Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies are a popular breed due to their intelligence, loyalty, and high energy levels.
They typically weigh between 30-60 pounds and stand between 18-23 inches tall.
Their coats can vary from medium to short in length and come in a range of colors including black, blue, red, and white.
Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Puppies are known for their high trainability and require early socialization and training to prevent behavioral issues.
See what others are reading: Are Border Collies High Energy
What is an Aussie?
So, you're considering bringing home an Aussie? Well, an Aussie is actually a mix of a purebred Australian Shepherd and a purebred Labrador Retriever, making it a designer dog breed.
The Aussie Lab mix, also known as an Aussiedor, can go by several names, including Aussiedor, Australian Sheprador, Aussie Sheprador, Aussie Lab, and Sheprador.
This mix isn't officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, but it can be registered with organizations like the Dog Registry of America Club, American Canine Hybrid Club, International Designer Canine Registry, and Designer Dogs Kennel Club.
Here are some of the organizations that can register your Aussie Lab mix:
- Dog Registry of America Club
- American Canine Hybrid Club
- International Designer Canine Registry
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
Physical Characteristics
Your Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy can be a perfect mix of both parent breeds, or take more after one of them. They can also be a perfect replica of an Australian Shepherd parent.
Expect your Aussiedor to be a medium-sized dog, typically between 18 and 25 inches high at the withers and weighing between 40 and 80 pounds when fully grown.
Males tend to be slightly larger than females, but this isn't always the case.
Retriever Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog with a sturdy build and a short, dense coat that comes in three main colors: black, yellow, and chocolate.
Their friendly faces and outgoing personalities are unmistakable, and their tails are often wagging with excitement.
You can expect your Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever Mix to have a short to medium-length coat, as the Labrador Retriever parent breed is known for its short coat.
The mix may inherit the Australian Shepherd's medium-length coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Their overall size will likely fall within the medium to large range, as both parent breeds are of similar size.
Consider reading: Long Haired Dutch Shepherd Puppies
Size
Aussiedors are medium-sized dogs, typically ranging from 18 to 25 inches in height.
Their weight can vary, but most Aussiedors weigh between 40 and 80 pounds.
While males tend to be slightly larger than females, this isn't always the case.
Females are usually smaller than males, but there's no way to predict what size a hybrid dog will be.
Height-wise, Aussiedors can grow anywhere from 18 to 22 inches in height.
They can weigh anywhere from 40-80+ pounds, depending on their individual characteristics.
Aussiedors are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They'll do best in a home with a large fenced-in yard where they can run around and burn off some of their excess energy.
You might enjoy: How Much Do Collies Weigh
Coat Color and Grooming
The Aussiedor's coat can be a real challenge, but it's also one of their most distinctive features. They typically have a double coat, which means they shed quite a bit all year long.
A unique perspective: Rough Coat Border Collie
The Aussiedor's coat color can vary greatly, with main colors including brown, cream, black, tan, and brindle. They often have a mix of these colors, making each dog unique.
Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers have very different coat colors, so it's impossible to predict exactly what the Aussiedor's coat will look like.
To keep your Aussiedor's coat clean and tangle-free, you should brush them five times a week, as recommended by some owners. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat.
Bathe your dog once every two months or as needed using a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo. This will help prevent stripping the coat of its natural oils.
Aussiedors have floppy ears that easily trap dirt and are prone to frequent and painful ear infections. Regularly checking and cleaning their ears will help prevent these problems.
Brushing your dog's teeth at least three times a week using enzymatic dog toothpaste will help prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent clicking on the floor.
Explore further: Collie Smooth Coat
Temperament and Behavior
The Aussiedor has a very energetic demeanor and cares very much for their family members. They love just about everyone around them and are extremely eager to please.
They are also sensitive, which means they don't react well to aversive or harsh training techniques. This is why positive reinforcement training is a must for this breed.
Aussiedors can get bored very quickly and get destructive if they are left alone for long periods. They need adequate exercise every day, and if they don't get it, they will let you know that they need it.
They are not prone to aggression, but social circumstances can make even the most laid-back dogs become aggressive and fearful. Generally speaking, the Aussiedor is not prone to these behaviors in their breed.
Your Aussiedor will need a job to do if you want to keep their very mellow temperament in place. This can be anything from herding to agility training or even just playing fetch with you.
Check this out: Do Border Collies Need to Be Groomed
Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes are people-oriented and outgoing dogs that like to be involved in all family activities. They are highly athletic and have an endless supply of energy.
They are best suited for active families with older children who will know how to play and interact with a dog. If you have younger children, be aware that your Aussiedor may try to herd them during play.
This is a sign of their strong herding instinct, which can be stopped by using positive reinforcement training techniques. With proper training and exercise, your Aussiedor will be a loving and loyal companion.
They are not good at being alone for long periods of time and will become bored and frustrated if they don't get the companionship they need. This can lead to destructive behavior like chewing and destroying furniture.
Early socialization is key for the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix, so make sure to take them on lots of walks and outings to local parks. Observe their behavior around other animals, particularly small ones.
With the right care and attention, your Aussiedor will be a happy and healthy member of your family. They will bring you joy, companionship, and endless love.
Expand your knowledge: Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good Family Dogs
Care and Maintenance
Develop a care routine as soon as you bring your Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy home, and stick to it for the rest of your dog's life.
Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy by detecting any health concerns early through regular veterinary checkups.
Australian Shepherd Labs are prone to weight gain, so make sure to keep an eye on their food intake and activity level to prevent this.
These pups have high energy levels and need to stay active through the day, so engage them in activities like frisbee, swimming, hiking, and walking.
Trim your dog's nails before they get too long, usually once or twice per month, to prevent them from clicking against the floor.
Your groomer can help with this if you're not comfortable trimming your dog's nails yourself.
Brush your dog's teeth daily to combat tartar buildup, as this breed is prone to it, and your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog's teeth properly.
Care
Develop a care routine as soon as you bring your Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy home, and stick to it for the rest of their life.
Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early, so schedule them regularly with your vet. They can help you develop a care routine tailored to your dog's needs.
Australian Shepherd Labs are prone to weight gain, so make sure they stay active through the day with activities like frisbee, swimming, hiking, and walking.
Their floppy ears are prone to infection, so clean them regularly with cotton balls and an ear-cleaning solution, and check for redness or a strong odor weekly.
Trim your dog's nails regularly, usually once or twice per month, to prevent them from clicking against the floor.
Maintaining their oral health is a top priority, so brush their teeth daily to combat tartar buildup, and use dental chews to help combat plaque buildup.
Related reading: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Health Issues
Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush and monthly brushing with a deshedding tool can help reduce shedding in Australian Shepherd Lab mixes with short fur.
If your dog has a medium-length coat like an Australian Shepherd, use a slicker brush and a grooming rake to remove loose hair and prevent painful mats.
Brush your Australian Shepherd Lab mix five times a week to control shedding and keep their coat clean and tangle-free.
Bathe your dog once every two months or as needed using a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent clicking on the floor, so trim your dog's nails regularly or let a vet or groomer do it for you.
Diet
Your Australian Shepherd Lab Mix needs food formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy, rich in proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.
The amount of food your dog needs depends on its size, age, activity levels, and metabolism, which can vary greatly among individual dogs.
For your interest: Best Food for Border Collies
You should talk to your vet or a canine nutritionist to design a feeding plan tailored to your dog's unique needs.
As your dog grows from puppyhood to adulthood and into its senior years, its dietary needs will change accordingly.
You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Australian Shepherd Lab's diet, as individual dogs can have varying weights, energy levels, and health conditions.
Exercise Needs
Exercise is a crucial part of an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix's life. They need at least an hour-long walk every day to stay exercised.
Both Labrador Retrievers and Australian Shepherds were bred to work all day, so your Aussiedor will have plenty of energy. Expect to take them for a long walk daily to keep them happy and healthy.
Failing to give your Aussiedor enough exercise can result in destructive behavior or bad habits. If you notice this happening, try increasing their exercise to see if it improves their behavior.
For another approach, see: How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need
Your Aussiedor will enjoy activities like frisbee, swimming, hiking, and walking. They might even become your running partner if you need one.
To keep your Aussiedor occupied and happy, get them toys made for Labradors. They'll keep them entertained for hours, and it's a great way to provide mental stimulation.
As with all dogs, regular exercise is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being.
Training and Socialization
Training your Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a breeze, as they're highly intelligent and eager to please. They thrive on positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
Aussiedors are sensitive dogs, so harsh corrections or dominance training will only make them shut down and become fearful of you. Start training your pup as soon as you bring them home to help them grow into a well-behaved and obedient dog.
Reward-based training is the way to go, and it's best to start training at a very young age. This will help your Aussiedor become a well-behaved and obedient dog in no time.
Socialization is also key, especially if your mix takes after its Australian Shepherd parent and is wary of strangers. Expose your pup to different people, sights, sounds, and smells from a young age to help them become friendlier and more accepting of other people and dogs.
The Aussiedor is food motivated, so use their favorite type of food as motivation to get them to perform basic commands. This will make training a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your pup.
Buying and Owning
Buying an Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy requires some research and due diligence. Schedule an appointment to meet the mother and inspect the conditions the puppies are kept in.
If a breeder isn't keen on showing you their facilities, it's best to walk away and look for another breeder. A reputable breeder will have nothing to hide and be happy to show you around and answer your questions.
The cost of an Aussie Lab mix puppy from a reputable breeder can range from around $1,000, depending on factors like the breeder, location, lineage, and coat color.
Buying a Puppy
Buying a puppy can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you'll find the perfect furry companion. Schedule an appointment to meet the mother and inspect the conditions the puppies are kept in.
A reputable breeder won't have anything to hide and will be more than happy to show you around and answer all your questions. They will also be able to show health certificates for both parents and puppies.
If you're considering buying an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix puppy, be prepared to pay around $1,000 on average, depending on factors like the breeder, your location, and the puppy's lineage and coat color.
Be wary of any breeder who insists on shipping your puppy or meeting you somewhere apart from where they breed their dogs. This is a red flag that they probably don't have the best breeding practices.
Look for a breeder who does health testing on their breeding dogs and has a history of healthy puppies. A good breeder will ask you plenty of questions to make sure you are the right home for a puppy.
You might enjoy: German Shepherd Show Dogs
Rescues & Shelters
If you're looking to bring home an Australian Shepherd Lab mix, rescues and shelters are a great place to start. Many hybrid dogs, like Aussiedors, end up in shelters or rescue groups due to being created accidentally.
You can find Australian Shepherd Lab mixes through Labrador Retriever or Australian Shepherd rescue groups, as they often care for mixes. Shelters can also be a great resource, with hybrid dogs being more likely to find themselves there than purebred dogs.
Aussiedors may not have a dedicated rescue group, but you can try contacting breed-specific rescues for Australian Shepherds or Labradors, as they sometimes care for mixes too. Some examples of rescues you can try include Aussie And Me Animal Rescue and Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption.
Shelters do temperament testing, which can give you a better idea of what to expect from a rescued dog. This can be especially helpful if you're worried about the personality of a dog you're considering adopting.
Consider reading: What Is a Hybrid Dog
As Family Pets
If you're an active family, an Australian Shepherd Lab mix will love joining you on hikes, jogs, bike rides, or endless games of fetch.
They're guaranteed to shed a lot, so if you don't want fur all over your home, look elsewhere for your family dog. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to be intelligent and happy to learn.
Labradors Retrievers are known to eat anything they can fit in their mouth, and an Aussiedor is likely to do the same, so make sure your belongings and trash are secure.
Your Australian Shepherd Lab mix is likely to get along with people and pets alike, although they may tend to nip at the heels of small children if they have an Aussie personality.
Australian Shepherd Lab mixes prefer your company and may become depressed or develop separation anxiety if they're left home alone too much.
Puppy costs can vary widely, but you can often find rescues at reasonable costs, usually anywhere from the $100 to $500 range.
Check this out: Dog Breeds Shar Pei Mixes
Health
The Australian Shepherd Lab mix is a generally healthy breed, but like any other breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. These issues are often inherited from their parent breeds, the Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever.
Some common health problems that Australian Shepherd Lab mixes may face include Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, and Cataracts. These conditions can lead to pain, mobility issues, and vision loss if left untreated.
While "hybrid vigor" may reduce the odds of an Australian Shepherd mix inheriting genetic disorders, it's still possible for them to experience health problems. Responsible breeders can help reduce the likelihood of these disorders by breeding healthy parents.
To minimize the risk of inherited health issues, it's essential to research and choose a reputable breeder. Be sure to ask to see the parent's AKC registered papers if available.
Here are some potential health problems your Australian Shepherd Lab mix may experience:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Eye conditions
- Hereditary myopathy
- Heart disorders
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Aussie and Lab mix called?
An Aussie and Lab mix is commonly referred to as an Aussiedor, Australian Sheprador, or Sheprador. These mixed breed dogs can be found in shelters and rescues, making them a great option for adoption.
Sources
- 10 Australian Shepherd Mixes Eager for Both Work ... (dailypaws.com)
- Aussie Shepherd (akc.org)
- Australian Shepherd Lab Mix – Get To Know The Aussiedor (puppyintraining.com)
- Aussiedors (wagwalking.com)
- Reddit (reddit.com)
- Australian Shepherd (akc.org)
- Australian Shepherd (rescueme.org)
Featured Images: pexels.com