The border collie/Australian shepherd mix is a high-energy, intelligent hybrid with natural herding skills. This dog would do well in an active household since it is trainable, eager to please, and enjoys being on the go. Although border collies and Australian shepherd mixes are wonderful pets, there are a few things to think about before bringing one home.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the background of the border collie Australian shepherd mix, how to provide the best possible care for it, and which types of dog owners would be most suited to taking care of a dog of this hybrid breed. Here’s All You Need to Know About the Fantastic Hybrid Between a Border Collie and an Australian Shepherd to decide if this breed is right for you.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix: What’s Their History?
Although the precise origin of the mix of border collie Australian shepherds is unknown, both parent breeds have a long history of domestication. An English sheep herder known as ‘Old Hemp,’ is credited with helping to develop the border collie, which was first documented in 1890. However, Australian shepherds have a history in the West that dates back to the 1800s, when they were specifically bred to herd cattle.
It’s no surprise that the mix is a lively, bright, energetic, and devoted pup given that both of its parent breeds have working and herding pedigrees. This hybrid breed is now more often seen working as a herding or working dog on farms; however, it is gaining popularity among owners who want to spend time with their pets in the great outdoors.
Since it is not a purebred, the Australian shepherd border collie mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club and so does not have a set of rules for how it should behave. If you’re looking to adopt or buy this mix, it’s important to remember that the pup you bring home might have characteristics more strongly associated with either parent.
Australian Shepherd Border Collie Mix: What’s Their Temperament?
This hybrid of the border collie and the Australian shepherd is a lot of fun to be around. They need a lot of activity to maintain their health and happiness, and they thrive on both mental and physical challenges that can be found in only a few hours of exercise or labor every day.
This kind of dog is very devoted to its family and will go to great lengths to defend them. They have a strong desire to satisfy their owners and learn new tricks or complex instructions with great enthusiasm. Train your dog to obey commands to keep his or her mind stimulated and prevent your dog’s intellect and energy from becoming misdirected.
Your border collie may attempt to herd people. While it is possible to train your dog out of this trait, the greatest thing you can do for your herding and working dog is to give them plenty of opportunities to herd freely in their early years. A dog like this would likely curl up next to you at the end of the day in anticipation of another busy day.
Aussie Border Collie Mix: How to Care?
A large yard or other outside area is essential for the healthy development of your border collie Aussie mix. The ideal amount of daily exercise for this dog is two hours, and they thrive when given meaningful jobs to accomplish. To prevent destructive boredom and maintain your dog’s happiness, training should take up a large portion of your time.
Regular brushing will keep your border collie Aussie mix’s coat from matting and will assist to loosen any stray hairs, which will speed up the shedding process. This dog should be washed only when they get visibly unclean; otherwise, an once or twice-yearly trip to the groomer should be sufficient to maintain their coat in good shape and the hair out of their eyes.
It is recommended that you give your border Aussie border collie mix a diet consisting mostly of dry dog food and supplemented with a little number of wholesome treats twice daily. Keep your dog entertained with toys and avoid leaving it alone for over 8 hours a day to prevent separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix: The Right Choice?
Check out the list of bullet points below to learn more about the border collie Australian shepherd mix and decide whether it’s the ideal breed for you and your family.
If you have a big house and plenty of space for your dog to run about in, including a fenced-in yard, then a border collie/Australian shepherd mix may be the perfect dog for you. You’ve got dog training down pat and are ready to teach your new pup the ropes.
You’re looking for a young dog that’s full of life and enthusiasm to join you in your outdoor labors or accompany you on your daily adventures. You’ll want to choose a dog that has natural herding skills but is also highly trainable.
You should not get a border collie/Australian shepherd mix if you:
- Your living situation does not allow for enough outside and interior areas for this dog to run about and play.
- You’ve never had a dog before, so you don’t know the first thing about training and caring for a dog.
- You’re looking for a dog as a buddy that can be content to spend their days lounging on the sofa.
- If your dog is too harsh with other pets or children, or if they are easily herded, then you need to teach and exercise him often.
