Australian Shepherd
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Australian Shepherd. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| MDR1 drug sensitivity | high | A common mutation makes many Aussies dangerously sensitive to ivermectin and other drugs; test before medicating. |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | moderate | Standard herding-breed joint risk; request OFA results. |
| Epilepsy | moderate | Idiopathic seizures occur at above-average rates in the breed. |
| Hereditary cataracts | moderate | Lens opacity often appears in young adults; annual eye exams recommended. |
| Collie eye anomaly | moderate | Congenital eye defect shared with collie relatives; DNA screening available. |
Pet insurance for a Australian Shepherd
Insurers price a Australian Shepherd from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by MDR1 drug sensitivity. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Australian Shepherd is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 40–65 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Australian Shepherd sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Australian Shepherd
Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd was developed on ranches in the American West from Basque and European herding stock. It is a driven, brilliant working dog that excels at agility, herding, and dog sports — and becomes destructive, vocal, and anxious without one to two hours of daily work. Aussies bond hard with their families and can be reserved with strangers. The double coat sheds year-round. This is a superb breed for runners, hikers, and sport homes, and a poor one for sedentary households.
Origin: United States (developed on western ranches)
Temperament
Related reading for Australian Shepherd owners
Australian Shepherd FAQ
How long do Australian Shepherds live?
The typical Australian Shepherd lifespan is 12–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Australian Shepherd?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Australian Shepherd carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Australian Shepherd policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Australian Shepherd a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Australian Shepherd can live in an apartment, but its 5/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Australian Shepherds prone to?
The most significant documented risks are MDR1 drug sensitivity, Hip and elbow dysplasia, Epilepsy. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.