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Australian Shepherd
Smart, energetic, loyal
Also known as: aussie
- Adult weight
- 18–29 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Exercise
- Very high
- Origin
- USA
- Group
- Pastoral / Herding
Reference update: · Not veterinary-reviewedCompare weight & lifespan with the American Kennel Club breed profile ↗
Health topics to discuss with your vet
- ●MDR1 drug sensitivity (ivermectin, loperamide)Breed-specific association not yet verified. General condition reference: Washington State University – MDR1 in dogs ↗
- ●EpilepsyBreed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Hip dysplasiaBreed-specific association not yet verified. General condition reference: OFA – Hip dysplasia ↗
- ●Hereditary cataractsBreed-specific association not yet verified.
Not a diagnosis or a complete risk list. A general condition reference explains a disease but does not establish increased risk in this breed or group. Unsourced associations still need verification.
Care tips
- ✓Ask your vet about an MDR1 DNA test before certain drugs
- ✓Daily vigorous exercise
Calculators for your Australian Shepherd
Sources & review
Reference update 25 October 2026; not an independent veterinary review. Direct breed evidence is identified above. General directories below do not verify every listed health association.
- Official breed profile – Australian Shepherd ↗
- Washington State University – MDR1 in dogs ↗
- OFA – Hip dysplasia ↗
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – Breed nomenclature ↗
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Breeds A to Z ↗
- American Kennel Club – Dog breeds ↗
- UFAW – Genetic welfare problems of companion animals ↗
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals – Health screening ↗
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for healthy adults from breed standards and veterinary references; individuals vary. Not veterinary advice.