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.

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Australian Shepperd

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.

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*Depending on your level of cover. 

australian cattle dog in the garden

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 shepard main 1 mobile

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.

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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.

1 - Terms & Conditions Apply. 2 Month Offer Terms & Conditions can be viewed by clicking here

2 - Depending on your level of cover. Policy T&Cs, limits, exclusions, waiting periods and excess may apply.

3 - You may be eligible for a higher limit; if so, this will be specified in your certificate of insurance.

4 – Applies per Policy Period and is deducted from the benefit payable to you, depending on the cover option chosen. Please note the $600 excess option is not available with a 70% benefit percentage.

5 – T&Cs Apply. MyPetPass® is a rewards programme provided by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923 (PetSure). Available to holders of active policies. myPetPass® perks are provided by PetSure and third-party suppliers and also subject to these third-party suppliers’ terms and conditions. myPetPass® perks may be amended or withdrawn any time without notice. PetSure does not guarantee that any particular third-party providers will continue to participate in myPetPass® through the offer or provision of perks, or that the myPetPass® rewards programme or any myPetPass® perks or features of myPetPass® will continue to be available. Full Terms & Conditions available at mypetpass.com.au/terms.

6 – After all documentation received.

7 - A separate limit applies to the non-insurance Routine Care item. Routine Care limits apply to specific routine care items. Click here for more info.

8 - There is a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament claims. This waiting period may be waived at our discretion. For details on the waiver process, refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement.

9 - Terms & Conditions Apply. 3 Month Offer Terms & Conditions can be viewed by clicking here

10 - Live Vet Support is a service provided by PetSure that gives you 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice for your insured pet(s) via online video or chat, via the Customer Portals owned and operated by PetSure. Access to Live Vet Support consultations subject to the Customer Portal terms of use.

11 - Available at participating vets, find your nearest GapOnly® Vet at gaponly.com.au. The gap is the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your pet insurance policy. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183. GapOnly® is available on eligible claims at participating vets with a pet insurance policy from a GapOnly® pet insurance partner.

12 - A 5% discount off your second pet insured, 10% discount off your third pet insured, 15% discount off your fourth and subsequent pets insured. For full terms and conditions of this discount, click here

13 - Policy T&Cs, Booster Care limit, applicable benefit percentage, waiting periods and exclusions apply. Annual excess may apply.

14 - Policy T&Cs, limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Annual excess may apply.

15 - Depending on the level of cover chosen

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. the PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.

We understand that there are times when our customers may be feeling vulnerable due to a range of factors. In these situations, we are committed to taking extra care and recognise these vulnerabilities can give rise to unique needs, which can change over time or in response to particular situations. If you are experiencing vulnerability and would like more information on the extra care we can provide please email us on [email protected]. You can also access our underwriter’s Family Violence Policy here, and their website also contains additional accessible ways you can contact us.

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