Are Australian Shepherds high maintenance?
There's no point sugarcoating it: Australian Shepherds are high maintenance. Between the grooming, the exercise requirements, and the training demands, they need a committed owner.
Despite the name, an American working dog. Relentlessly driven, brilliant for agility, unsuitable for most owners.
Time commitment breakdown
Owning a Australian Shepherd isn't just about daily walks. Here's what the weekly time commitment actually looks like:
- Grooming: 3–5 hours per week — brushing, bathing, checking ears and nails.
- Exercise: 10–15+ hours per week — walks, off-lead time, active play.
- Training: Short maintenance sessions a few times a week — Australian Shepherds are easy to train and quick to pick up commands.
- Mental stimulation: Daily — puzzle feeders, scent work, or training games are essential for this high-energy breed.
Grooming requirements
Grooming is one of the biggest daily commitments with Australian Shepherds. They shed heavily year-round, with two particularly intense coat blow periods in spring and autumn. Expect daily brushing as the baseline, not the exception.
A de-shedding brush (Furminator or equivalent), a slicker brush, and a vacuum cleaner rated for pet hair are all non-negotiable. Some owners invest in a professional groom every 6–8 weeks to remove the bulk of the undercoat in one session — it helps.
Exercise requirements
Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need a minimum of 90 minutes of proper exercise per day — not just a slow stroll, but active movement where they can stretch their legs and use their nose.
Off-lead time, fetch, swimming, hiking, or running alongside a bike: the more vigorous, the better. An under-exercised Australian Shepherd will find ways to channel that energy indoors — usually destructively.
Mental stimulation needs
Physical exercise alone isn't enough for most dogs. Australian Shepherds also need mental engagement. As a high-energy breed, Australian Shepherds have particularly active minds. Without mental stimulation, boredom sets in quickly and manifests as destructive behaviour, excessive barking, or anxiety.
What "low maintenance" actually means day to day
High-maintenance breeds like the Australian Shepherd aren't the right choice for every owner — and that's not a criticism. Matching a breed's actual needs to your actual lifestyle is the most important decision in dog ownership. Be honest with yourself: if the time commitment described above feels like too much on a regular week, consider a lower-demand breed.
Is this breed right for your lifestyle?
Want the full picture on Australian Shepherds?
Read the complete Australian Shepherd breed guide →