How long do Australian Shepherds live?
Results of a 1998 internet survey with a sample size of 614 Australian Shepherds indicated a median longevity of about 12.5 years, but also that longevity may be declining. A 2004 UK survey found a much shorter median longevity of 9 years, but their sample size was low (22 deceased dogs). The median life spans for breeds similar in size to Australian Shepherds are mostly between 11 and 13 yrs.