When Is National Australian Shepherd Day 2024? Breed Facts & FAQ
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National Australian Shepherd Day occurs on January 9th and is a day to celebrate the intelligence and loyalty of Australian Shepherds.
The holiday was founded in 2020 by The Woof Book, a social media network exclusively for dog owners. It is celebrated by Australian Shepherd owners and fans all over the world. On this day, people celebrate their Australian Shepherds by taking them for walks, playing fetch, and giving them extra treats.
Some people also donate to Australian Shepherd rescue organizations or volunteer their time to help Australian Shepherds in need.
However, this day isn’t widely recognized. There are very few big celebrations, though some dog-specific businesses may run sales on this day. Australian Shepherd rescues may also run discounts or have adoption events.
Other Names for the Australian Shepherd
There are several different names for Australian Shepherds. These dogs have been called many names over the years. Here are some examples:
- Spanish Shepherds
- Pastor Dogs
- Bob-Tails
- Blue Heelers
- New Mexican Shepherds
- California Shepherds
The name “Australian Shepherd” is a bit of a misnomer, as the breed was developed in the United States, not Australia. The name is thought to have originated from the fact that many of the dogs’ ancestors were imported from Australia.
However, the breed itself did not come from Australia.
Are Australian Shepherds Known for Anxiety?
Australian Shepherds are prone to anxiety. They’re pretty high-strung dogs, after all. They are very energetic, smart, and have strong herding instincts. These traits all lead to them being somewhat high-strung.
You need to give these dogs lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy. Otherwise, they may be too high-strung and more anxious than usual. They do best when given a job to do, as they tend to naturally look for a job.
- Excessive barking
- Excessive chewing
- Whining or crying
- Pacing or circling
- Destruction of property
- Housetraining accidents
- Separation anxiety
- Fear of loud noises or new people
If you notice signs of anxiety, you should speak to your vet about potential causes. It’s important to rule out underlying medical problems, which can sometimes cause anxiety. Once medical problems have been addressed, you can attempt to lower their anxiety by other means.
If you have an anxious Australian Shepherd, this national day is a great time to put their needs first and encourage them to be a bit calmer. Luckily, there are several ways you can help keep your Australian Shepherd calm:
- Providing them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
- Creating a predictable and stable environment
- Desensitizing them to triggers
- Using calming supplements or medications
- Working with a certified animal behaviorist
If you’re struggling to manage your dog’s anxiety, you may want to consider medication. Professional trainers may also be helpful, though it does depend on the exact dog. A certified animal behaviorist can help you create a customized plan for your Australian Shepherds.
National Australian Shepherd Day is a great time to remember that these dogs tend to be anxiety-prone and to take steps to care for the Australian Shepherds in your life.
What is the Lifespan of an Australian Shepherd?
The average lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is 12–15 years. However, some Australian Shepherds can live for up to 18 years. The lifespan of an Australian Shepherd is affected by a number of factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health.
National Australian Shepherd Day is a great time to make some changes to your dog’s lifestyle to help them live longer. Here are some things you can do to help your Australian Shepherd live a bit longer:
- Feed them a high-quality diet that is specifically designed for Australian Shepherds.
- Make sure they get plenty of exercise. Australian Shepherds are very active dogs, and they need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
- Take them to the vet for regular checkups. This will help to catch any health problems early on.
- Keep them up to date on their vaccinations.
- Avoid giving them too many treats or table scraps. This can lead to obesity, which can shorten their lifespan.
- Manage any health conditions that they may develop. If your Australian Shepherd has any health problems, it is important to work with your vet to manage them properly.
Hopefully, these tips can help your dog live a bit longer. Any time is a good time to implement these changes.
Final Thoughts
Australian Shepherd Day isn’t a widely recognized day. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate it. This day is a great time to make lifestyle changes to help your pooch live a bit longer, donate to an Australian Shepherd rescue, or help control your dog’s anxiety. Australian Shepherds are complicated dogs, but now is a great time to help make their life a bit easier.
Of course, how you celebrate this day is completely up to you!
Featured Image Credit: Pauline Loroy, Unsplash
