Australian Shepherd

Like every breed, the Australian Shepherd is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive, reward-based training from a young age.
• Socialise them early with lots of different people, dogs, children and experiences.
• Teach a solid recall, loose-lead walking and a 'quiet' cue.
• Manage them carefully: they can learn the wrong things as fast as the right ones.
• If you are a first-time owner, consider accredited training classes.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Collie eye anomaly (CEA)

  An inherited condition in which the back of the eye does not develop properly, potentially leading to blindness. The Royal Kennel Club lists a DNA test for CEA/CH as a minimum test before breeding.

• Hereditary cataracts

  The lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blindness. A DNA test for HC-HSF4 is part of the Royal Kennel Club's best-practice testing.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  An inherited disorder in which part of the eye wastes away, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test for prcd-PRA is available, and eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is recommended.

• Multi-drug sensitivity (MDR1)

  An inherited condition that makes affected dogs particularly sensitive to certain drugs. A DNA test is available.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  The joint does not fit together perfectly, which eventually leads to arthritis. Breeding dogs should be X-rayed under the BVA/KC Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes.

• Cobalamin malabsorption

  A genetic condition in which vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed from the gut, leading to poor growth, weakness and blood problems. There is screening for this.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Australian Shepherd home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Australian Shepherd home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Australian Shepherd suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Australian Shepherds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.