Adopt Me
Australian Shepherd
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
20-23 inches, 50-65 pounds
Coat Type:
Medium-length, double-coat
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Active, affectionate, alert, and intelligent
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Adopting an Ausralian Shepherd: An Overview
Originally bred to be an exceptional and hardworking herding dog, the Australian shepherd is a dog breed that many want as their next companion. Contrary to the breed’s name, the Australian shepherd was developed in the US. The breed got its name from the Basque shepherd dogs that were imported from Australia that had distinct bobtails. These dogs were highly respected herding dogs known for their impressive ability to work alongside herders for long hours.
While Australian shepherds today still have an inherent ability to work tirelessly out in the field herding livestock, they can be just as great companions for the right individuals. In fact, like many other working dog breeds, the Australian shepherd has transitioned to be more of a companion dog over the years. This growing interest in the breed has made many people turn to breeders to get a puppy, but adoption is always an option.
However, finding one of these dogs up for adoption can take a little effort due to the high demand for the Australian shepherd. You might also not have the same level of freedom when it comes to choosing the Australian shepherd you want to adopt. For instance, puppies are usually placed in homes very quickly, and if only one is available for adoption, you likely won’t get to pick and choose the coat color you desire.
Nonetheless, there are many Aussies waiting to be adopted in shelters, rescues, and adoption centers. If you can’t find the Australian shepherd you want to adopt in your area, you can always find more possibilities by expanding your search to nearby cities. There are many organizations that will happily assist you with bringing your newly adopted Australian shepherd home, even if they are in another state.
As for the adoption costs, it varies greatly depending on the shelter, rescue, or adoption center. On average, you should expect to pay between $300 and $750 in adoption fees for an Australian shepherd. Puppies and young dogs under six months old typically have higher adoption fees. If you choose to adopt a senior Australian shepherd, there may not be any adoption fees at all, as many organizations waive adoption fees for older dogs.
Australian Shepherds For Adoption
Adopt Me
Adopt Me
How to Care for an Adopted Australian Shepherd?
It is important to understand what it takes to care for an Australian shepherd to find out if this breed is the right choice for you. Here’s everything you need to know about the care an Australian shepherd requires to help you build realistic expectations.
First and foremost, Australian shepherds are energetic dogs with high exercise needs. These dogs must be walked for a minimum of one hour every day in addition to playtime. However, not a single Australian shepherd would reject more physical exercise. They thrive in active families where they get a lot of opportunities to put their agile bodies to work. Hiking, swimming, camping, and dog sports are excellent ways to meet an Aussie’s exercise needs.
Just like physical exercise, Aussies also need plenty of mental stimulation. These dogs have a very sharp mind that they need to put to use. They won’t be content with activities that only make them use their bodies. Australian shepherds have a strong drive to solve problems. Solving puzzles, advanced training, and other working dog roles are great means for providing the mental enrichment an Australian shepherd needs.
With this much activity, Australian shepherds require specialized dog food that meets their caloric needs. They must eat dog food formulated for active dogs. Otherwise, they won’t perform as well and can be susceptible to bodily injuries due to a lack of nutrition. If you’re unsure about what to feed them, check the best dog foods for Australian shepherds from our recently published review.
While exercise, mental stimulation, and diet are particularly important for Australian shepherds, they also have basic care needs, like grooming and healthcare. Aussies have a medium-length coat that requires brushing two to three times a week to prevent matting and remove dead hair. Although they don’t need full haircuts, you can go for a slightly trimmed look by tidying up the fur around the ears, paws, and tail.
Since adopting means that you likely won’t know as much about the health of the Aussie you intend to bring home compared to purchasing a puppy from a breeder, regular vet check-ups are critical. Aussies suffer from a wide range of health conditions, many of which are hereditary, like collie eye anomaly and autoimmune disorders. In addition to check-ups, owners should be educated about the health conditions Aussies are prone to develop to identify problems early.
Along with all these, note that the Australian shepherd you adopt can also have individual care needs. For instance, some dogs are afraid of certain environments, possibly due to their background, and you might need to make adjustments to comfort them and invest time in training to shape their behavior. That’s why it is important to meet the dog you plan on adopting in person to get to know their personality and see if you two are a good match.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt an Australian Shepherd As Your First Dog?
Australian shepherds have strict care needs that owners must attend to to ensure their dogs are healthy and happy. They need vigorous daily exercise and lots of mental stimulation to prevent boredom that can lead to unwanted acts. This in turn benefits their health and ensures that a newly adopted Australian shepherd bonds strongly with their new owner. If this isn’t provided, an Australian shepherd can quickly develop behavioral issues.
Although Australian shepherds are highly trainable, they require consistent training to ensure their high energy levels don’t make them act disorderly, especially around strangers and unfamiliar dogs. Otherwise, an Australian shepherd can be difficult to control in public and draw unwanted attention with their unruly behavior. This can make even going out for casual walks frustrating with an Australian shepherd.
With all this to keep in mind, it is safe to say that Australian shepherds aren’t the best dogs for novice owners. An inexperienced owner will need to make significant adjustments to their lifestyle after adopting an Australian shepherd, which can be overwhelming and lead to regret. Therefore, Australian shepherds and similar dogs that require extensive care are best left to experienced owners.
However, there could be a silver lining – inexperienced dog owners who are living an active lifestyle with plenty of time to commit to caring for a dog like the Australian shepherd can find success. If you’re a novice owner wanting to adopt an Australian shepherd, prepare ahead by learning more about dogs and dog behavior through our online courses. You will find breed-specific courses for Australian shepherds, adopting a dog, puppy training, and more.
That said, although Australian shepherds are typically not a good pick for first-time dog owners, those with enough time and energy to commit to owning one of these dogs can succeed with enough preparation. It ultimately comes down to whether your lifestyle aligns with this breed and if you can commit yourself to having a dog as adventurous as the Australian shepherd.
Adopt the Right Australian Shepherd for You
We’ve gone over what to expect from the adoption process and caring for an Australian shepherd to help prospective owners determine if they are a good match for this breed.
There are countless Australian shepherds waiting to be adopted in shelters, rescues, and adoption centers. However, you can’t just go and adopt an Australian shepherd overnight – it is a journey that requires patience and careful planning. If not careful with the adoption process, you might end up with a dog that’s way out of your expectations.
First, educate yourself on the breed to make sure that you have what it takes to care for an Australian shepherd. It is important to have realistic expectations about owning one of these dogs. Aussies require an involved owner who can dedicate multiple hours every day to their care. They certainly aren’t for those looking for a low-maintenance dog.
If you’re confident that the Australian shepherd is the right dog for you, look for adoptable dogs in your area. You can start your search on Dog Academy or contact local shelters or rescues to see which dogs are looking for a home. After finding a dog that interests you, meet them in person and get to know their personality. This will enable you to make the right decision. During this process, don’t hesitate to take your time to make sure you bring home the right dog.
Once you know which dog you want to adopt, submit your application. It will typically involve filling out an adoption form that includes details about you, your living arrangements, lifestyle, work, income, and past experience as a dog owner. Entering your details correctly is critical for the staff or the person rehoming the dog to understand if you’re a good match. After all, they know more about the dog and have an idea of what kind of home would be the most ideal.
This process can take a few weeks, and if you’re accepted, you can bring your new best friend home after paying the adoption fee and signing the necessary paperwork. The first few days can be particularly stressful for your newly adopted Australian shepherd. To make the transition easier, provide a quiet, comfortable space where they can feel safe and be patient as they adjust to their new home.
Dogs thrive on routines, and establishing a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime will help your Aussie feel secure in their new environment. These will not only set clear expectations for a smoother transition, but also serve as bonding activities that bring you two closer. With enough love, patience, and understanding, you will find that adopting an Australian shepherd is one of the most rewarding experiences as you watch your newly adopted dog thrive under your care.
