Pet Insurance and your Australian Shepherd Dog
Intelligent, affectionate, and very active, the Australian Shepherd is a herding breed known for its colourful coats and mesmerizing eyes, which are often different colours. Pet insurance can help you keep your furry family member happy and healthy. Let’s explore what makes an Australian Shepherd unique.
Australian Shepherd Background
Being called an Australian Shepherd (or an ‘Aussie’), you’d think this breed originated in Australia, but that’s not true. Although it’s believed that this breed descended from Spanish dogs in North America in the 1500s, the Australian Shepherd as it’s known today is linked to California in the 19th century.
Bred as a sheep herding dog for Californian shepherds, the Australian Shepherd quickly spread through West American ranches as a popular working dog. In the mid-20th century, a rodeo performer made the Australian Shepherd a popular breed, showcasing tricks his dog could perform across the western US states.
Today, Australian Shepherds continue to be herding and farm dogs. They are also used for search and rescue, police and drug detection dogs and make great companion dogs for people with disabilities.
To protect your active dog’s health and well-being, pet insurance can help towards eligible unexpected vet bills for your Australian Shepherd.
Why Choose PIA for Your Australian Shepherd Dog?
Pet Insurance Australia offers coverage between 80% or 90% of eligible vet bills,* a 21-day cooling-off period, friendly customer service, and two months free on any new pet insurance plan.
*Depending on your level of cover. Cover is subject to stated benefit limits, the annual condition limit, waiting periods and policy terms and conditions. Sub-limits and excess may apply. For Pet Essentials Cover the benefit percentage will reduce from 90% to 65% for pets over the age of 8 years.
Australian Shepherd Characteristics
Given their background, Australian Shepherds continue to be popular farm dogs, helping farmers herd sheep and cattle. Their high intelligence level makes them easy to train, and their high activity levels make them ideal working dogs.
Beyond farm work, Australian Shepherds are affectionate dogs that have become much-loved family pets. They are loving, loyal, and great with children and other animals. As friendly dogs, Australian Shepherds form close bonds with everyone in their lives and treat everyone they know as their best friend.
Early socialisation and training suit the Australian Shepherd, helping them adapt to family or farm life. Eager to please, they’ll quickly learn new rules, commands, and tricks, needing a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them entertained.
Fast Facts
Average Height
Female: 45 – 53 cm
Male: 50 – 58 cm
Average Weight
Female: 18 – 24 kg
Male: 22 – 29 kg
Temperament
Energetic, intelligent, affectionate, social, easy-going, protective and eager to please
Lifespan
12 – 15 years
Known Genetic Issues
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), Hip or Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) or Cataracts and Cancer
Country of Origin
Western America
Exercise Requirements
This high-energy breed needs daily exercise for at least an hour or two, including long walks, hikes, or runs.
Coat
Long and wavy double coat with a soft and dense undercoat and a straight, coarse, weather-resistant topcoat
Coat Colours
Black, red, blue merle or red merle with or without markings and tan points
Specific Care Requirements
As an active, working breed, the Australian Shepherd needs regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated and out of trouble.
Australian Cattle Dog Common Health Problems
Although responsible breeding can help reduce this disease, Hip Dysplasia can occur in Australian Shepherds. This genetic condition occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip socket correctly, causing lameness, pain and arthritis. Treatment includes surgery and pain relief medication from your vet.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another genetically inherited condition in which the retina of your Australian Shepherd’s eye gradually deteriorates over time. This condition leads to reduced day vision, night blindness, and eventual blindness. Although there is no cure, your vet can advise you on how to make your dog’s life as comfortable as possible.
Epilepsy in Australian Shepherds is an inherited neurological condition that will cause your dog to have seizures. These seizures usually start anywhere from 6 months to 3 years of age. Although there is no cure, your Aussie will need specialised epileptic medication and close vet monitoring to control seizures for the rest of their life.
Like PRA, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is an inherited eye condition where the choroid (a tissue that supplies blood and nutrients to the retina) is thin. Responsible breeding can reduce the chances of CEA occurring. While this condition can’t be reversed, laser surgery, eye drops and lifestyle changes can help your Australian Shepherd live with the condition.
Australian Shepherds are likely to develop certain types of cancer, such as Lymphoma (a cancer that attacks white blood cells) or Hemangiosarcoma (a bleeding tumour in the abdomen). Early detection through changes in dog behaviour, routine vet checkups, and blood tests is best for starting treatment early for a better prognosis.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance for your Australian Shepherd Today
As an active dog, unexpected accidents can happen at any time! By choosing pet insurance for your Australian Shepherd through Pet Insurance Australia, you can enjoy a range of coverage options to help give your pet a happy and healthy life. Contact our friendly team today to learn more about pet insurance for your Australian Shepherd.
Insurance disclaimer
Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted, distributed and arranged by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted, distributed and arranged by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.
