Australian Shepherd Mix

An Australian shepherd mix results from crossbreeding an Australian shepherd with another purebred dog. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd was developed in the United States and was originally bred to herd livestock due to its excellent work ethic and intelligence. However, breeders wanted to experiment with this breed’s impeccable traits to see if they could create something superior. Therefore, there are several Australian shepherd mixes that make amazing pets. This article will focus on the Aussiedor (Australian shepherd and Labrador mix), but first, take a look at some other hybrids.

Types of Australian Shepherd Mixes

While the Australian shepherd is basically perfect in every way, crossbreeding them with another purebred often results in a healthier canine with other desirable traits. Here are three of the most popular Australian shepherd mixes:

Texas Heeler (Australian Shepherd and Australian Cattle Dog Mix)

The Texas heeler is a mix between the Australian shepherd and an Australian cattle dog, often called the blue heeler. These dogs are notorious for being herding dogs, so when combined with the Australian shepherd (also a herding dog), it results in one capable herder!

Texas heelers are extremely active and unsuitable for apartment or city living. They need an environment with lots of space where they can play outdoors and burn off all their excess energy. Additionally, this hybrid makes an incredible working dog. Furthermore, they can get on well with kids, but they tend to try and herd smaller children and animals.

Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd and Poodle Mix)

The Aussiedoodle, also known as the Aussipoo, is the result of crossing the Australian shepherd and a Poodle. These are one of Australia’s most popular breeds, especially because they were specifically bred to be the perfect companion and family dog.

This hybrid is highly intelligent and loves socializing with everybody, including children and other pets. Their affectionate and loyal nature is perfect for anyone of any age. This Australian shepherd mix is an active dog who loves to swim, but they will be happiest when you exercise with them.

Unfortunately, Aussiedoodles suffer from separation anxiety, so they require socialization from an early age. However, training them is a breeze because of their outstanding intellect and obedience. So, naturally, these hybrids are perfect for novice pet owners. Furthermore, this mixed breed is hypoallergenic and safe for allergy sufferers.

Australian Retriever (Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever Mix)

When you combine an Australian shepherd and a golden retriever, the result is an Australian retriever. With two popular purebreds like this, their offspring are in high demand. These hybrids still retain the incredible work ethic of the Australian shepherd, while their friendliness and playful nature come from the golden retriever. Additionally, they make great companions for families with children who will give them plenty of attention. Furthermore, they are unbelievably obedient and loyal dogs, making them incredibly easy to train. Therefore, this Australian shepherd mix is perfect for a first-time pet owner.

The Australian retriever is an active dog that needs a fit family to keep up with it, so get ready for plenty of swimming, running, and hiking! However, as these hybrids love being around people, they are prone to separation anxiety and will be best suited to an owner who is home most of the time.

Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Shepherd Mix

The Best Dog Food for an Australian Shepherd Mix

Ensure the food you give your Aussiedor meets its daily nutritional needs. This breed requires:

• 0.04 ounces of protein per pound of total weight daily
• 0.02 ounces of fat per pound of total weight daily

The best choice for dog food is top-quality, high-calorie kibble divided into two meals per day. But their food needs to facilitate the phase of growth they are in; for example, puppies need a special diet formulated for their needs. Other things to consider are your Aussiedor’s size, age, allergies, and characteristics.

Australian Shepherd Mix Size and Weight

This Australian shepherd mix falls into the large dog category because its weight ranges from 50 to 60 pounds. Additionally, they can grow between 23 to 25 inches tall.

Australian Shepherd Mix Common Health Issues

The Aussiedor is relatively healthy, with minimal risk of severe health problems. Additionally, most of these conditions can be avoided if you use a reputable breeder who has screened their breeding pairs for any hereditary diseases.

However, it is still possible for this hybrid to inherit health issues that plague Australian shepherds or Labrador retrievers since it’s in the genes. So, always be on the lookout for any one of the following conditions:

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis happens when the immune system starts to attack the thyroid gland. This results in decreased production of thyroid hormones and, eventually, the deterioration of the gland altogether. Symptoms of this condition include:

• Weight gain
• Skin issues
• Tendency to seek heat

However, the only way to honestly know if your dog has autoimmune thyroiditis is through blood tests. Luckily, this condition can be treated with medication. However, your hybrid needs to be on this medication for the rest of its life.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition occurs during a dog’s growth stage. First, the hip joint starts to loosen, which causes pain and dysfunction. Then, as the dog ages, the hip’s cartilage and bone begin to wear down. Eventually, this leads to muscle atrophy, arthritis, and decreased mobility.

Cataracts

Unfortunately, cataracts are hereditary, so if your Aussiedor has them, your breeder probably didn’t screen their dogs. Luckily, this condition can be treated with surgery. However, if left untreated, your dog can go completely blind and develop glaucoma.

Life Expectancy

The Aussiedor has a relatively long lifespan for a large breed. These healthy dogs can live for 10 to 12 years with proper care. In addition, mixed breeds generally live longer than purebreds because some of the purebreds’ genetic health issues can be eliminated through screening and stronger genetics.

Australian Shepherd Mix Temperament

The Aussiedor is a natural busybody, so they might not be the best hybrid for first-time dog owners. They have to have a job that keeps them busy because if they are bored, these Australian shepherd mixes can get into a lot of trouble. But if you don’t have a job for them, keep them busy with training sessions, play, or exercise. Luckily, the Australian shepherd and Labrador retriever’s personality is almost identical, so if you have had one of these breeds before, you know exactly what you’re in for when getting an Aussiedor.

This hybrid has powerful herding skills, which come with guarding instincts, so some Aussiedors may be protective of their loved ones. As a result, they may be reserved or shy around new people. Therefore, ensuring your pup is socialized from a young age is imperative.

On the other hand, Labrador retrievers are not reserved or shy around strangers or other pets. On the contrary, they are happy-go-lucky dogs that enjoy the company of humans. So, there is a chance your Aussiedor inherits this trait. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing how your hybrid will turn out; only time will tell.

How to Take Care of an Australian Shepherd Mix

The Aussiedor’s maintenance requirements will differ depending on which parent they take after. For example, they could inherit the Australian shepherd’s long, thick, double coat, which requires additional grooming.

Grooming

As mentioned above, the Aussiedor could either inherit the Labrador’s short, double coat or the Australian shepherd’s thick, long, double coat. Depending on which parent they take after, you will have to brush them every day or once a week. If your hybrid has longer fur, brush it thoroughly to ensure there are no knots and to remove all the dead hair.

Aussiedors are heavy shedders, so if you have allergies, opt for the Aussiedoodle, which is hypoallergenic and shares many traits with the Aussiedor.

You must never bathe your Australian shepherd mix more than once every three months. It washes away all the natural oils that keep their skin moisturized and healthy. Additionally, they need their nails clipped and their ears cleaned every three months.

Training

Owners need to start training their Aussiedors while they are still young. Ensure the experience is enjoyable because if they have a terrible experience, they might not want to continue learning. There are three main factors you should concentrate on:

• Obedience:  focuses on the fundamental skills of sit, stay, and heel, which will help your pooch curb its herding instincts.
• Socialization: introduce your Aussiedor to strangers on walks, take them to dog parks, and have puppy playdates with friends.
• Tricks: you can start with the basics, like fetch, and work your way up to more demanding tricks, like “play dead.”

Exercise

Because of this Australian shepherd mix’s energy levels, they need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily, including power walking, jogging, or running. However, they are best suited to families with large properties where they have plenty of space to run around in between their daily walks. If you work a full-time job and won’t have time to walk your Aussiedor twice a day, you will need to hire a dog walker, as the Aussiedor cannot be left alone and bored for the entire day; they will cause havoc!

Puppies

Aussiedors can give birth to six to seven puppies per litter. But ensure you are selecting your breeder carefully. Most backyard breeders do not screen their breeding pairs for hereditary diseases, and some won’t bat an eye at inbreeding. So, you will likely receive a pup with multiple health conditions as they age. It would also help if you saw your Aussiedor beforehand or if you could pick it yourself. When choosing one of these hybrids, pay attention to their behavior. If they are sleepy or reserved, there might be something wrong. Instead, lean towards the most playful of the litter. Other signs to look for are:

• Clean eyes and ears
• Good appetite
• A healthy and shiny coat

Australian Shepherd Mix and Children

Aussiedors have the potential to be wonderful family companions if they are socialized and trained from a young age. However, whenever you have a large dog around your children, they must always be supervised.

Australian Shepherd Mix Cost

The Aussiedor is still a relatively new designer breed, so its prices are reasonable. Owners can expect to pay around $400 to $800 for one of these pups. However, if you can find one at a rescue or shelter, you will likely pay about $250.

Dogs similar to the Australian Shepherd Mix

• Belgian Malinois
• Bearded Collie
• Beauceron