How long to walk a Australian Shepherd
A general walk-length guideline for the Australian Shepherd, by age. Australian Shepherds are a medium-size, very high-energy breed (typical adult weight 40–64 lb / 18–29 kg).
Puppy & Dog Walk Calculator
Australian Shepherd's walk schedule — general orientation only:
Max 20 min per walk · 2 walks a day · 30 min potty breaks · free play untimed
70 min/day total outside
General guideline: about 5 minutes per month of age, up to twice a day.
Popular rule of thumb for joint safety — not a measured limit; the PDSA notes there's no scientific evidence behind it, so treat it as a starting point and adjust with your vet.
Suggested daily walk schedule — general orientation only.
- 7:00 AMMain Walk20 min · morning walk
- 7:45 AMRelief Break5 min · after a meal
- 11:00 AMRelief Break10 min · routine break (~every 4h)
- 3:00 PMRelief Break10 min · routine break (~every 4h)
- 7:00 PMMain Walk20 min · evening walk
- 9:45 PMRelief Break5 min · before bed
The “Main Walk” slots below are dedicated walks; relief breaks are not. Short garden trips do not count — but if your relief breaks are pavement walks on the lead, count them in.
Australian Shepherd at a glance
- Puppy (~4 mo)General guideline: about 20 min per walk, 2× a day (~5 min per month of age).
- AdultTypically 45–90 min per day, across 2 walks, adjusted to the individual dog.
General guideline only: about 5 minutes per month of age. Adjust to your dog and consult your veterinarian.
How long should you walk an Australian Shepherd?
The PDSA provides a specific time requirement for the breed, recommending a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. They advise splitting this activity into two fairly long walks, while noting that the more exercise you can give them, the better.
Other experts describe the requirement qualitatively rather than with specific times. VCA Hospitals rates their exercise needs as "High," stating they need a daily walk combined with some running and play. The American Kennel Club (AKC) similarly describes them as a great breed for exercising and dog sports, without listing a numerical minimum.
Because veterinary and breed sources diverge on exact daily durations, use the walk calculator on this page as a starting point tailored to your dog's age and size.
Why isn't walking enough for my Australian Shepherd?
The AKC notes that this breed has an extreme herding impulse and will herd anything from birds to kids. They emphasize that because the breed requires a lot of mental stimulation, a dedicated job or activity is a must.
VCA Hospitals warns that an Aussie will languish without a job to do. Beyond standard walks, they suggest specific outlets such as herding, tracking, playing Frisbee, competing in flyball, or working as an assistance dog or with a Search and Rescue team.
The PDSA confirms the need to keep their mind and body active, highlighting sports like flyball and agility, alongside puzzle games and interesting training sessions, as excellent ways to meet their needs.
What are the signs your Aussie needs more activity?
While general boredom can affect any dog, the PDSA outlines specific behavioral issues for this breed. If they get bored, they can get into all kinds of mischief around the home, which the organization notes usually involves a lot of chewing.
The PDSA also notes that because Aussies form close bonds with their owners, they can suffer with separation anxiety if left alone too long. Left to their own devices without enough activity, they're also more likely to develop bad habits like barking and chewing.
To manage their intense drive during outdoor activities, the PDSA recommends keeping them on the lead when walking out, particularly when you are around livestock.
What coat care is required after a walk?
VCA Hospitals describes the breed's coat as thick and dense, noting it can be straight or wavy. They recommend frequent brushing, at least once weekly, and note that heavy shedding occurs about twice a year.
The AKC agrees that their medium-length double coat sheds often and that frequent brushing is recommended to maintain it.
For daily walk routines, the PDSA advises giving them an extra brush after walks to make sure there are no tangles or mats. They also note that Aussies shed more in the spring and autumn, during which time you might need to brush them daily.
How does the MDR1 mutation affect health and safety?
The Washington State University (WSU) PrIMe program reports that 50% of Australian Shepherds and 50% of Mini Australian Shepherds carry the MDR1 mutation. For context within herding breeds, they note this mutation appears in 70% of Collies and 15% of Shetland Sheepdogs.
The PDSA describes this multi-drug sensitivity as an inherited condition that makes affected dogs particularly sensitive to certain drugs.
WSU warns that adverse reactions to these medications can be severe, including symptoms like tremors, disorientation, blindness, severe muscle weakness, and death. Because this gene mutation is so prevalent in the breed, always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication to ensure it is safe.
Walking a Australian Shepherd
Aussies are intensely active herders; routine and mental work tend to matter as much as walk length.
Aussies need substantial exercise and bore quickly on repetitive routes. Varied environments, off-leash runs in secure spaces, and training games woven into walks are the formula for a satisfied dog. They may try to herd other animals, people, or cyclists — awareness and training help channel that instinct. Under-exercised Aussies often redirect energy into destructive behavior.
What temperature is too hot or too cold for a Australian Shepherd?
Too hot — Below 26 °C a walk is usually comfortable. From 26 °C, shorten it, keep to the shade and bring water. From 32 °C, it is better to wait for a cooler hour.
Too cold — Above 0 °C a walk is usually fine. Between −12 °C and 0 °C keep it short and dry the paws afterwards. At −12 °C and below, only go out for potty breaks.
Humidity, wind, sun and the individual dog move these figures on the day. Open the live walk-weather check to see the current reading for your city and which of the coming hours are comfortable.
General orientation, not veterinary advice. Sensitivity to heat and cold also depends on age, weight, coat condition and health — ask your vet about your own dog.
Australian Shepherd walks this month
Winter — Deep-winter season across much of the US and UK — shorter daylight, icy paths and road salt call for shorter, more frequent walks and a quick paw-wipe afterwards.
Spring — Spring conditions across much of the US and UK — mild temperatures suit longer walks, though wet paths and shedding season make a quick towel-down worthwhile.
Summer — Peak-heat season across much of the US and UK — plan walks for cooler morning and evening hours and keep an eye on pavement temperature.
Autumn — Autumn conditions across much of the US and UK — cooling temperatures suit longer walks, and earlier dusk makes reflective gear sensible on evening rounds.
In the Southern Hemisphere seasons are reversed — if you are south of the equator, flip this guidance.
- Pavement check on warm days: press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds — if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws (Royal Kennel Club).
- Cold-season paw care: road salt and de-icing grit can irritate paws — wipe or rinse paws after walks and watch for ice building up between the pads.
General orientation only — based on typical seasonal conditions, not a forecast for your location.
More tools for your Australian Shepherd
- Potty schedule generator for Australian Shepherd — break frequency by age
- Puppy feeding schedule generator — daily meals and portions by age
The routine your whole family follows
Log walks, feeds and potty breaks in one shared day — the whole household in sync.
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