Eye Problems in Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds develop eye problems at a higher rate than many other breeds, and it’s something I’ve observed consistently across the dogs…
Read guide
→
Health & Genetics
Health
Understand Australian Shepherd health, genetics, breed-related conditions, health testing and the foundations of long-term wellbeing.
Inside this section
A thick coat and endless enthusiasm can make an Australian Shepherd look indestructible. Biology is more complicated. Like every established breed, Aussies have health risks that responsible owners and breeders should understand, particularly where inherited conditions can be identified or their likelihood reduced through appropriate health testing.
This section brings together practical information on genetics, breed-related conditions, preventive care and the decisions that influence wellbeing through different stages of life. It is designed to help you understand the questions worth asking and the signs worth noticing - while recognising that general breed information can never replace veterinary assessment of the individual dog.
Explore the archive
Guides & Stories
Health guides covering genetics, testing, preventive care and wellbeing throughout an Australian Shepherd’s life.
Australian Shepherd Health Testing: What Breeders Actually Screen For
Working with Australian Shepherds over the years, I’ve noticed that health testing is one of those areas where breeders fall into two…
Read guide
→
How Long Do Australian Shepherds Live
Australian Shepherds are built for work, and that working drive tends to keep them engaged and physically active well into their senior…
Read guide
→
Australian Shepherds in Hot Climates: What Really Happens
Australian Shepherds were bred for work in temperate mountain regions of the American West, not the Australian outback – a detail that…
Read guide
→
Hip Dysplasia in Australian Shepherds
Hip dysplasia in Australian Shepherds is one of those conditions that shows up more often than most owners expect when they bring…
Read guide
→
MDR1 Gene Mutation in Australian Shepherds
The MDR1 gene mutation shows up regularly in Australian Shepherds, and it’s one of those genetic quirks that doesn’t cause obvious problems…
Read guide
→
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Australian Shepherds
Progressive retinal atrophy in Australian Shepherds is something I’ve watched unfold in enough dogs over the years to recognize the pattern early.…
Read guide
→
Beach Safety for Australian Shepherds in Australia
Australian Shepherds at the beach present a particular set of challenges that don’t always announce themselves clearly. Over years of working with…
Read guide
→
Australian Shepherds and Daily Exercise: What Really Works
Australian Shepherds are built for work. After years of living with and observing these dogs, I can tell you that understanding their…
Read guide
→
Keep exploring
Continue exploring
Explore another side of life with an Australian Shepherd - from understanding the breed to health, training, puppies and everyday adventures.