With their infectious happiness, one thing that all owners of Border Aussies can agree on is that owning one definitely increases your own happiness.
This happy go lucky breed is not only beautiful with their striking multi-colored eyes but an intelligent companion that is quick to learn any trick their owners want to teach them.
Description
Known as a work-a-holic in the dog world, the Border Aussie is a result of crossing a Border Collie with an Australian Shepherd.
The result is a happy and playful dog that is intelligent, hard-working, and has all of the herding instincts that you would expect from a cross of these two breeds.
The Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix, also known as the Border Aussie, Border Collie Australian Shepherd and, in a lesser degree, the Australian Collie, is a breed that is known for being happy and loving.
They are a wonderful breed that thrives in homes where they can get out and busy with their owners. They are happy to run for miles as jogging partners or spend days hiking on a trail.
The breed’s intelligence shines when they have work to do, and they are a very versatile farm dog that takes herding seriously. So seriously, in fact, that the breed has been known to herd other pets, kids, and even adults if they aren’t given work to keep them occupied.
The breed is quite curious and, combined with their intelligence, have no problem find trouble when they want some fun.
Overall, this is a breed that needs a job, whether that is working on a farm, learning trick training, obedience sports, agility trials, or a myriad range of other canine sports or jobs.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd History
The history of the Border Collie Australian Shepherd, like most crossbreeds and mixed breeds, is not well known. We do know that the mix has become more popular over the last twenty years and continues to gain in popularity.
Today, breeders of the Border Collie Australian Shepherd are moving towards recognition for the breed and currently; the American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the Border Aussie, the Dog Registry of America, the International Designer Canine Registry and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.
Australian Shepherd Border Collie Appearance
The Australian Shepherd Border Collie is a medium-sized breed with an athletic build. They should be slightly rectangular in shape with a slightly longer body than they are tall.
The breed should have a wedged shaped head with a muzzle that tapers. The Border Aussie’s ears can be half prick like the Australian Shepherd or hanging like the Border Collie.
The eyes are usually almond shape; however, they can be oval shape as well. While they can be brown or blue, it is very common for Australian Shepherd Border Collies to have multicolored eyes with one blue and one brown eye.
The tail of the Border Collie Australian Shepherd is long and thick or can be a bobtail like an Australian Shepherd. Overall, the shape and look of the Border Aussie looks closer to the Border Collie parent.
Border Aussie Size
The Border Aussie is a medium-sized breed that should be athletic in appearance. Generally, the Border Aussie is between 20 to 23 inches in height and between 30 to 65 pounds in weight. There is no real size difference between males and females.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Coat
The coat of the Border Collie Australian Shepherd is usually medium in length with a light feathering or wave to the coat. It should not be tight curls. The coat consists of a thick undercoat and a thick topcoat that is longer and weather resistant.
The colors of the Border Aussie can be a variety of colors and markings including red merle, blue merle, black and white, tri-color (black, white and red or black, white and blue), red, brindle, black, liver, sable or even tan.
Australian Shepherd Border Collie Grooming
Despite their medium length, feathered coat, the Australian Shepherd Border Collie is an easy breed to groom.
In general, they are a clean breed and only require a bath every month or every other month. Wiping them down with a damp cloth every week to remove dirt and debris should keep them clean.
Brushing should be done weekly to remove dead hair, and this should be increased to two or three times a week during shedding seasons.
The hair around the feet and around the ears may need to be trimmed to keep the area tidy; however, this is often not necessary.
They can be prone to ear infections, so it is important to check ears regularly and also to brush their teeth weekly. Finally, nails should be trimmed as needed, usually a few times per month.
Border Aussie Personality and Temperament
Intelligent, active, and outgoing are three words that best describe the personality and temperament of this beautiful breed. Known for being as intelligent as their parent breeds, the Border Aussie thrives when he has something to do.
This is a companion who will be happy to go jogging with you every day or compete in a dog sport such as agility or herding.
The Border Collie Australian Shepherd is known for being very loyal with their family; however, they tend to be reserved with strangers and can take a fairly long time to warm up to new people.
When they do, they are an affectionate breed that is extremely confident. A well-trained Border Aussie knows what he is doing ad he is confident enough to do it well. They should never be timid around the people in their family.
The breed is better suited to families with older children since they can nip and have natural instincts to herd.
In addition, if their mental and exercise needs are not being met, this breed can become very destructive and can end up with severe behavior problems, so training and activities are a must for this breed.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Life Span
Like many mixed breeds, the life span can vary depending on the health of the parent breeds that are used in creating the mix.
Border Collie Australian Shepherds have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, with some living until 15 or 16 years of age.
Australian Shepherd Border Collie Health Problems
One of the most important points to make with Australian Shepherd Border Collie health is that some disorders are linked to their coat color. For that reason, it is essential never to purchase a puppy from two merle parents, as there is an increased risk of the Border Aussie being blind and/or death.
In addition to the color linked health problems, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd can have the following health problems.
- Cataracts
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Lymphoma
- Deafness (non-color gene linked)
- Thyroid Disease
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Epilepsy
Border Aussie Litter Size
Border Aussies generally have average-sized litters that are commonly seen in the Border Aussie are between 5 to 7 puppies. Some litters can be larger; however, they are not as common as smaller litters.
Living Conditions
Despite their small size, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd is better suited to homes that have access to a nice, large yard.
They are not good for apartments as they have a lot of energy and need both on leash and off-leash playtime. The breed does okay in an urban home with a small yard but does better in a home with acreage.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Training
Work! That is one of the biggest words that you will need to know when it comes to the Border Aussie. This is a breed that is designed to work, and they thrive when they have something to do.
The main reason for this is because Border Collie Australian Shepherds are the mix of two very intelligent breeds that are built for work.
Despite this, however, the breed is very easy to train. They are generally eager to please, and they love learning a new command when they are given it.
Border Aussies do very well with trick training, and they are happy to train for hours on end if they are allowed. One challenge can be in keeping them focused during a training session as their intelligence can lead them to get bored easily.
To prevent this, offer them challenges during training, and don’t use repetitive training. Mix it up to keep them interested.
The breed does require socialization right from puppyhood. While they are usually very friendly, the border collie in the mix can make them a bit standoffish to strangers.
With proper socialization, the Australian Shepherd Border Collie should be friendly and loving.
Australian Shepherd Border Collie Exercise
If you are looking for an active breed, then you’ve found it in the Australian Shepherd Border Collie. This is a breed that loves to be on the go and are excellent dogs for various dog sports and careers.
Even the simple house pet will require ample exercise and activities that will keep their minds occupied.
It is very common knowledge that a bored Border Aussie can become a destructive Border Aussie, so make sure the dog has plenty of toys and activities that will keep challenging that brain.
In addition to mental stimulation, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd should receive about 1 to 2 hours of exercise every day.
This should be split up between vigorous walks and free time in a secure yard. The breed makes excellent jogging partners and thrive in busy and athletic homes.
Border Aussie Feeding
Border Aussies are a breed that does well on a dry kibble food; however, be mindful of choosing a high-quality kibble with a good calorie and protein level. These are busy dogs, and they are going to burn a lot of calories on an average day.
Generally, an adult Border Aussie will eat between 1 and a half to 2 and a half cups of food per day broken into two separate meals. It is important to note that the amount of food your Border Collie Australian Shepherd will eat will vary depending on the individual dog and the dog food you are offering.
While we recommend counting the treats into their daily calorie numbers, it is not necessary for the Border Aussie due to their energy levels.
They often enjoy a variety of treats, including fruits and vegetables. Make sure the Australian Shepherd Border Collie is offered water throughout the day.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Puppies
Happiness in a fluffy bundle is often how Border Collie Australian Shepherd puppies are described, and owners should look for active and playful puppies when they are picking a Border Aussie.
The Border Aussie puppy should be fluffy, and ears will be in varying stages of standing up, unless they have the half-folded ear.
The most important thing to look for in a puppy is one that is alert. This is an intelligent breed, and you should see this intelligence shining through right from a young age. Which is a reason why puppy proofing your house is important with this breed. If they become bored, they are very quick to find fun for themselves, and that can put a puppy in a dangerous place.
As with all puppies, training and socialization should start when puppy comes home. For the Australian Shepherd Border Collie, this is very important, especially in regards to biting.
Both of the parent breeds are herding and farming dogs and will naturally nip and herd people, other animals, and children. Right, when the Border Aussie comes home, he should be taught not to nip, or it could become a lifelong problem.
Australian Shepherd Border Collie Suitability
While the Australian Shepherd Border Collie is an eager to please and easy to train breed, this is not a breed recommended for everyone.
They do require a lot of exercises and do better in homes where owners have the time to train and exercise them properly. The Border Aussie also does much better in larger homes where they can have access to a yard to burn their energy.
While the parent breeds can make excellent family pets, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd is not recommended for homes with younger kids. As mentioned, the breed will nip and will often herd children, which can easily lead to accidents.
If you have the space and the time, the Border Aussie can be a wonderful companion that will be loyal, loving, and always by your side, no matter where the adventure takes you.