National Australian Shepherd Day (Jan 9): 7 Ways to Celebrate Your Aussie

National Australian Shepherd Day is celebrated every year on January 9, and it’s the perfect excuse to spoil the dog who’s equal parts athlete, brainiac, and best friend. Whether your Aussie is a trail buddy, a frisbee legend, or a champion couch-cuddler after a full day of activity, this “holiday” is all about leaning into what they love most: time with you and a job to do.

Aussi Facts that make them Awesome!

Australian Shepherds are famous for being high-energy, highly intelligent herding dogs, which means they typically thrive with daily movement and mental enrichment. Fun misconception to clear up: despite the name, Aussies are not a native Australian breed (the breed was developed in the United States).

And if you’re wondering where the “day” came from, it’s commonly credited to The Woof Book, which promoted January 9 as National Australian Shepherd Day in 2020.

7 Celebration Ideas your Aussie will Actually Love

1. Plan an “Aussie sniffari.” Go for a walk where your dog sets the pace and gets plenty of sniff time (mental enrichment in disguise).
2. Do a 10-minute trick session. Short, upbeat training is an Aussie love language. End on a win and celebrate like it’s a party.
3. Set up a backyard mini agility course. Use cones, broomsticks, or cushions for safe, low-impact weaving and jumps.
4. Try a treat scavenger hunt. Hide a few treats or kibble around one room or your yard and let your Aussie “work” for it.
5. Give them a “job” game. Teach “find your toy,” “bring it,” or a simple tidy-up routine (yes, many Aussies love tasks).
6. Schedule a cozy grooming + check-in. Brush, inspect paws, and give gentle ear/coat attention—make it calm and rewarding.
7. Do something kind for other Aussies. Share adoptable dogs from a reputable rescue, donate supplies, or volunteer locally.

Light HardyPaw moment: If your celebration includes outdoor adventures or enrichment games, choose gear that keeps things comfortable and safe, like a well-fitted harness/long line, enrichment essentials, and a cozy recovery spot for post-play naps.

A quick safety note

Aussies can be all-in, all the time, so keep today fun, not exhausting. Offer water breaks, avoid intense running until your dog is fully mature, and pick calmer enrichment if your pup gets overstimulated.

FAQs

Q1: When is National Australian Shepherd Day?

A: National Australian Shepherd Day is celebrated every year on January 9, making it a perfect annual tradition for Aussie lovers.

Q2: Who started National Australian Shepherd Day?

A: The day is commonly credited to The Woof Book, which helped popularize National Australian Shepherd Day in 2020.

Q3: Are Australian Shepherds actually from Australia?

A: Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were developed in the United States, not originally bred as an Australian native breed.

Q4: Do Australian Shepherds need a lot of exercise?

A: Most Aussies thrive with daily exercise plus brain games, because they’re energetic, intelligent herding dogs by nature.