Australian Shepherd puppies for sale in Miami

Australian Shepherds are bright, loyal, and full of energy. Despite the name, the breed was developed on ranches in the American West to herd livestock, and that work ethic is still very much alive. Aussies want to be busy, and they want to be busy with you.

They are affectionate with their family and often a little reserved with strangers. Many Aussies are "velcro dogs" that follow their person everywhere. They are quick learners and love training, games, and dog sports like agility.

Herding instinct is real. An Aussie may try to herd kids, cats, or other dogs by circling, nudging, or nipping at heels. With guidance, they learn better outlets. A tired, well-trained Aussie is a joy. An under-exercised one can become anxious, noisy, or destructive.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Always talk with your vet about your own dog.

Australian Shepherds are generally healthy and active, but the breed has some well-known concerns:

• MDR1 drug sensitivity, a gene change that makes some dogs react badly to certain common medications
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Eye conditions such as hereditary cataracts, collie eye anomaly, and progressive retinal atrophy
• Epilepsy, which causes seizures
• Deafness and eye defects in double merle dogs (see colors and coat below)

The MDR1 test matters. Dogs with the gene change can have serious reactions to some dewormers, anti-diarrhea drugs, sedatives, and other medications. A simple DNA test tells you your dog's status. If your Aussie carries it, tell every vet, groomer, and boarding facility.

Before you choose a puppy, ask what health information is available for the puppy. Useful tests include OFA hip and elbow evaluations, an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist, and DNA tests for MDR1, hereditary cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Call your vet right away if your Aussie has a seizure, shakes, drools, or stumbles after a new medication, limps or has trouble getting up, or shows cloudy eyes or seems to bump into things.

Many owners enroll in pet insurance while their puppy is young, before any condition becomes pre-existing. Read the policy to see if hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy are covered.

Florida has a pet lemon law that protects puppy buyers. Learn more about your rights under Florida law.

Aussies love to run, and they will keep going even when they are overheating. In Miami, exercise early in the morning or after sunset, take breaks in the shade, and bring water. Swap midday walks for indoor training games. Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, stumbling, or collapse. Merle and lighter dogs with pink noses can also sunburn, so ask your vet about protection.

Many Aussies love the water, and swimming is a great way to burn energy in the heat. Always supervise around pools and the beach, teach your dog where the pool steps are, and rinse off salt water and chlorine afterward.

Before you buy, check your condo or HOA rules, since some have size or weight limits. In the city, plan for daily space to run, such as a fenced dog park, a nearby field, or a dog sports class.

For the Miami basics every dog owner needs, like hot pavement, parked cars, year-round parasites, cane toads and hurricane prep, see our Miami puppy care guide.

Australian Shepherds have a medium-length, weather-resistant double coat that can be straight or wavy. The four accepted colors are blue merle, red merle, black, and red, each with or without white markings and copper (tan) points. Eyes can be brown, blue, amber, or a mix, and odd-colored eyes are common.

Merle is a natural, accepted color in the AKC Australian Shepherd standard, and it is one of the breed's signature looks. Merle must never be bred to merle. Pairing two merle parents can produce double merle puppies, which have a high risk of deafness and blindness.

Your first week sets the tone. Here is a simple checklist:

• Get supplies ready: a crate with a divider, bed, food and water bowls, the same food your puppy has been eating, a collar or harness, a leash, ID tag, chew toys, puzzle toys, and a slicker brush
• Book a first vet visit within a few days of bringing your puppy home, and ask about MDR1 testing
• Keep the vaccine schedule going and bring your puppy's records to the vet
• Start a crate and potty routine on day one: out after waking, eating, and playing
• Begin gentle socialization with new people, sounds, and surfaces once your vet says it is safe
• Sign up for a puppy class, and plan short training sessions every day

Questions about the breed or our current litters? Ask us about our Australian Shepherd puppies, and see our financing options.