Best Gear for Australian Shepherds
Aussies are intensely energetic herding dogs that need both physical exercise and mental stimulation daily. They're prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and the MDR1 gene mutation that causes drug sensitivity.
Weight
40-65 lbs
Height
18-23 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Energy
Very High
Shedding
Heavy
Trainability
Smart
Life with a Australian Shepherd
Your Aussie will stare at you with an unblinking, soul-searching intensity that makes you wonder if they know something you don't. They are not being creepy — they are herding you with their eyes.
At around 8 months, your Aussie will enter what owners call the 'raptor stage': they will chew through walls, ignore commands they mastered a week ago, and run circles around the house at 11pm like a small furry tornado. This is normal. You will not believe it is normal.
Your Aussie will do the 'Aussie wiggle' — curling their whole body toward you, butt leading — every time they see you, even if you only went to get water. It is the most enthusiastic greeting in the dog world and it never gets old.
You will buy a frisbee thinking it is a nice activity. It will become an obsession. Your Aussie will bring it to you while you are on the phone, eating dinner, and in the shower. There is no 'just one more throw.'
Your Aussie will try to herd your children. If you do not have children, they will herd your cats. If you do not have cats, they will herd guests. Herding is not something they do — it is something they are.
What Owners Say
“r/AustralianShepherd is clear: 'If your Aussie isn't doing anything destructive, you're not giving them enough to do' — the raptor-stage destruction and the adult obsessive behaviors are almost always a symptom of under-stimulation, not bad breeding. The breed is not for people who want a dog that hangs out.”
Games Australian Shepherds Actually Love
Disc Dog / Frisbee Distance
Not just casual catch — Aussies love the full athletic challenge of leaping, calculating trajectory, and sprinting at full speed. Practice rollers along the ground first to build drive, then
Agility Course
Weave poles, A-frames, tunnels, and timed runs hit every single one of an Aussie's instincts simultaneously: speed, problem-solving, handler focus, and the satisfaction of completing a 'job.' Even a DIY
Find It / Scent Trails
Drag a treat-scented cloth across the yard, hide it, and ask your Aussie to track and find it. Their nose is vastly underutilized and scent work provides a calm, focused
Top Picks for Your Australian Shepherd
| Spec | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buy | ||||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 85 Ingredients 75 Palatability 82 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 | Durability 94 Engagement 76 Safety 85 Value 88 Owner Satisfaction 89 | Effectiveness 82 Ingredients 79 Vet Endorsement 82 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 | Durability 79 Comfort 91 Adjustability 79 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 |
| Bag Size | 35 lb | — | — | — |
| Protein Source | Chicken | — | — | — |
| Life Stage | Adult | — | — | — |
| Grain-Free | No | — | — | — |
| Special Feature | Live probiotics, shredded blend texture | — | — | — |
| Material | — | Natural red rubber | — | 300D polyester with foam padding |
| Size | — | Large (dogs 30–65 lbs) | — | — |
| Chew Strength Rating | — | Power chewers | — | — |
| Best For | — | Stuffing, freezing, solo play | — | — |
| Dishwasher Safe | — | No (hand wash) | — | — |
| Weight | — | 8.8 oz | — | 5.6–9.5 oz depending on size |
| Count | — | — | 120 chewable tablets | — |
| Key Ingredients | — | — | Glucosamine HCl, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM | — |
| Dog Size | — | — | All sizes (dose by weight) | — |
| Form | — | — | Chewable tablet | — |
| NASC Certified | — | — | Yes | — |
| Size Range | — | — | — | XXS to XL (13–42 in chest) |
| Clip Type | — | — | — | Aluminum V-ring (front and back) |
| Closure | — | — | — | Two side-release buckles |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About the Australian Shepherd
Origin & Build
- •Developed in the American West as a ranch and herding dog, the Australian Shepherd descends from European herding
- •Males typically stand 20 to 23 inches and weigh 50 to 65 pounds, with females at 18
- •Their medium-length double coat is weather-resistant, slightly wavy, and features a notable mane and frill around the neck
Temperament
- •Aussies are brilliant, driven, and intensely loyal dogs who want to be involved in everything their family does
- •They're affectionate and playful at home but can be wary of strangers, making early socialization critical
- •Their herding instinct is strong — expect them to try to manage the movement of children and other
- •They're highly trainable but need a handler who can stay one step ahead of their problem-solving abilities
Exercise Needs
- •Australian Shepherds require 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise combined with meaningful mental challenges like puzzle
- •They excel at agility, flyball, disc dog, herding trials, and nosework
- •An under-exercised Aussie becomes anxious, destructive, and neurotic — they don't just get bored, they get genuinely stressed
Health Watch
- •The top concerns are hip dysplasia, the MDR1 gene mutation (which causes dangerous sensitivity to certain drugs including
- •The merle-to-merle breeding risk for deafness and blindness is well-documented
- •Healthy, well-bred Aussies typically live 12 to 15 years
Gear Tips
- Choose a rugged, trail-rated harness like the Ruffwear Web Master with a handle on top — Aussies are active trail dogs,
- A high-quality slicker brush and an undercoat rake are non-negotiable. Brush two to three times per week minimum, daily during the spring
- Invest in a long line (20 to 30 feet, biothane) for training their recall in open spaces. Aussies have good recall potential
- Puzzle feeders and interactive toys (Kong Wobbler, West Paw Toppl, snuffle mats) are essential daily gear, not optional extras. Mental enrichment is
- A durable 42-inch crate with a divider gives them a secure den space. Aussies can be anxious in new environments, and
- For wet or cold-weather hiking, a lightweight waterproof jacket protects their coat from matting in rain without causing overheating. Their double coat
Keep Them Happy
- Australian Shepherds need 1–2 hours of real exercise daily — not just a walk. Running, fetch, agility, or off-leash sprinting in
- Mental work is not optional. Puzzle feeders, trick training, or nose work should happen every day. Their brain runs as hard as
- Teach them a 'job' they can do around the house: carrying a bag on walks, putting toys away on command, or learning
- Channel herding instinct into legal outlets: herding trials exist in most areas and many Aussies with zero farm exposure immediately 'get it'
Frequently Asked Questions
- What harness is best for an Australian Shepherd?
- A padded, adjustable harness with a back handle works best for Aussies given their active lifestyle and medium-muscular build. The Ruffwear Web Master and Front Range are popular choices because they distribute force well and hold up to trail use. Measure the chest girth carefully
- How often should you brush an Australian Shepherd?
- Two to three times per week minimum, increasing to daily during the heavy shedding seasons in spring and fall. Use a slicker brush for the outer coat and an undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat without damaging guard hairs. Never shave an Aussie's double coat
- What is the MDR1 gene and why does it matter for Australian Shepherd gear and care?
- The MDR1 (Multi-Drug Resistance 1) gene mutation affects roughly 50% of Australian Shepherds and makes them dangerously sensitive to certain medications, including common dewormers like ivermectin. Every Aussie should be DNA tested for MDR1 status. This directly impacts which flea and tick prevention products are
- Do Australian Shepherds need mental stimulation toys?
- Absolutely — mental stimulation is not optional for this breed. Aussies were bred to make independent decisions while managing livestock, and that intelligence needs daily outlets. Puzzle feeders, training games, nosework activities, and interactive toys should be part of your daily routine. A physically tired