Discover the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
Published: Last updated: by Jessi LarsonThe Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix combines two breeds that are remarkably similar and create a smart, active dog that loves to work hard and play hard.
These characteristics make sense when you consider that both the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd got their start on farms and ranches and for years worked hard to herd livestock.
Bursting with energy, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is great for an equally energetic dog owner who has plenty of time for going on walks and playing games.
With all cross mixes, there is no way to tell the exact proportions and traits they’ll pick up from their parents. But we have a solid idea of what you can expect with the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix.
Meet the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
Loyalty and friendliness are two attributes that many people look for when they begin searching for a dog. When the gentle nature of the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd are combined, you have a faithful companion that will protect your family while wanting you to scratch its ears at the end of the day.
Many of the positive qualities from the parents are passed along to the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix as well as a few of the negative traits, like being bored a good bit of the time. Both breeds are known for their herding skills, which means that your dog might enjoy being outside more than spending the day indoors.
Appearance
Most of the time, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix will look more like a Border Collie. This is because the traits of the Collie often come through more than those of the Shepherd.
Colors that you might see include black, white, gray and brown. Black and white are at the top of the list of the most common colors for the Australian Shepherd with brown and tan being more common among Border Collies. The mixed dog will usually weigh about 50 pounds.
The coat of your new dog will likely be long. It’s important for proper grooming to be performed on a regular basis because the hair can easily get matted together, especially if your dog likes to run around outside.
Additionally, you’ll usually see a good bit of feathering on the tail as your dog gets older.
Eye colors are usually brown or green. However, heterochromia is common in both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd. Both eyes can be a different color, similar to what you might see with a Husky.
Personality
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix will be a dog that offers companionship and wants a lot of love, ultimately showing you the same in return.
Both breeds are kind-hearted and have a gentle nature. They are eager to please their owners and want to work hard and play hard.
Most of the time your dog will be quiet. This could mean trouble for some owners if they aren’t sure what their dog is getting into while inside the home.
If you’re looking for a dog that does well with children in the home, then the Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is one to consider. The dog enjoys playing and is often happy around people. You might not want to get this kind of dog as a watchdog, however, because it usually doesn’t do well with high alerts or chasing people away.
Since both the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd are smart, they need stimulation for the mind, otherwise they get bored easily.
Health
Fortunately, the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd are healthy breeds. You can expect your dog to live about 12 years, sometimes as long as 15 years if you keep your furry friend inside and provide proper veterinary care.
Some of the issues that you might notice include hip dysplasia and arthritis. Part of the reason behind these conditions is that the breeds are active at times, while another reason is that they enjoy relaxing and doing nothing while they are inside.
This is why it’s important to monitor the amount of exercise that your dog gets each day so that the joints and muscles stay healthy.
Grooming
While you’re walking around your home, you will probably notice that there is a lot of hair on your couch and chairs. The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is a dog that has long hair and that sheds quite a bit.
If you’re not prepared to clean hair all the time, you need to consider keeping your dog’s hair clipped short or keeping your dog outdoors. Expect to brush your dog’s hair at least four times a week.
Additionally, keep the ears clean since they have deep pockets and watch for infections that tend to develop in the ears of these dogs. The toenails should be maintained as well since the hair often grows over the toes, covering the nails to prevent you from seeing when they need to be trimmed.
Training & Exercise Needs
The mix of these two breeds results in a dog that has an abundance of energy, especially as a puppy.
However, the dog is just as happy sitting on the couch with you instead of running around – if it’s had a healthy dose of exercise first, that is.
There is a natural sense of herding, which means that your dog might want to make sure other animals are in line with him as the leader. Watch for this and keep your dog in line!
These dogs enjoy going for walks and often enjoy sniffing around flowers and trees. They also like to run but not for long periods of time.
You want to begin training your dog at a young age or as soon as you get it if the dog is older. Offer a variety of activities to keep your dog’s sharp mind mentally stimulated.
When you’re training your dog, loud voices don’t get you anywhere. The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is a dog that is loving and enjoys positive reinforcements instead. Treats work well, but since the breeds are smart, avoid using treats after your dog understands the command that you’re trying to teach.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix: Is It Right For You?
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is a gorgeous, smart cross that is eager to please and makes a devoted family member. Considering that both parents are working breeds designed to herd and work hard, this pup has plenty of energy and will require lots of exercise and play.
If you want a lazy dog with a low energy level, this isn’t the pet for you. But if you have lots of energy and plenty of time to devote to your dog, we say go for it! You will love this lively, intelligent and adoring pup.
You might also be interested in these mixes:
- German Shepherd & Australian Shepherd Mix
- Australian Shepherd & Lab Mix
- German Shepherd & Husky Mix
- Australian Shepherd & Golden Retriever Mix
- Golden Retriever & Husky Mix
- Golden Retriever & German Shepherd Mix
3 Comments
I want to know where I can get a border collie Australian shepherd mix breed dog
Our 14 yr old border Aussi just passed away. We are looking for a puppy. She was Black and white can you help us find find a puppy? We are devastated.
I recently lost my blue merle Border Aussie rescue. Does anyone have any breeder/rescue information for f inning another?