Australian Shepherd: A Guide to Chewing Bully Sticks

Australian Shepherds are medium to large herding dogs with athletic builds and intelligent, determined personalities that reflect their breeding for livestock work. These energetic dogs possess moderate to strong jaw mechanics combined with high mental stimulation needs that make proper EverChew selection important.

Balanced Mesocephalic Herding Design
Australian Shepherds belong to the mesocephalic family, featuring well-proportioned skulls with functional bite mechanics. Their moderately long muzzles provide excellent leverage for their jaw muscles while maintaining precise dental alignment. This skull design offers several advantages: superior air flow for sustained athletic performance, and efficient jaw mechanics for gripping and controlling livestock.

Australian Shepherds generate bite forces ~220 PSI, which reflects their moderate to large size and working dog requirements. They needed sufficient jaw strength to control livestock through controlled bites and grips without causing injury to valuable animals. Their dental structure features the classic scissor-bite pattern where upper teeth slightly overlap lower teeth, creating efficient bite mechanics.

In Short—Which EverChew Holder?
Most Australian Shepherds will thrive with the green Medium EverChew Plus holder, which provides ideal durability and flexibility for their moderate bite force and intelligent chewing approach. Large males over 60 pounds or individuals showing destructive tendencies from insufficient mental stimulation may require upgrading to the SuperChew holder.

Understanding Bully Stick Benefits and Why Holders Are Essential
Australian Shepherds are natural chewers with strong oral fixation tendencies that reflect their herding heritage and exceptional mental needs. Their chewing behavior serves multiple important purposes: dental health maintenance, mental stimulation, stress relief, and jaw muscle exercise. Their high intelligence and intense work drive mean they particularly benefit from chewing activities that provide both physical satisfaction and mental engagement to prevent destructive behaviors when they can’t be out in the fields herding.

Bully sticks are pure protein treats (similar to beef jerky) that provide an ideal chewing texture for Australian Shepherd needs and herding heritage. Their firm but gradually softening consistency allows these intelligent chewers to work systematically while effectively scraping away plaque and tartar buildup. The extended chewing time provides crucial mental stimulation for their active minds, while the high protein content supports their athletic builds and high energy requirements.

However, Australian Shepherds' intelligence and moderate bite force can create specific risks with bully stick stubs. Their herding instincts can make them possessive about high-value items, leading them.  A bully stick holder makes this swallowing action impossible.

Life Stage Considerations and Mental Stimulation Needs
Puppy Phase (8 weeks – 8 months): Australian Shepherd puppies experience intense chewing during teething, typically peaking between 3-6 months. Their developing herding instincts and exceptional intelligence mean they explore everything with their mouths while beginning to show the intense focus that characterizes the breed. Early introduction to appropriate chew items helps establish good habits and provides essential mental stimulation.

Adult Phase (8+ months): Adult Australian Shepherds continue active chewing throughout their lives, often using it as their primary stress-relief mechanism when separated from herding work or during periods of insufficient mental stimulation. Their intelligence means they can become destructive if not provided with adequate outlets for their mental and physical energy.

Senior Phase: Older Australian Shepherds maintain their chewing interest and intelligence even as their physical herding activity may decrease, making appropriate chew items valuable for maintaining dental health and providing mental stimulation when their working opportunities are limited.

Selection Guidelines
Choose the Medium EverChew Plus if your Australian Shepherd:

·         Weighs under about 40 pounds

·         Demonstrates typical intelligent, methodical chewing

·         Uses chewing primarily for mental stimulation and stress relief

·         Is a puppy or senior with weaker teeth.

Consider the Nylon SuperChew holder if your Australian Shepherd:

·         Is larger.

·         Shows destructive chewing from insufficient mental stimulation

·         Has destroyed other chew toys or holders through problem-solving

Avoid the smallest holder as it's typically inadequate for their size and intelligence level—they may quickly chew it up.