Australian Shepherds are high-energy working dogs with well-proportioned mouths and generally good dental health. But “generally good” still means progressive disease without regular care — and Aussies have a few specific traits that make proactive dental attention worthwhile. This guide covers what Australian Shepherd owners need to know about their dog’s teeth.
Australian Shepherd Dental Anatomy
Australian Shepherds are medium-to-large herding dogs (40–65 lbs) with a well-developed muzzle and adequate jaw space for their 42 adult teeth. Unlike toy breeds and brachycephalic breeds, Aussies don’t face overcrowding, retained baby teeth, or jaw structure problems as common concerns. Their scissors bite — upper incisors just outside lower incisors — tends to be well-aligned.
Aussies share dental characteristics with other athletic herding breeds: functional, robust teeth, good jaw musculature, and natural chewing behaviors that provide some mechanical plaque removal. Their dental risk profile is moderate — significantly better than toy breeds, roughly similar to other medium working dogs.
Common Dental Problems in Australian Shepherds
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in Aussies, as in all dogs. Without brushing, plaque hardens to tartar within 24–72 hours. Tartar accumulates at the gumline, causing gingivitis (gum inflammation), which progresses to bone loss around tooth roots. Most Australian Shepherds without any dental care will show notable tartar and mild periodontal disease by age four to five.
Early-stage gingivitis is fully reversible with professional cleaning and consistent home care. By Stage 3 or 4 of periodontal disease, bone loss is permanent — though progression can be halted. The goal is to catch and address dental disease early. Learn more about the stages: Dog Dental Disease: Causes, Stages & Treatment.
Tooth Fractures
Australian Shepherds are enthusiastic chewers and can fracture teeth on inappropriately hard objects. The upper carnassial (4th premolar) is the most common fracture site in medium-to-large dogs. A fractured tooth exposing the pulp (pink tissue visible at the fracture site) is painful and requires veterinary evaluation. The fingernail test applies: if you can’t dent the item with your thumbnail, it’s too hard.
Herding-Related Oral Trauma
Working Aussies and highly active dogs that herd, catch balls, carry objects, or play roughly can occasionally sustain oral trauma — split lips, small cuts in the mouth, or impacts that may affect teeth. Monitor the mouth periodically if your Aussie is highly active outdoors, as minor trauma can be missed until it becomes infected.
Signs of Dental Problems in Aussies
- Bad breath beyond normal “dog breath”
- Yellow or brown crust on teeth, particularly upper back premolars
- Red or swollen gum margins
- Chipped or discolored teeth
- Change in chewing habits — dropping food, preferring soft food, favoring one side
- Pawing at the mouth or face-rubbing
Monthly at-home checks take 30 seconds: lift the lip and look at both sides of the mouth. See the full checklist: Signs Your Dog Needs a Professional Teeth Cleaning.
Australian Shepherd Dental Care Routine
Brushing
Daily brushing is the most effective preventive measure. Australian Shepherds are intelligent, trainable dogs that generally accept tooth brushing well when introduced properly — their working-dog trainability is a real advantage here. Dogs trained to accept brushing as puppies typically cooperate readily as adults.
Use a medium toothbrush and enzymatic dog toothpaste. Focus on the outer surfaces of back premolars and molars — the areas where tartar builds fastest. Full brushing session for an Aussie takes about 2 minutes.
Complete brushing guide: How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth the Right Way.
Dental Chews
VOHC-approved dental chews in medium/large size are an effective supplement to brushing. Choose appropriately — firm enough to provide mechanical cleaning but not so hard as to risk fracture. A dental chew your Aussie finishes in 5–10 minutes of sustained chewing is about right. See our top picks: Best Dental Chews for Dogs.
Water Additives
Tasteless, odorless dental water additives with enzymatic or antimicrobial action reduce oral bacteria throughout the day. Useful as a daily supplement on busy days when brushing isn’t possible.
Professional Dental Cleanings for Australian Shepherds
Most Australian Shepherds benefit from a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia every 12 to 18 months. Dogs with heavier tartar accumulation may need it annually. Dogs with consistent daily brushing and clean mouths may stretch to 18 months.
Professional cleanings include full-mouth dental X-rays, ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, polishing, and periodontal probing. Aussies have no breed-specific anesthetic concerns — they’re healthy, well-proportioned dogs that tolerate standard anesthesia well.
For expected costs: Dog Teeth Cleaning Cost: What to Expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Shepherd Teeth
Do Australian Shepherds have dental problems?
Aussies have moderate dental risk — less than toy breeds and brachycephalic breeds, but similar to other medium working dogs. Without regular brushing and periodic professional cleanings, they develop tartar buildup, gingivitis, and eventually periodontal disease. With consistent care, most Aussies maintain good dental health well into old age.
How often should I brush my Australian Shepherd’s teeth?
Daily brushing is ideal. At minimum four times per week provides meaningful protection. Weekly brushing or less allows plaque to accumulate and harden faster than brushing can control it. Australian Shepherds generally accept brushing well due to their trainable temperament — start in puppyhood if possible.
Are Australian Shepherds more likely to need tooth extractions?
Not compared to most breeds. Aussies don’t face the jaw structure issues that predispose toy breeds and brachycephalics to early tooth loss. The risk of extractions for an Aussie is primarily from advanced periodontal disease (preventable) or tooth fractures from hard chew items (avoidable). Compared to Yorkies or Chihuahuas, their lifetime risk of tooth loss from periodontal disease is meaningfully lower with equivalent care.
What chews are safe for Australian Shepherds?
VOHC-approved dental chews in medium or large size, thick rubber chew toys, and medium-density nylon chews. Avoid antlers, weight-bearing bones (femur, knuckle), hard nylon sticks, and ice cubes — these can fracture the large carnassial tooth. The fingernail test is the standard guide: if it doesn’t flex slightly under thumb pressure, it’s too hard.
Related reading: Border Collie dental care guide
Related reading: Corgi dental care guide