that Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there. They are highly trainable and very loyal to their owners. Australian Shepherds are a fun-loving breed with a lot of energy, and they need to be kept busy. You might have already noticed that your Australian Shepherd is more like a child than a pet. They will need lots of attention and training over their lifetime to stay happy and healthy.
