10 Incredible Australian Shepherd Mixes – When Cute Meets Smart!
The canine cosmos is home to more than 300 dog breeds with different temperaments and characteristics to choose from, and the Australian Shepherd happens to be one of them. Nicknamed the Aussie, this gem of a dog was originally bred to herd livestock so both his personality and physique have been shaped by this physically demanding job, turning him into an exceptional leader and a brave canine who loves the outdoors. Contrary to popular belief, the Australian Shepherd is an American dog through and through with a medium sized build and an abundant supply of energy. His independent spirit and take-charge attitude require an owner with alpha traits who is capable of handling such a smart and dominant dog. Australian Shepherds are wonderful family companions who need regular mental and physical stimulation. They are also loyal and hardworking, so it is not surprising that they were crossed with other dog breeds to create Australian Shepherd mixes. Below are ten examples of such an eclectic mix.
Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix (Aussiedoodle)
Poodles bring new meaning to the word cute and they have the personality and looks to prove it. This elegant pooch was bred with the Aussie to give us the Aussiedoodle, a hybrid that has the best of both worlds in terms of intelligence and trainability. This affectionate dog is also family friendly but with the Aussie blood running in his veins, he may bring his herding instincts with him to adulthood. That is why proper early training is needed in order to curb this behavior and stop your Aussiedoodle from rounding up family members and even other pets like cattle in a field. Luckily, his intelligence and devotion towards you will make the training process a lot more manageable and easy to accomplish. Aussiedoodles need an outlet to release their energy so you need to keep him busy with games and other interactive toys so he does not end up getting bored. Boredom opens the door wide for destruction, so keeping him occupied will do you both a world of good. You can easily teach your Aussiedoodle to go on a treasure hunt around the yard, or you can cater to his athletic side by enrolling him in flyball competitions where you can lead him through hurdles to retrieve the coveted tennis ball. When it comes to grooming, this crossbreed is far from low maintenance. Depending on his genes, this pooch can either have long straight hair or loose curls like his Poodle parent. Either way, his coat needs to be brushed every other day. Those born with a curly coat will need to have it trimmed every eight to twelve weeks.
Australian Shepherd Siberian Husky (Aussie Siberian)
The Aussie Siberian is a marriage between strength and protectiveness. This particular mix is also known for being hyperactive and stubborn at the same time, so early training is a must. The Aussie Siberian is blessed with a strong build and an independent spirit that may encourage him to escape the confines of your backyard in order to explore the world around him. This independent streak combined with the inherent stubbornness courtesy of his Siberian parent needs someone who is assertive and capable of handling this headstrong pooch. Obedience training is a milestone your puppy needs to pass. If you hold off on training him, he will grow up to become destructive and hard to control. Stubbornness aside, the Aussie Siberian has plenty of qualities that make him desirable and worthy of a good home. He is an excellent guard dog who will protect your family and watch over the kids, and an energetic companion who loves nothing more than a healthy dose of exercise. This large mix breed puppy can blossom into a 24 inch tall pooch with a short to medium coat that is both dense and water resistant. He also sheds twice a year but his thick coat is easy to groom. Aussie Siberians have a curious and alert expression paired with oval eyes and flappy ears shaped like a triangle. When it comes to playtime, make sure that the toy you give your pooch is made of heavy duty material because chewing is common in this clever crossbreed.
Australian Shepherd Corgi Mix (Augi)
These small canines are a mix between the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Aussie. The same Augi litter may result in a cocktail of colors and a dense double coat with eyes that range from round to almond shaped. Augis have the same independent spirit as their Aussie parent. Their strong herding instincts and alpha personality makes them a challenge for first time dog owners. They are also known for barking incessantly until they get what they want. That is why the average Augi puppy will need someone who has the time and energy to take this small yet stubborn creature under his wing and turn him into a well mannered pooch. This can be achieved through agility training that can work wonders for this highly energetic dog. Early socialization is also key to raising a well behaved puppy, especially since the Augi tends to herd anything that moves. Your Augi pooch also needs to know that you are the alpha leader of your pack. Establishing this hierarchy from the beginning will make things easier in the long run. Dominance aside, this mixed breed is hard working and a great fit for active people who want a protective companion by their side. It is important to note that apartments do not make ideal homes for Augis who are known to favor open spaces that offer them plenty of room to run and play. Check out our article on dog agility tunnels for more info.
Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix (Australian Retriever)
The popular Golden Retriever is known for being sweet natured and affectionate, especially when it comes to kids. His many positive attributes were successfully transferred to his hybrid offspring who are equally loveable and sociable. The Australian Retriever is a working dog who is extremely perceptive of his owner’s mood. He is also responsible and takes his duties seriously. Both smart and possessive, this pooch is extremely territorial when it comes to his toys and family members. He is also capable of getting along with other animals just as long as they do not pose a threat to his home or territory. Much like his Aussie parent, this hybrid carries both the strong and athletic gene and enjoys spending quality time with other members of the household, including cats and dogs. Swimming is also his favorite pastime, so remember to add this fun activity to his exercise schedule. A large fenced yard offers the Australian Retriever the chance to chase after his favorite ball while regular visits to the neighborhood dog park can help him socialize with other pets.
When it comes to grooming, this crossbreed typically has a long, coarse coat that requires brushing two or three times a week.
Australian Shepherd Labrador Mix (Aussiedor)
With a stunning coat and a gentle temperament, this cross breed is the ideal companion for athletic people who love the outdoors. The Aussiedor is highly trainable and much like the aforementioned breeds on this list, he is also smart and extremely loyal. However, being devoted to his family in addition to being docile in nature makes him more prone to separation anxiety. Early training and socialization is needed in order to help Aussiedor puppies grow into well-adjusted canines. Aussiedors need at least one hour of exercise on a daily basis and plenty of mental stimulation in the form of playtime outside in the yard, so keeping them cooped up indoors all day is a recipe for disaster. Appearance-wise, the adult Aussiedor is medium-sized and his height can be somewhere between 18 to 23 inches. His double coat can either be short or thick or medium in length like his Aussie parent. Short double coats need weekly grooming and are high maintenance, especially during shedding season. The Aussie double coat, on the other hand, will need double the maintenance and regular trips to the groomer.
Australian Shepherd Papillon Mix (Austi-Pap)
This new dog breed is a mix between the Papillon and the Aussie, so his size and coat color may vary depending on the genes he inherited from his parents. The European Papillon is originally from France and his ears resemble butterfly wings, hence the name Papillon, which means -butterfly- in French. The Austi-Pap takes after his Aussie parent when it comes to confidence and independence. He is also reserved around strangers and may behave aggressively towards large dogs in an effort to protect his family. As with the other cross breeds, early socialization and training are highly recommended. Papillons are known to bark at the slightest sound, so dogs who carry the same gene as their Papillon parents should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time. Appearance-wise, the Austi-Pap is usually medium sized with a merle pattern that can be brown or white, depending on his lineage. This cross breed requires moderate maintenance that includes regular brushing, nail trimming as well as ear cleaning. For more options head over to our guides on dog nail grinders and dog ear cleaners.
Australian Shepherd Boston Terrier Mix (Baussie)
The Baussie is an energetic dog who can be bossy and demanding from an early age. He has a muscular body and a passion for exercise, so he needs his daily dose of playtime to keep him busy and far away from your precious furniture and belongings. With patience and proper training, the Baussie can learn new tricks and is more than capable of joining your older kids for a game of catch in the backyard. Separation anxiety tends to be an issue when it comes to this breed so leaving him outdoors on his own will make him aggressive too. Agility training is one way you can keep your pooch busy and on the move thanks to the wealth of activities offered at such competitive events. Appearance-wise, this dog takes after his Aussie parent in terms of looks and is slightly larger than the average Boston terrier. His small to medium build can weigh around 25 to 40 pounds. His short coat comes in a variety of colors including brown, gray, white and black and is low maintenance too.
Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix (Boxherd)
The Australian Boxherd is a large dog with a soft dense coat that comes in a variety of colors. The Boxherd can be a handful due to his stubborn streak and possessiveness, but there is more to this mix breed than meets the eye. He is considered easy to train with a cheerful disposition that makes him a good family dog and an ideal companion for children. His protective instincts might make him a tad bit aggressive but this aggression can be nipped in the bud early on with socialization and proper training. During this process, his owner must be consistent, firm and gentle at the same time. Both strong and energetic, the Boxherd is often seen lending a hand to rescue operations and working as a police dog too. With highly intelligent genes and herding instincts added to the mix, this smart pooch is better suited for someone who can play the role of master and pack leader exceptionally well. The Boxherd may be a large dog, but he can be sweet and affectionate and is capable of getting along with other animals as well. His energy levels are also quite high, so daily exercise is a must or else he will be possessed by boredom. Boxherd owners are encouraged to incorporate running, swimming and fetching into the daily schedule of this pooch or he will end up digging holes in the yard and chewing on furniture. A fenced-in yard can double as a playground where this breed can play games and spend quality time with other active family members. Appearance-wise, the Boxherd can be anywhere between 53 to 60 inches tall and is blessed with a waterproof medium length coat. This lovely coat is available in a wide range of colors with our without white markings.
Australian Shepherd Doberman Mix (Auberman)
The Auberman has the personality and physique that make him adept at many things including herding, racing and guarding his forever home. This large dog can grow up to be 24 inches tall with a smooth coat that can be brown or black, depending on his parents. The Auberman has no shortage of elegance, and being the offspring to two smart breeds makes him strong and dedicated to his master. This dedication can be sometimes accompanied by a stubborn streak, so he will need his fair share of training as a puppy. Physical and mental exercises need to be included in his daily routine for the sake of his healthy and sanity. Taking him for walks and using interactive dog toys to keep him entertained will help keep his energy levels down.
Aubermans can be intimidating in terms of appearance but deep down they are very affectionate in nature and get along with other pets as well. A well trained puppy who grows into a calm and confident Auberman is a joy to live with and makes a wonderful watchdog who would do anything to protect your household. This pooch is considered a moderate shedder thanks to his smooth coat, so the simple act of brushing him a few times a week will do the trick.
Australian Shepherd Bulldog Mix (Bull Aussie)
The strong and muscular Bull Aussie is a large dog whose coat and eye color may vary depending on the physical traits of his Aussie and Bulldog parents. Early socialization and obedience training will make a world of difference to this breed, allowing him to meet and interact with other dogs so that he grows up to be grounded and friendly. The Bull Aussie carries the title of high energy dog and he is over the moon and content whenever his owner gives him something to do. Herding smaller animals and children can also be a problem when it comes to this breed, so it is best to deal with this issue while your dog is still a puppy because Bull Aussies can grow up to be extremely large and hard to control. Other than herding, this crossbreed is famous for being affectionate, loyal and kind. He is also better suited for active families who love being outdoors and have the stamina to handle this canine ball of energy.
Appearance wise, the Bull Aussie can grow up to be anywhere between 18 to 28 inches tall. His short dense coat can come in a cocktail of brown, white and cream colors. His fur is low maintenance and will require brushing once a week to remove dead hairs and maintain its healthy sheen.
Australian Shepherd mixes are in a league of their own, combining intelligence with athleticism to form new and sought after breeds. They are wonderful companions for families and sporty individuals who exercise on the regular. Their loyal and protective nature makes them ideal or guarding your household and keeping an eye on your children as well. In summary, they are a dependable and smart canine cocktail wrapped in a sweet and affectionate ribbon.
