The Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a unique and lovable breed that's perfect for active families. This mix is known for its high energy levels, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
They typically weigh between 30-50 pounds and stand between 18-22 inches tall at the shoulder. With proper care, they can live up to 12-15 years.
Their coat can vary from a medium-length coat to a short, dense coat, often with a mix of the Australian Shepherd's blue merle or red merle patterns and the Golden Retriever's golden color. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a great breed for first-time dog owners, but they do require consistent training and socialization from an early age.
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Getting an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
The Golden Aussie is a working dog in love with physical activity, making it a great fit for active families.
You can buy a Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd mix puppy for as low as $450, but it's essential to consider the potential costs of owning a dog.
As with any dog mix, you can't know for sure how your Golden Aussie puppy is going to behave, so meeting the parents can be a helpful tool in predicting temperament.
Here are some key characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix:
- They are generally intelligent and easily assimilate training and new commands.
- Both parents of this crossbreed are known for their affectionate natures, so their puppies are likely to be affectionate too.
Is the Dog Right for You?
This dog breed can make an excellent pet for active families with kids, as it has plenty of energy to keep up with playful children and is loving and friendly towards them.
They have a tendency to become protective over their family, which can be a good thing if you're looking for a watchdog, but it requires intense training to ensure they don't become a culprit to undesirable incidents.
The Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is usually warm with visitors, but it has a keen nose for suspicious people, so it's not the best breed for those who value complete strangers.
With their high energy levels, you can expect to have loads of fun with your pet playing "catch the ball" or Frisbee, making them a great companion for outdoor enthusiasts.
However, if you don't have enough time to give this crossbreed dog the mental stimulation it needs, it might not be the best fit for you, as they thrive on activity and interaction.
Remember, every mixed-breed puppy is unique, and you won't know which parent they look or behave more like until they're adults, so be prepared for some surprises.
Puppies for Sale
If you're looking to bring home an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix puppy, you have a few options.
You can buy the Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race pup for as low as $450.
However, if you want to ensure your dog is free from all types of diseases and illnesses, the best approach would be to hire a breeder for $1000 at most.
Characteristics and Traits
The Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a unique breed with a combination of characteristics from both parent breeds. They typically weigh between 55-60 pounds and stand between 28-30 inches tall.
Their coat can be a variety of colors, including Merle, Blue Merle, Red, Black, Tan, and Tri-color, and may require moderate shedding, with brushing needed once or twice a week to maintain its shine.
This breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and possessiveness, making them a great addition to active households. They are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, but may require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Here is a summary of their key characteristics:
As with any breed, it's essential to socialize and train your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix from an early age to ensure they grow into a well-adjusted and well-behaved companion.
Characteristics
The Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd mix is a unique and lovable hybrid, inheriting physical traits and personality traits from both parents. They typically weigh between 30 to 60 pounds and stand between 19 to 30 inches tall.
Their coat is usually medium to long in length and may be straight or wavy, with common colors including golden, black, blue merle, and combinations of these colors. Their eyes can be brown, blue, or even one of each, known as heterochromia.
Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds are generally healthy breeds, but they can be prone to some common health issues. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and proper care can help mitigate these health risks.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd mix is their high energy levels. They require sufficient time for exercise and play, making them a great companion for active families and individuals.
Here are some key characteristics of the Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd mix:
Their temperament can be unpredictable, but they are generally friendly and loyal. They are highly sociable dogs that get along well with children and other pets, making them an excellent family companion.
With proper socialization and sufficient time and effort, this mixed breed can be a wonderful addition to active households and make for a loyal and fun-loving companion. Regular brushing is also necessary to maintain their charming coats.
Size and Weight Range
The Golden Retriever & Australian Shepherd Mix is a medium-sized dog breed, with a weight range of approximately 40 to 75 pounds (18 to 34 kilograms). This is based on the average weights of its parent breeds, the Australian Retriever and the Australian Shepherd.
Male Australian Retrievers typically weigh between 60 to 75 pounds (27 to 34 kilograms), while females weigh slightly lighter at 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kilograms). On the other hand, the Australian Shepherd is also a medium-sized breed.
Males typically weigh between 50 to 65 pounds (23 to 29 kilograms), and females weigh around 40 to 55 pounds (18 to 25 kilograms). Individual variations can occur, and some mixes may be larger or smaller depending on the genetics inherited from their parent breeds.
The size and weight range of the Golden Retriever & Australian Shepherd Mix can be expected to be similar to that of its parent breeds. Overall, you can anticipate a medium-sized dog with a weight range of approximately 40 to 75 pounds (18 to 34 kilograms).
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Health and Care
The Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a healthy and athletic dog, but it's essential to watch out for certain health issues.
Pigmentary uveitis, heart diseases, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia are the most critical health concerns for this breed.
You can expect your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix to live for about 11-14 years, which is a relatively long lifespan considering its average health.
As with any breed, it's crucial to test both parents for inherited conditions before breeding, especially for eye conditions and hip dysplasia.
A quarter of the Golden Retriever population carries the genetic mutation for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), but this mutation is rare in Australian Shepherds.
Health Problems
Your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix can live for about 11-14 years, which is a great age for a dog.
Both Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds are prone to eye conditions, so it's essential to keep an eye on your dog's eye health.
Hip dysplasia is a common issue in both breeds, which can lead to arthritis and mobility problems.
The genetic mutation for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is estimated to be present in a quarter of the Golden Retriever population, but it's very rare in Australian Shepherds.
To minimize the risk of inherited health problems, it's crucial to choose a reputable breeder who has tested the parents for certain conditions.
Australian Shepherds are also prone to abnormally small eyes (microphthalmia) and elbow dysplasia, so it's essential to be aware of these potential issues.
Lifespan
A Golden Aussie can live up to 15 years.
The average lifespan of a Golden Aussie is anywhere between 12 to 15 years.
Good care is essential to ensure your Golden Aussie lives a long and healthy life.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix happy and healthy, regular grooming is a must. Brush its coat daily to prevent matting and tangling, and consider investing in a vacuum to keep shedding hair under control.
You'll also want to establish a hygienic routine that includes daily baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing its teeth. Pay extra attention to ear hygiene if your dog has floppy ears, as they're prone to infections.
Here are some essential grooming tools to get you started:
- FURminator Undercoat Deshedding tool: ideal for removing loose topcoat and undercoat hair
- Brush: for daily coat maintenance
- Vacuum: for easy shedding hair removal
- Nail clippers: for regular nail trimming
- Ears cleaning solution: for gentle ear cleaning
- Dental chews or toothbrush: for brushing teeth
Grooming Tips
Daily brushing is a must for your Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix to maintain its luscious and shiny coat.
You should brush your dog's coat daily, and at least once or twice a week if you don't have time for daily brushing. This will help keep the coat clean and prevent matting.
Golden Aussies shed in the spring and autumn seasons, and they need extra attention during these times to prevent excessive hair loss.
Brush your Golden Aussie at least 2 times per week on a busy schedule and 3 or more times per week when you have more time to spend together.
A unique perspective: Golden Retriever with Red Coat
Using a deshedding tool, such as the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding tool, can make the grooming process easier and more efficient.
You should use a deshedding tool at least 2 times per week to remove loose topcoat and undercoat hair.
Don't forget to bathe your dog regularly, ideally once a day, to keep them clean and healthy.
Trimming your dog's nails, cleaning their ears, and brushing their teeth daily is also essential for their overall health and hygiene.
If your dog has floppy ears, pay extra attention to their ear hygiene to prevent infections.
Renting grooming services can be a convenient option, but it's best to discuss it with your dog breeder to determine the best approach for your dog's specific needs.
Investing in a good vacuum can help reduce the amount of shedding hair around the house.
You should also feed your dog a high-quality dog food, such as Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement, to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health.
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How to Care for
Caring for your Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix requires attention to their diet, exercise needs, and grooming. They have a sensitive diet due to their high energy levels, so it's essential to engage them in routine meals on a daily basis.
You'll need to consider seeking advice from a dog nutritionist as your dog grows from a puppy to an adult, as their diet may change. A good dog food should have 70% of its ingredients made from meat nutrients to help build lean muscles.
This breed also needs regular exercise to release their energy, or they might resort to mischievous behavior like chewing and biting household items. Friendly exercise suggestions include walking in the park, playing a game of Frisbee or "catch the ball", and leash training.
To keep their coat and skin healthy, you'll need to use a deshedding tool at least 2 times per week. A tool like the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding tool is ideal, as it features an ergonomic handle and releases hair at a push of a button.
Here are some key exercise suggestions to keep your Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix happy and healthy:
- Walk in the park
- A friendly game of Frisbee or “catch the ball.”
- Leash training
Remember, exercise is part of training, so it's essential to separate the two. With regular exercise, proper diet, and grooming, your Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix will thrive and become a loving companion.
Best Dog Supplements
When choosing a dog supplement, it's essential to consider the source. Proudly made in the USA is a significant advantage, ensuring high-quality and safe products.
Some supplements are designed to support joint health, while others focus on enhancing coat luster. These exceptional dog supplements are tailored to meet the unique needs of your beloved canine companion.
The daily supplement I've been using for my own dog supports their immune system, joints, and overall health. This is a crucial aspect of their well-being, and I've seen noticeable improvements.
A tasty salmon flavor can make administering supplements a breeze. Made with 100% premium wild Alaskan salmon oil, these supplements are a great option for dogs with finicky appetites.
Some supplements contain all-natural ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for dogs with skin sensitivity. This gentle, pet-friendly formula comes in a tasty soft treat that's easy to administer.
Here are some key benefits to look for in a dog supplement:
- Supports immune system, joints, and overall health
- Made with all-natural ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids
- Tasty salmon flavor or other palatable options
- Proudly made in the USA
- Safe for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes
Size and Growth
The Golden Aussie is a large breed dog, with both males and females reaching a height of 19 to 23 inches when they reach adulthood.
As a mix of breeds, the size of your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever can vary, but on average, males weigh between 30 to 60 lbs.
The female Golden Aussie typically weighs between 25 to 52 lbs, which is slightly lighter than her male counterpart.
This size range is typical for the breed and should give you an idea of what to expect from your furry friend.
On a similar theme: Dog Collar Size for Golden Retriever
Product Recommendations
If you're looking to bring home an Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix, you'll want to consider the right toys for them. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so interactive toys that challenge them are a great investment.
A sturdy chew toy or two is also a must, as they love to chew and can get destructive if they don't have the right outlet. They're also prone to separation anxiety, so a few long-lasting chew toys can help keep them calm when you're away.
The Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a high-energy breed, so they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily run or playtime in the park is a great way to get them the physical activity they need.
Their thick coats also require regular grooming, so be prepared to brush them several times a week to prevent matting and tangling.
General Information
The Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a wonderful companion for families with children, being easily trainable and wonderful with kids.
They are friendly and outgoing, making them an ideal family companion.
Both Australian Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are very smart and trainable dogs.
The Australian Shepherd is known for higher energy levels, requiring more physical activity as a result.
Australian Shepherds are typically good with other pets, including Golden Retrievers.
Socialization training from a young age is highly recommended for a better relationship between the two breeds.
The Golden Retriever is a better first dog for a novice owner due to its more laid-back personality.
Australian Shepherds have a stubborn personality and demanding activity needs, making them suited for very active owners.
They are bred for herding instincts and can run for hours without breaks, so make sure you're ready for that level of exercise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are golden Aussies smart?
Australian Shepherds, also known as Golden Aussies, are highly intelligent dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club for their exceptional obedience and agility skills. Their high intelligence makes them a popular choice for active families and working roles.
Sources
- Turnova, Evelina Hrckova, et al. “A Novel Mutation in the TYRP1 Gene Associated with Brown Coat Colour in the Australian Shepherd Dog Breed.” Animal Genetics, vol. 48, no. 5, 12 May 2017, pp. 626–626., doi:10.1111/age.12563. (nih.gov)
- Golden Retriever & Australian Shepherd Mix (aussiebase.com)
- Australian Shepherd (akc.org)
- Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix (thegoodypet.com)
- Australian Shepherd Mixes: 20 Different Aussie Mutts You'll ... (caninejournal.com)
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