Skip to content
Cart
CocoPet

Australian Shepherd Puppy & Dog Guide

Energetic herding dog

CocoPet

Breed Snapshot

Size: Medium/Large

Size: Medium/Large

Energy Level: Very High

Energy Level: Very High

Grooming Needs: Medium

Grooming Needs: Medium

Shedding: High

Shedding: High

Trainability: Excellent

Trainability: Excellent

Good With Children: Excellent

Good With Children: Excellent

Good With Dogs: Good

Good With Dogs: Good

Apartment Friendly: Poor

Apartment Friendly: Poor

Exercise: 90-120 minutes a day

Exercise: 90-120 minutes a day

Life Expectancy: 12-15 Years

Life Expectancy: 12-15 Years

Weight: 18-32 kg

Weight: 18-32 kg

Coat Type: Medium

Coat Type: Medium

Breed Group: Herding

Breed Group: Herding

Hypoallergenic: No

Hypoallergenic: No

Barking: Medium

Barking: Medium

First Time Owner: Fair

First Time Owner: Fair

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent, energetic working breed that thrives on activity and mental stimulation. It is loyal, trainable, and best suited to active owners who can provide plenty of exercise and engagement.

Life Stages

CocoPet

Australian Shepherd Puppy (0-12 months)

Common Issues

  • Nipping and herding behaviour
  • Excess energy
  • Separation anxiety
  • Chewing household items
  • Overstimulation
  • Poor impulse control

Advice

  • Start training and socialisation early
  • Provide daily mental enrichment
  • Redirect herding behaviour appropriately
  • Keep routines consistent
  • Use positive reinforcement
  • Encourage calm settling
CocoPet

Adolescent Australian Shepherd (12-24 months)

Common Issues

  • Boundary testing
  • Reactivity to movement
  • Leash pulling
  • Destructive boredom behaviours
  • Poor recall
  • Overexcitement

Advice

  • Increase structured exercise
  • Practise recall regularly
  • Continue advanced training
  • Rotate enrichment activities
  • Reinforce calm behaviour
  • Maintain clear boundaries
CocoPet

Adult Australian Shepherd (2-8 years)

Common Issues

  • Separation anxiety
  • Excessive barking
  • Compulsive behaviours if bored
  • High exercise needs
  • Reactivity
  • Weight loss from overactivity

Advice

  • Combine physical and mental exercise
  • Provide a regular routine
  • Give the dog a “job” to do
  • Continue obedience training
  • Use puzzle feeders
  • Monitor body condition
CocoPet

Senior Australian Shepherd (8+ years)

Common Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Reduced stamina
  • Vision or hearing decline
  • Weight changes
  • Anxiety with routine changes
  • Muscle loss

Advice

  • Gentle daily exercise
  • Maintain mental stimulation
  • Use supportive bedding
  • Schedule regular vet checks
  • Adjust diet if needed
  • Monitor mobility closely

Frequently Asked Questions