The German Australian Shepherd is a breed that combines beauty and brains. This versatile family dog is known for being happy, affectionate, and always eager to be with his owners.
With physical traits resembling that of his German Shepherd parent, the breed makes an excellent companion for various activities, be it relaxing at home or participating in dog professions or sports. The German Australian Shepherd thrives in social settings and is always up for an adventure.
Description
The German Australian Shepherd is a courageous and intelligent large-sized breed of dog that makes for a versatile and loving family pet. They are known for their high energy levels and require plenty of daily exercise, making them a better fit for active households. However, if given the proper care and attention, they make amazing companions that are loving and loyal.
The breed is designed to work and thrives in busy households. They are also great guard dogs and enjoy going on outdoor adventures with their owners. The majestic breed is a crossbreed of the Australian Shepherd and the German Shepherd, and their popularity has been increasing over the years due to their athleticism and intelligence. All in all, this breed is a wonderful addition to any family looking for a happy, affectionate, and versatile canine companion.
Breed History
Despite the lack of concrete information on the breed’s history, the German Australian Shepherd has become a beloved companion for many families.
Their intelligence and trainability make them ideal for various jobs, including search and rescue, police work, and even therapy dog work.
They also excel in dog sports such as agility and obedience, where their athleticism and natural abilities shine.
With their loyal and affectionate nature, they have proven to be an excellent family pet for those willing to provide them with the exercise and attention they require.
As their popularity continues to grow, the breed is sure to remain a beloved breed for many years to come.
Breed Appearance
The German Australian Shepherd is a breed that boasts an athletic and well-proportioned appearance, with a rectangular shape that is slightly longer than it is tall. This breed has long, straight legs and a muscular build, which gives them an agile and powerful gait.
Their head is wedge-shaped and broad, with a tapered muzzle. Their eyes are almond-shaped and come in shades of brown or blue, or a combination of both. The ears are usually pricked, but can also be folded over like an Australian Shepherd’s and sit high on the head.
The breed’s tail can vary from a long, tapered point to a bobtail inherited from the Australian Shepherd. Regardless of the tail type, it should be carried in line with the back and not too high or too low.
German Australian Shepherd Size
It’s worth noting that there can be variations in size and weight depending on the individual dog’s genetics and environmental factors. Proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care can also affect a dog’s growth and development.
That being said, the German Australian Shepherd is typically a large-sized breed with a muscular and athletic build. They have a sturdy frame with a broad chest and strong legs, which makes them well-suited for a variety of physical activities.
Overall, their size and build make them an excellent choice for those looking for an active, versatile, and loyal companion.
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Coat
The athletic breed boasts a medium-length, weather-resistant coat that is slightly wavy. The coat should be dense and double-layered, featuring a warm undercoat and longer topcoat.
This breed can come in a wide range of colors, including black and tan markings, red, blue, red and white, blue and white, black, white, and tri-color in both blue and red. It’s important to note that merle puppies, particularly those resulting from two merle German Australian Shepherd parents, have a higher chance of being deaf.
German Australian Shepherd Grooming
The German Australian Shepherd has a heavy, weather-resistant coat, which means they don’t get dirty easily and only require bathing every few months. However, they do require some grooming, particularly if they have a longer coat.
Regular brushing, at least twice a week and daily during shedding periods like spring, is essential. The breed’s ears are prone to infections due to their shape, so it’s crucial to check them weekly. Nail trimming should be done monthly or twice a month, and teeth should be brushed several times a week to prevent gum disease.
By following a regular grooming routine, the German Australian Shepherd can be effortless to maintain.
What Colors Do They Come In?
This breed can come in a variety of colors including:
- Black
- Cream
- White
- Silver
- Gray
- Blue Hues
- Brown
- Stable
- Red Hues
Your puppy may have a few of these colors and some may only have one or two. Your dog will most likely have a black color nose.
There is a chance for your dog to have two eye color options one being brown and the other blue.
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Personality and Temperament
The personality and temperament of the German Australian Shepherd are that of a hardworking and versatile family dog that can adapt to various home environments. They are highly affectionate and loyal, thriving in the midst of activity and interaction with their family members.
However, this breed can suffer from behavioral problems and separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, which highlights their need for attention and physical activity.
They excel in dog sports and are intelligent companions, thriving when given a sense of purpose. They are known to be protective of their family and may be aloof with strangers, but they are also incredibly brave and unyielding in the face of challenges.
This breed is an excellent guard dog and watchdog, as they will alert their owners to anything suspicious with their bark.
German Australian Shepherd Life Span
The German Australian Shepherd has an average life span of 12 to 15 years.
Breed Health Problems
As with all dogs, it is important to know the health of the parents and only select puppies from healthy parents. The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd can be prone to a number of serious health problems.
Proper diet, exercise, and care can greatly decrease the chances of your puppy developing these problems, but starting with a healthy litter from healthy parents will increase the chances of having a healthy dog throughout his life.
Health problems seen in the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd are:
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Progressive Retinal Dysplasia
- Juvenile Cataracts
- Blindness
- Allergies
- Deafness
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
- Hypothyroidism
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Lymphoma
German Australian Shepherd Litter Size
The German Australian Shepherd typically has a medium-sized litter of 5 to 8 puppies, although it is not uncommon for them to have 9 or more puppies. On average, this breed has a litter size of around 7 puppies.
Living Conditions
As with a lot of herding breeds, the breed is not recommended for apartments as they have high energy and need access to a yard to burn that energy off.
The breed does better in a home with a large, fenced yard.
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Training
German Shepherd Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable dogs that are eager to please their owners. However, it is important to keep training sessions short and engaging to prevent boredom.
Repetition should be avoided, and the dog should be given frequent breaks for activities that stimulate both their mind and body.
This breed requires consistent and firm leadership, as well as clear rules in the household. Without these, the dog may develop bad habits that can be difficult to correct.
Socialization is crucial for this breed, as they can be wary of strangers and may exhibit aloof behavior. It is recommended to start socialization at an early age and expose the dog to a variety of different environments and situations.
German Australian Shepherd Exercise
As previously mentioned, the German Australian Shepherd is an active breed and requires sufficient exercise. Ideally, the breed should have at least one hour of exercise per day, but they do best with about two hours of exercise daily.
This exercise should consist of a combination of walks and off-leash play, such as a game of fetch, to help release their energy.
Moreover, the breed needs mental stimulation to challenge their intelligence. Without mental stimulation, the breed can become bored, leading to destructive behaviors and other problems.
Therefore, daily training sessions and mentally stimulating toys are necessary to keep this breed engaged and happy.
It’s crucial to note that exercise should not be given to the dog twenty minutes before and after eating. This breed is susceptible to bloat, and exercising on a full stomach can increase the risk of bloat.
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Feeding
Feeding your German Australian Shepherd is a straightforward process as they thrive on high-quality kibble. However, the amount of food you should give depends on your dog’s energy level, age, and the quality of the food.
On average, the breed consumes around 2 to 3 cups of dry kibble per day, which should be divided into several servings to prevent overeating, which can lead to bloat. You can easily accomplish this using an automatic feeder. We have reviewed the best automatic feeders available here.
Although German Australian Shepherds love treats, you should be cautious about overfeeding them. You can use fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, or dog treats during training sessions. While your puppy is young, you don’t have to worry about the calories as they will burn them off with their daily activities. However, when they get older and become less active, you should start watching their calorie intake.
Make sure your German Australian Shepherd always has access to clean, fresh water throughout the day.
German Australian Shepherd Puppies
Their puppies are known to be very active and playful. Although they may appear aloof around new people, they tend to be affectionate and curious when in their own home. However, they may find themselves in trouble if left unsupervised or in an un-puppy-proofed environment.
To prevent any mishaps, it is recommended to spend time daily on training and providing them with appropriate play and exercise opportunities. As they grow, their ears may also require regular checks to prevent infections.
As quick learners, these puppies are often described as having two modes: “off” and “on”. They can be energetic during playtime and may need ample rest to recover.
Socialization is also essential for this breed and should start as early as possible once it is safe to take them outside. Continued socialization throughout their life can help them feel more comfortable and less aloof around strangers.
Close Relatives of the German Australian Shepherd
Here you will find dog breeds that are very closely similar to the German Australian Shepherd, they are:
- Australian Shepherd
- German Shepherd
- Border Aussie
- Long Haired German Shepherd
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Suitability
This breed is a versatile breed that can do well in a lot of different homes. They are not great for apartments but they can do very well in homes with a busy family.
The breed does like to be on the go and working, so if you don’t have the time to dedicate to training and exercise, then this is not the breed for you.
They are a great family dog; however, they are better suited to homes with older children.
Given their Australian Shepherd parentage, the breed can be a bit nippy and may try to herd children, which can pose a risk for younger kids.
FAQ
They are a crossbreed between a German Shepherd and an Australian Shepherd. They are known for their hardworking and loyal nature.
German Australian Shepherds are a medium to large breed, with males typically weighing between 65 to 90 pounds and females weighing between 50 to 70 pounds.
The breed needs at least one hour of exercise per day, but preferably two hours split between walks and off-leash play. Mental stimulation is also important to keep them from getting bored.
German Australian Shepherd puppies are active, playful, and curious. They will need plenty of training and puppy-proofing to keep them safe, and socialization should start early and continue throughout their life.
The cost of one of these puppies can vary depending on the breeder, location, and pedigree. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a puppy. However, it’s essential to note that the cost should not be the primary consideration when selecting a breeder. It’s crucial to find a reputable breeder who focuses on the health and well-being of the puppies and their parents.
