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Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix: Everything You Need To Know
A Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is a cheerful and energetic pup that makes the perfect companion.
They are best suited for families with older children who love active days out and long walks.
You can expect them to have a gorgeous double coat that comes in a huge variety of colors.
As this pooch sheds throughout the year, they are not suitable if you suffer from allergies.
If this active, intelligent and loving dog interests you, keep on reading to find out more about this owner-orientated breed.
Contents and Quick Navigation
- Photos of Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
- What is a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix? (Overview)
- Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Appearance
- Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament
- How to Train a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
- Caring for a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
- Quick Breed Summary Table
- Summary
Photos of Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
What is a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix? (Overview)
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd is a mix of a Border Collie and an Australian Shepherd – both working dogs, with a herding ancestry.
Surprisingly, the Australian Shepherd comes from Europe (near the Pyrenees Mountains). They were brought to Australia in the early 1800s by the English who then later refined the Pyrenean Shepherd into the modern day Australian Shepherd.
The Border Collies history is a lot more complicated. They can be traced back to Britain when they were invaded by the Romans and then invaded by the Vikings. The cross between the Roman and Viking dogs produced an agile herder that could work in the rocky highlands of Scotland. Many of the Border Collies today can be traced back to a dog that was born in 1893 called Old Hemp.
When you cross these two pedigree breeds you get a people-orientated mix that is calm and kind, playful and bouncy.
Many regard them as the perfect family dog.
They will need lots of grooming and exercise – 2 hours of walking each day will tire this mixed breed out. Their long coats have a tendency to get tangled, so brushing them at least twice a week will keep them looking their best.
You should expect to pay around $600-800 for a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix puppy.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Appearance
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix can look like either the Australian Shepherd or the Border Collie – it is potluck depending on what genes the pup inherits.
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Collie have similar bodies. They are well balanced, agile with a muscular and slim athletic body. (Related read: Most athletic dog breeds)
It is very likely they will look similar to both parent breeds, a flawless mix!
Their eyes can either be almond or oval shaped and will be brown or green. In both parent breeds it is common that each eye can have different colors. This is called heterochromia, and can also occur in the Collie Australian Shepherd Mix.
Height and Weight
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is a medium sized dog.
- Their weight can range from 35-60lb.
- They can stand from 18-23 inches tall.
Females will generally be smaller than the males.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Coat and Colors
Border Collies have 17 official colors including: black, blue, blue merle, brindle, red, sable, white and black, white ticked and many more! They can also have a variety of markings, like tan points, white markings and brindle points.
The Australian Shepherd has 4 official colors – black, blue merle, red and red merle. They can also have tan points, white markings or both.
So your Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix can have any of these colors, or even a color combination.
Even though their general appearance may be unpredictable, their coat is something you can rely on. They will have a thick, double-coat with medium length fur. They can have a bit of feathering on their tail and legs too.
They will shed all year round and will have a major blowout twice a year during shedding seasons.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament
Both the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie were bred to be working dogs, meaning they are full of energy and life.
So it is safe to say their mix will be the same.
It is not possible to predict the exact temperament of the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix as they can inherit temperaments from either the Australian Shepherd or the Border Collie, or even both.
However, with the correct socialization and training, they will be a well behaved and happy pooch.
They have a loyal and eager-to-please personality, making for a very loving and friendly companion.
With this cross breed you will have a very playful pup that loves to run around and play. Sometimes they can be a little bit mischievous.
Being a very loving mixed breed, they are family-orientated and will thrive just being in your company.
This mix is normally quiet and calm, but when they are vocal they are trying to tell you something important is happening.
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix can suffer from separation anxiety, so it is best not to leave them alone for too long. If you have to go out for more than a couple of hours, take them for a long walk before and give them a couple of their favorite toys. This will stop destructive behavior.
They are not territorial and are generally good with other dogs and pets being in their house, but socialization is required and you should introduce them to other pets gradually.
Is A Collie Australian Shepherd Mix A Good Family Dog?
This dog will thrive in a family with older children.
They love to herd and chase small animals and children, so they will likely chase and nip at children’s ankles. This is not a sign of aggression – they are just doing what comes instinctively to them.
Their instinct to herd can be trained out but it is something to be aware of if you have a home with young kids.
How to Train a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
This mix is easy to train, thanks to both the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherds eager-to-please personality.
Having a Border Collie as a parent means they are also likely to be very intelligent.
Do not use punishment as a training method, as this has been seen to cause even more issues. It can lead to anxious and aggressive behaviors, which is not best for you or your fluffy friend. The best way to train your dog is positive reinforcement – give them rewards when they follow your command and when they stop an unwanted behavior.
One problematic behavior that the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is prone to, is herding people and children. This can be stopped by distracting them with something else. Teach them the commands, ‘get in your bed’ or ‘get your toy’ and use them when they start showing herding behaviors.
Socialization is also very important with this mix breed, be sure to introduce them to a wide range of people, children and other pets. This is especially important when they are young pups if you have a household with kids and pets.
When you introduce them to new experiences and situations, give them praise and encouragement to show them it’s a positive experience.
They also need mental stimulation, otherwise they will get frustrated and bored – a regular game of tug-of-war or test their intelligence with a puzzle feeder!
Caring for a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix
This cross breed is definitely one the whole family will enjoy. They will thrive in big homes with a big family. As this dog can suffer from separation anxiety, having a bigger family means there will be someone around to keep them company.
They will need a lot of exercise, as the Collie Australian Shepherd Mix has an endless supply of energy.
Being a breed that has a lot of energy, they need space to run around in. They are not suited for apartment life – they much prefer a large backyard to play in.
Their shaggy like fur can make it difficult for owners when it comes to grooming, so it’s best to keep that in mind.
Exercise Requirements
Having a lot of energy means they have to burn it off, otherwise that energy will be used to chew.
This is not a breed that is happy to snuggle up with you and watch TV.
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix should get at least 2 hours of exercise, if not more.
You could take your pooch out for two hour long walks each day, or even jogging with you.
When you do take them out for walks, keep them on a leash until you are 100% sure they will come back when you call. Remember they are herding dogs at heart and will chase whatever takes their fancy.
They will also enjoy a number of different dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions.
Grooming and Shedding
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is a fairly clean dog, they won’t need regular baths unless they have a rolled in something they should not have.
But they do need a lot of brushing.
Their medium-long shaggy coat will need brushing at least twice a week. This will need to be increased to around 4 times a week during the shedding season.
They will also need to have their nails clipped and ears checked to prevent ear infections.
Feeding and Diet
This breed is easy going when it comes to what type of dog food to give them. They will happily eat most types including dry or wet food.
Considering they are working dogs, they will need more protein and calories in their diet – you can get specifically formulated dog foods for worker breeds.
Whatever you choose to feed them, just make sure they are getting the right nutrients. This includes the correct amount of protein, dietary fats, minerals and vitamins.
How much you feed your Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is not an exact science as it depends on their weight and activity levels. If they weigh on the lower end, they will need around 1.5 cups a day or 2.5 cups if they are on the heavier side.
Known Health Problems
- They are most prone to eye disorders such as Collie Eye Anomaly. This can be inherited from both parent breeds and prevents the retina from developing correctly.
- This mix is also prone to progressive retinal atrophy.
- Finally, they have been known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. This is where the joints are malformed and causes pain and lameness.
How Long Does A Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix Live?
A healthy Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix can live up to 15 years.
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Size: | 18-23 inches. |
| Weight: | 35-60lb. |
| Lifespan: | 13-15 years. |
| Coat: | Medium-long double coat. |
| Color: | Various colors, including: black, white, blue merle and gray. |
| Do They Shed: | Yes. |
| Temperament: | Kind, playful, energetic and loving. |
| Intelligence: | Very intelligent. |
| Socialization: | Good with other dogs, socialization is still needed though. |
| Destructive Behavior: | Will chew on things when bored and lonely. |
| People Skills: | Good with strangers. |
| Good with Children: | Great with kids, will herd and nip at young children. |
| Activity Levels: | Very active, will need around 2 hours of exercise a day. |
Summary
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is a family dog.
They thrive off being in a loving home with their family members.
Being able to go out for long walks during the day and cuddling up with the kids on the couch in the evening is all they want.
They will need a lot of attention when it comes to grooming. Regular brushing is needed throughout the year and even more when they are going through shedding season.
This dog is a bundle of energy, meaning they need a lot of exercise.
If you are particularly active, this is the perfect dog for you! Let us know in the comments section below…
