Australian Shepherd Lifespan: How Long Do Aussies Live?

TL;DR

The typical Australian Shepherd lifespan is about 13 to 14 years, longer than average. In a 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs, Australian Shepherds had a median lifespan of 13.7 years, against 12.0 years for mixed breeds, although the estimate is based on a small number of deaths (62). Two inherited problems matter most. MDR1 (ABCB1) drug sensitivity: about 35% of the gene copies in European Australian Shepherds carry the mutation, which can make some common drugs, such as ivermectin, dangerous. Epilepsy: in a study of 50 Aussies with epilepsy, 56% had poorly controlled seizures, and poor control shortened survival. An Australian Shepherd is a senior from about 10.3 years.

How long do Australian Shepherds live?

The wide confidence interval reflects the small number of Australian Shepherds that had died in the UK data. Medium-sized herding breeds generally live longer than large and giant breeds, and a healthy Aussie can be expected to reach its teens.

Australian Shepherd age in human years

This uses the share of the breed's typical lifespan a dog has lived, compared with US human life expectancy of 79 years. For puppies and young dogs, the DNA-based method in the calculator below is more accurate. Try any age:

The two inherited problems every Aussie owner should know

MDR1 (ABCB1) drug sensitivity

The ABCB1 gene (also called MDR1) makes a pump that keeps certain drugs out of the brain. Dogs with a faulty copy can have severe reactions, including neurologic signs, to drugs such as ivermectin and some other medicines.

• In a European survey of 4,729 dogs, the mutant gene frequency was 35% in Australian Shepherds and 26.1% in Miniature Australian Shepherds.
• In Australian laboratory testing of 4,842 dogs, the Australian Shepherd was among the four breeds most often carrying the mutation, along with Collies, White Swiss Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs.

What to do: a simple cheek-swab DNA test tells you whether your Aussie carries it. Share the result with every vet who treats your dog.

Epilepsy

In a German study of 50 Australian Shepherds with idiopathic epilepsy:

• The disease was dominated by moderate to severe courses, with cluster seizures and prolonged seizures.
• 56% had poorly controlled seizures, and this was not explained by the MDR1 gene.
• Poor control and a high seizure frequency early on (10 or more seizure days in the first 6 months) were linked to shorter survival.

If your Aussie has a seizure, film it, note the time and length, and see your vet. Early, well-managed treatment matters.

Staying active into old age

Australian Shepherds are high-energy herding dogs, and that activity puts years of wear on the joints. As your Aussie ages, keep it lean, keep it moving, and switch to lower-impact exercise such as swimming and steady walks. See senior dog exercise.

Daily joint support helps active dogs as they age. In a 2006 trial, 67% of dogs with joint disease improved on green-lipped mussel extract by day 56, against 41% on placebo. Our green-lipped mussel powder is a single-ingredient topper. See best joint supplements for senior dogs.

How to help an Australian Shepherd live longer

1. Test for the MDR1 mutation and tell every vet the result.
2. Know the signs of a seizure and seek treatment early.
3. Keep it lean and mentally busy. Herding breeds need both exercise and work for the mind. See mental stimulation for senior dogs.
4. Protect the joints with lower-impact exercise as it ages.
5. Twice-yearly vet checks from about 10.3 years.

FAQ

How long do Australian Shepherds live?

Most Australian Shepherds live about 13 to 14 years. A 2024 UK study found a median lifespan of 13.7 years, although it was based on a small number of dogs.

What is the MDR1 gene in Australian Shepherds?

A mutation in the ABCB1 (MDR1) gene that makes some dogs very sensitive to drugs such as ivermectin. About 35% of the gene copies in European Australian Shepherds carry it. A cheek-swab DNA test can tell you whether your dog is affected.

Is 10 old for an Australian Shepherd?

An Australian Shepherd is a senior from about 10.3 years. At 10 it has lived about 73% of the breed's median lifespan, roughly like a person aged 58.

Do Australian Shepherds get epilepsy?

Yes, and it can be severe in the breed. In a study of 50 Aussies with epilepsy, 56% had poorly controlled seizures, and poor control was linked to shorter survival.

How can I help my Australian Shepherd live longer?

Test for MDR1, treat seizures early, keep your dog lean and active with joint-friendly exercise as it ages, and book twice-yearly checks from about 10.3 years.

References

• McMillan KM, et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 2024. PMID: 38302530
• Firdova Z, et al. The prevalence of ABCB1:c.227_230delATAG mutation in affected dog breeds from European countries. Research in Veterinary Science. 2016. PMID: 27234542
• Soussa RW, et al. Breed is associated with the ABCB1-1Δ mutation in Australian dogs. Australian Veterinary Journal. 2020. PMID: 31743433
• Weissl J, et al. Disease progression and treatment response of idiopathic epilepsy in Australian Shepherd dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2012. PMID: 22182230
• Pollard B, et al. Clinical efficacy and tolerance of an extract of green-lipped mussel in dogs presumptively diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 2006. PMID: 16751841