Both the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie are currently among the most popular herding dogs. No wonder many owners are also interested in an Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix.
These active dogs are the perfect companion for people with an active lifestyle. As the animals need a lot of movement, they are also very popular with families with older children.
What distinguishes these intelligent dogs and what matters in terms of housing and care, I would like to look at together with you in this article!
What distinguishes the Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix
In the USA, the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix is often referred to as Border Aussie or Aussie Collie. The animals are characterized by their cheerful and especially energetic nature.
They are best suited for people who already have experience with the keeping of herding and working dogs. Since both the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie were originally bred to herd sheep and other animals, these instincts also clearly come to the fore in a mix of both breeds.
The Australian Shepherd originally comes from Europe, but was brought to Australia by the English at the beginning of the 19th century, where the breeding was further optimized.
The history of the Border Collie, on the other hand, goes back to Great Britain, where they wanted to breed an effective helper for the herding of sheep.
The cross between the two breeds, the Aussie Collie, is usually particularly human-oriented. He also stands out for his calm, friendly and playful temperament.
Before you consider getting an Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix,
however, you should know that these animals need a lot of attention and
movement. There are also some things to consider in terms of care. I
would like to explain these at the end of the article.
The appearance of the Aussie Collie
Since the Aussie Collie is a hybrid, the appearance of the puppies can either resemble that of the mother or the father. The puppies can therefore look similar to either an Australian Shepherd or a Border Collie.
The coat color of the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix
There are a total of 17 recognized colors and a variety of different markings for the Border Collie. For the Australian Shepherd, however, there are only 4 different colors. Different markings are also allowed for this breed.
With a mixture of both breeds, the puppies can be colored in all possible colors and combinations that occur in the parent animals. So it is not possible to predict the appearance of the puppies in advance.
What is certain, however, is that the puppies, like their parents, will have a thick and medium-length coat. In addition, the animals are known for losing quite a bit of hair throughout the year, regardless of the season. Later I'll tell you how to prevent too much hair loss.
In terms of body shape, the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie are very similar. Both have a slim, athletic and muscular body. The dogs are especially agile, making them the perfect sheepdog. So it's no wonder that an Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix has a similar body shape.
The eyes of the Aussie Collie are usually either almond-shaped or oval. The color can range from brown to green to blue. A big peculiarity here is that the puppies often have two different colored eyes. This is also the case with the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie.
The size of the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix
Usually Australian Shepherds can get a bit bigger than Border Collies. Bitches reach a height of 18 to 20 inches, males a height of 20 to 23 inches. Border Collies, on the other hand, are usually only 19 to 20 inches tall.
With the Border Aussie, the females reach a shoulder height of about 18 to 20 inches and the males a height of 18 to 22 inches. The puppies are fully grown at about 12 to 15 months.
The weight of the Border Collie Aussie mix
Since Australian Shepherds are usually larger than Border Collies, their weight is usually higher as well. Australian Shepherd bitches can weigh 35 to 55 lbs, males 55 to 70 lbs. The weight of the Border Collie is usually around 30 to 48 lbs.
Depending on the size, Aussie Collie bitches weigh 30 to 50 lbs and males 35 to 64 lbs.
The life expectancy of the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix
With good and especially healthy nutrition, the animals can certainly reach an age of 12 to 15 years. The average age of the Aussie Collie is about 13 years. So before you get one of these dogs, you should definitely be aware that you have to take care of it for more than 10 years.
Common Aussie Collie health problems
In general, Border Aussies are in good health. However, as with any other mix, different diseases of the parents can be inherited:
The eye anomaly in Collies
So the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix is also susceptible to an eye anomaly in Collies, or CEA for short. This is a developmental disorder of the eye that often occurs in Collies and other sheepdogs. It also occurs frequently in Australian Shepherds.
A cure for this disease has not yet been found. It usually occurs at the age of about 4 years. In particularly severe cases, affected animals can even become blind.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is another disease that is common in both Australian Shepherds and Border Collies. Hip dysplasia can lead to painful arthritis as well as paralysis and cannot currently be cured. However, affected dogs can be treated with painkillers.
The Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix: Character and Personality
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie were originally bred as herding and working dogs, so they are full of energy and life.
Although the two breeds share many similarities, it is not possible to accurately predict the temperament of a crossbreed. The temperament of a Border Aussie could resemble that of the Australian Shepherd or the Border Collie, or it could combine traits from both parents.
Generally, the Border Collie Aussie mix is known for its loyal, loving, and friendly personality, making it the perfect companion for many people. However, the right training for this crossbreed is especially important.
Aussie Collies are extremely intelligent and are always eager to discover new things. For this reason, they require plenty of activities and exercise. Otherwise, they will find their own way to entertain themselves.
Since the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix is so intelligent, you will have no trouble teaching them new commands. These animals learn quickly and enjoy learning.
Overall, these crossbreeds are calmer animals and do not bark too much. They only bark loudly if something upsets the Border Aussie.
If you are interested in getting an Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix, it is best to have experience with herding or working dogs. These animals feel most comfortable in homes with a large garden. By the way, if you are interested in the Border Collie Aussie mix, we have the perfect article for you.
Read also: Aussiechon - A Hybrid of Two Adorable Breeds
The Right Care for the Border Aussie
Border Aussies, like their parents, have a relatively thick coat of medium length. The coat consists of an outer layer and an undercoat. The animals lose a lot of hair throughout the year.
Of course, it can be quite annoying when there is hair everywhere on your sofa and clothes. To prevent this, it is important to brush your Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix regularly.
Comb the coat of your dog about 4 to 5 times a month. Use a firm bristle brush for this. This way, you can remove loose hairs from the undercoat and prevent your animal from spreading too much hair around your house.
In addition, you should bathe your dog about every 6 weeks. When the nails get too long, it is also important to cut them. About 1 to 2 times a month should be enough for this. Too long claws feel very uncomfortable for your dog.
Is the Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix Suitable as a Family Dog?
Aussie Collies are becoming increasingly popular with families. For the crossbreed to be suitable as a family dog, however, very good training is particularly important. Since the animals are so intelligent, they always want to learn new things.
With the right training, the dogs become loyal and obedient animals that can build a close bond with their family. However, from time to time, the instincts of a herding dog can come through.
For example, the Collie Aussie mix tends to want to protect its family members. Often, the dogs run around their people in circles before suddenly throwing themselves on the ground in front of them.
In addition, Aussie Collies are not only very intelligent and curious, but also have a relatively high self-confidence and a lot of energy. Therefore, they are especially suitable for families with older children.
It is important that your dog gets enough exercise. Challenge him regularly so that he does not get bored. For this reason, these animals are especially perfect for families with older children.
Read also: Majorca Shepherd Dog - Breed Information
The Aussie Collie for You!
With the right training, your Aussie Collie will become the perfect family member and a loyal friend for your children. However, these animals are mainly suitable for people who already have experience with keeping a herding dog.
Since the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix requires a lot of exercise, it feels especially comfortable in houses with a large garden.
Thanks to its need for movement, it is the perfect companion for dynamic people, hikers, outdoor sports enthusiasts and adventurous people.
Before you get an Aussie Collie, however, make sure that you can offer it enough exercise. In addition, the animals also always want to solve new challenges. But as long as you can meet these requirements, the Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix is the perfect choice for you!
