How to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in New York

Australian shepherds are incredibly intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs, and these pups are well-known as both a working dog and family companion. Many families may want to adopt an Australian shepherd, but it’s important to learn all you can about this breed and their care needs before adding one to your family.

These dogs are highly active, and they need ample amounts of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy in your home.

Australian shepherds generally do well in New York, as they are medium to large dogs and fairly adaptable. You can expect your pup to be happy in a smaller home or a larger home as long as they get plenty of exercise and time outdoors. If you live in a very small New York City apartment, this may not be the best dog breed for you.

If you are planning on adopting an Australian shepherd in New York, you will need to look through local shelters and breed-specific rescues. These dogs are quite popular, so it may be a challenge to find an adoptable Australian shepherd in your area. However, it isn’t an impossible feat.

Below, we give you more information on how to adopt an Australian shepherd in New York.

What Are Australian Shepherds Like?

Australian shepherds are some of the most intelligent, loyal, and alert dogs you will meet. Originally bred to help herd livestock, these dogs are always ready to go and need a good amount of activity and mental stimulation to stay happy. You can expect your Australian shepherd to attempt to herd you and others around your home, though they do this out of instinct and sometimes while playing.

Your Australian shepherd will be affectionate with you and others in your family, though they may be a little wary of strangers. These dogs can often seem aloof to others, but they may become more friendly with proper training and socialization.

When your Australian shepherd does not receive the mental stimulation and exercise they need, they could become mischievous and engage in anxious or destructive behaviors around the home.

What Is an Australian Shepherd’s Temperament? Australian shepherds are known for having a rather joyous outlook on life, and you can expect your dog to be overall pleasant and outgoing. These pups love to play, get outside, and stay at their owner’s side, and your Australian shepherd will always be ready for an adventure. Your Australian shepherd will be somewhat protective of their loved ones, and they might show this by attempting to herd you or being wary of strangers. Australian shepherds do need a good amount of mental challenge and physical activity, so keep this in mind if you want to avoid your dog developing anxious, destructive, or bored behaviors.

How Active Are Australian Shepherds? Australian shepherds are very active dogs, and your athletic pup will need a few hours of activity a day. These dogs tend to thrive when they are working on farms or ranches, and your Australian shepherd will do well with agility training or more advanced tricks and skills. You should dedicate at least thirty minutes a day to training your Australian shepherd, as this helps to keep them mentally stimulated. If you don’t live somewhere where you can let your dog run around in a safe, fenced-in space a few times a day, plan to take your Australian shepherd on three moderate to long walks each day. You should also go on adventures to dog parks or hiking trails when possible. Leave your Australian shepherd lots of puzzle toys and other engaging activities when they are home alone, and try not to leave your dog for more than six to eight hours each day. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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What Size Are Australian Shepherds?

Australian shepherds are medium to large dogs, depending on their gender and genetics. You can expect your dog to stand between 18 and 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Males of this breed tend to be a bit larger than females.

What Are an Australian Shepherd’s Grooming Needs?

Your Australian shepherd will have medium, straight, and silky fur, and you will need to brush your dog at least every other day to ensure that their fur stays free of knots and tangles. Regular brushing can also help prevent excess loose fur from falling around your home. Australian shepherds are moderate shedders, but grooming does help.

You may want to consider getting your Australian shepherd professionally groomed every few months, and it helps to start this process at a young age, so your dog can get used to it. You should trim your dog’s nails, clean their ears, and attend to other grooming needs as needed.

What Are Common Australian Shepherd Health Issues?

Australian shepherds are a generally healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health issues due to their genetics or simply old age. The most common health issues in this active dog include eye problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, and Multidrug Resistance (MDR1). Your Australian shepherd might also be prone to epilepsy or hypothyroidism.

Routine veterinary visits and proper care can help to keep your dog happy and healthy, and you should be taking your Australian shepherd to the vet annually to ensure that any health conditions are caught before they become too serious.

What Is an Australian Shepherd’s Lifespan?

Australian shepherds have an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. Your dog can achieve a longer lifespan with proper care, and health issues can impact how long your dog lives. Speak to a vet if you have any concerns about health issues or longevity in your dog.

Are Australian Shepherds Good With Other Animals or Kids?

For the most part, Australian shepherds will get along with other animals and children. These dogs tend to do better in homes where children are older and know how to properly interact with an Australian shepherd; children can be great play companions and adventure companions for this energetic dog.

You shouldn’t be surprised if your Australian shepherd tries to herd children while playing, so always watch playtime closely with smaller kids.

Australian shepherds can get along with most other animals, but you should be wary about having this dog around smaller prey animals like hamsters. These dogs can sometimes exhibit a higher prey drive, and they possess instincts that lead them to chase and herd.

Cats are sometimes good companions to the Australian shepherd as long as they have places to escape when your dog is feeling super active and playful.

Any dogs that share a home with your Australian shepherd should be introduced properly and be able to keep up with the energy that your Australian shepherd will bring.

Are Australian Shepherds Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

Australian shepherds are usually not recommended for first-time dog parents. These dogs are very intelligent and very active, and owners must be prepared to spend lots of time training their dogs and exercising them. For first-time dog parents who have never had a high-maintenance dog or a very active dog in their lives, it can be overwhelming to adapt to the Australian shepherd’s needs.

That being said, owning an Australian shepherd is very rewarding, and if you are prepared to live an active lifestyle, commit to training, and are fully aware of what this breed needs to be happy and healthy, you may be able to adopt an Australian shepherd as your first dog.

How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in New York?

Adopting an Australian shepherd in New York is an easy process to undertake. Most local shelters and Australian shepherd rescues make it straightforward to contact staff and inquire about dogs.

Your first step is to research local resources for adopting Australian shepherds; keep in mind that because this is a purebred dog, it may not be the easiest to find outside of a breed-specific rescue that aims to place Australian shepherds into their forever homes.

Once you have located a dog you’re interested in adopting, reach out to the shelter or rescue and submit your adoption application. You may be required to provide identity verifications, speak about your experience owning dogs, and complete a home check, depending on the organization’s policies.

After you have been approved for adoption, you can pay your adoption fees and bring your Australian shepherd to their new home in New York.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in New York?

In general, it is much more affordable to adopt an Australian shepherd in New York from a rescue than it is to purchase a puppy from a breeder. You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for your Australian shepherd, depending on the organization you are adopting from and the age of your dog.

Certain factors, like genetics and the color of your Australian shepherd’s coat, can also affect the price.

How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?

Australian shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and these dogs will need a significant amount of training to stay happy and mentally stimulated.

Positive, rewards-based training is the best way to train your dog, and this type of training allows you to form a strong bond with your dog, in addition to making training fun. You should stay away from negative training methods such as utilizing shock collars, as these can result in fear and anxiety-based bad behaviors.

As you get started training your dog, you can utilize our online dog training courses to find basic obedience lessons and more advanced skills as your Australian shepherd grows and learns.

Find the Right Australian Shepherd in New York for You

As you think about adopting an Australian shepherd in New York, it’s important to keep in mind all of the things that this dog needs to thrive. Your Australian shepherd will need lots of time spent being active outdoors, in addition to consistent training and lots of love.

If you are prepared to give this breed what they need to be happy, you can start looking at local shelters and Australian shepherd rescues in New York to find the right Australian shepherd to bring into your life.