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Pet Insurance for Australian Shepherds

Find out all about Australian Shepherds and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,000–$3,000

Height

46cm - 58cm

Weight

16kg - 32kg

Personality

Intelligent, active, protective

Coat length

Medium

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 -14 years

Australian Shepherd

Overview

The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, originated in the United States, although its ancestors originally came from Spain. Often known as ‘Aussies,' they are highly intelligent and energetic, and excel in agility and herding activities. They are used extensively as police dogs and drug detection dogs. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners, making them great companions. They are known for their striking appearance, including a lush double coat in a variety of colours.  

Australian Shepherds are one of only a few breeds of dog that commonly have two different coloured eyes, called heterochromia. These can include brown, blue, hazel, amber or green eye colours. Early socialisation and consistent training are essential to ensure they are well-behaved. Aussies thrive in very active households where they can participate in family life and be kept entertained. They do not enjoy being left alone, and this can lead to destructive behaviours such as excessive barking, digging and attempts to escape their confines. As a herding dog they should not be trusted with smaller animals such as cats or rabbits.  

Common diseases and conditions of Australian Shepherds

  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye disorder causing gradual vision loss. Initial signs include night blindness, leading to reduced day vision.
  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Collie Eye Anomaly is a hereditary eye condition. It can lead to vision impairment. Responsible breeding practices aim to reduce the risk of CEA in the breed.
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent and manage this condition. 
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect Australian Shepherds. It may lead to seizures. Medication and close monitoring by a vet are necessary to manage this condition.   

Breed-specific issues:

The high energy level and intelligence of Australian Shepherds mean they require regular exercise of at least one to two hours a day and constant mental stimulation. Without this attention, they may become bored and engage in undesirable behaviours. 

How much does pet insurance cost for an Australian Shepherd?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Aussie, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Australian Shepherds

Are Australian Shepherds aggressive? 

No, Australian Shepherds are not inherently aggressive. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. However, like any dog breed, their behaviour largely depends on good socialisation, training, and the individual dog’s temperament.  

Do Australian Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, Australian Shepherds can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. It's important to gradually acclimatise them to alone time, and to provide mental stimulation to prevent anxiety-related behaviours. 

Are Australian Shepherds suitable for apartment living?

No. Australian Shepherds are active dogs that thrive in environments with plenty of space to run and play. Apartment living is not ideal for this breed.  

Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?

Yes, Australian Shepherds are often excellent with children. They are known for their playful and protective nature, making them great family dogs when properly trained and socialised. However, like all medium to large dog breeds, they should never be left alone with babies or young children. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Australian Shepherd

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