Miniature Australian Shepherd Mixed with Border Collie: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 15, 2024

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Youki
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The Miniature Australian Shepherd Mixed with Border Collie is a unique and fascinating breed. They're a cross between a Miniature Australian Shepherd and a Border Collie, resulting in a dog that combines the intelligence and energy of both parent breeds.

This mix is often referred to as a "mini Aussie collie" due to its small size, typically weighing between 20-40 pounds. They're a relatively new breed, but their popularity is growing rapidly.

One of the key characteristics of the Miniature Australian Shepherd Mixed with Border Collie is their high energy level. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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Breed Information

The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between two intelligent and energetic purebred parents. This mix can make a wonderful companion for active families.

Their parent breeds, the Australian Shepherd and the Border Collie, are known for their herding skills, which means your dog might enjoy being outside more than spending the day indoors.

Credit: youtube.com, Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix (Aussie Collies): Dog Breed Information

The Border Collie Aussie mix is a highly intelligent breed, which can be both a blessing and a curse. They can easily outwit novice dog owners and become overwhelming for those looking to live a more laid-back lifestyle.

Here are some common coat colors found in the Border Collie Aussie mix:

  • Black
  • Merle
  • Blue Merle
  • Red Tricolor
  • Red
  • Red Merle

Parent Breeds

The Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is a cross between two intelligent and energetic purebred parents, making it a working dog at heart. Both breeds are known for their herding skills, which means your dog might enjoy being outside more than spending the day indoors.

The Border Collie is a breed that values loyalty and friendliness, making it a great companion for families. The Australian Shepherd is also a loyal breed that thrives on attention and interaction.

One of the key characteristics of the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix is its intelligence. This breed is highly intelligent and can easily outwit novice dog owners if they're not careful. With proper training and exercise, however, this breed can become a happy and devoted companion.

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Here are some common colors found in the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix:

  • Black
  • Merle
  • Blue Merle
  • Red Tricolor
  • Red
  • Red Merle

This breed has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, making it a long-term companion for many families. With proper care and attention, the Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix can thrive and become a beloved member of the family.

Appearance

The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is a stunning dog, and its appearance is a big part of its charm.

The mix usually looks more like a Border Collie, with the Collie traits coming through more often than those of the Shepherd.

You can expect to see a variety of colors, including black, white, gray, and brown. Black and white are the most common colors.

The mix typically weighs about 50 pounds, making it a great size for many families.

The coat is usually long and requires regular grooming to prevent matting, especially if your dog loves to run around outside.

Feathering on the tail is a common feature, becoming more pronounced as the dog matures.

Eye colors are often brown or green, but heterochromia is also common, so you might see one blue eye and one brown eye.

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Care and Nutrition

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An Australian Collie's activity level should be considered when deciding on appropriate nutrition, as they burn many calories per day and require more food than other comparably sized, less active dogs.

Their high energy level makes them less prone to obesity, but it's still essential to monitor their food intake to ensure they're getting enough calories and protein. A general guideline is 2 to 3 cups of quality, grain-free dry food per day, but every individual's needs will vary.

This breed will thrive on high-quality food that's high in protein and fat, especially if they're a working dog or have a high energy level. Fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated.

Size and Weight

An Australian Collie will weigh between 30 to 75 pounds and stand 18 to 22 inches high. This makes them a great choice for those who want a medium-sized dog without the need for a large yard.

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Their Australian Shepherd parent tends to be burlier, while their Border Collie parent has a more slender frame. This mix of traits means their puppies can fall anywhere on the spectrum.

You can expect your Australian Collie to be on the heavier side, weighing between 30 to 75 pounds. This is a great size for families who want a dog that's energetic but not too big.

Their height is also a great compromise, ranging from 18 to 22 inches. This makes them a great choice for those who want a dog that's easy to handle and transport.

The Australian Shepherd parent's influence means they'll likely have a sturdy build, while the Border Collie parent's influence will keep them relatively slender. This mix of traits will result in a dog that's both athletic and agile.

In terms of lifespan, an Australian Collie can live for around 13 years or more. This is a great investment for any dog owner, as it means you'll have plenty of time to bond with your furry friend.

Nutrition

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The Australian Collie is a high-energy breed that burns a lot of calories per day, so they may require more food than other comparably sized, less active dogs.

A general guideline for feeding an Australian Collie is 2 to 3 cups of quality, grain-free dry food per day.

It's essential to consider your dog's individual needs, as every Australian Collie is unique.

Care and Nutrition

The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is a high-energy dog that requires regular exercise to keep their energy level down. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep them happy and tired.

They will need routine grooming and baths as needed, depending on how they feel. This includes brushing at least twice a week to prevent mats and tangles, and regular nail clipping, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning.

This breed loves the outdoors, but maintaining a proper grooming schedule is important in making sure they don't bring home any unwanted souvenirs from their adventures. Pay special attention to checking for ticks and cleaning their ears regularly.

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The Border Aussie is a shedding breed who sheds year around, but sheds most heavily during shedding season in spring and fall. Brushing your Border Collie Aussie mix once or twice a week with proper grooming tools and deshedding brushes can help reduce mats and buildup of loose hair and debris.

Here are some essential grooming tools to keep your Border Collie Aussie mix clean and happy:

  • Hertzko Slicker Brush
  • Deshedding brushes
  • Nail clippers
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Ear cleaning solution

Remember, regular grooming and exercise are key to keeping your Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix happy and healthy.

Exercise & Living

Exercise is a top priority for a Miniature Australian Shepherd mixed with a Border Collie, requiring at least two hours of physical and mental activity daily. They excel as working dogs on a ranch or farm, and make excellent running and walking companions.

To prevent boredom and destructive behavior, it's essential to keep them stimulated and engaged. This can be achieved through creative exercises, games, and toys that challenge their clever and energetic minds.

Credit: youtube.com, Border Collie vs Miniature Australian Shepherd: Temperament and Behavior

A well-exercised Miniature Australian Shepherd mixed with a Border Collie can adapt to an apartment setting, but it's crucial to provide regular opportunities for exploration and stretching their legs. They love to sniff around flowers and trees, making walks a great way to keep them happy and healthy.

As a breed that thrives on mental stimulation, teaching them tricks and games is a fun way to keep them engaged and active. Competitions are also an excellent way to keep them sharp and bond with your dog.

These dogs are intelligent and can be trained quickly with positive reinforcement, but consistency and firmness are key. Punishment can lead to anxiety and aggression, so it's essential to use treats and praise instead.

To prevent herding instincts from becoming problematic, early training and socialization are crucial. Introduce them to new experiences, and help them associate new things with positive outcomes.

A Miniature Australian Shepherd mixed with a Border Collie requires at least an hour of exercise daily, but they also enjoy shorter bursts of activity, like running and free playtime in a securely fenced backyard.

Health and Lifespan

Credit: youtube.com, Border Collie vs Miniature Australian Shepherd: Health Considerations

The miniature Australian Shepherd mixed with Border Collie is a generally healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. You can expect your dog to live about 12 years, sometimes as long as 15 years with proper care.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to keep your dog healthy and identify potential concerns early on. This will help ensure that any issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, are caught and treated promptly.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues in this breed, and can be exacerbated by excessive exercise. By monitoring your dog's exercise and providing regular veterinary care, you can help prevent or manage these conditions.

Some other potential health issues to be aware of include deafness, other vision issues, and cancer. Keeping an eye out for these conditions and seeking veterinary care if you notice any unusual symptoms can help ensure your dog stays healthy.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:

  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Other vision issues
  • Cancer
  • Collie eye anomaly
  • Epilepsy
  • Thyroid disease

Owning and Family

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Owning a miniature Australian Shepherd mixed with Border Collie requires a lot of space to play and work, so a rural area or a home with a large backyard is ideal.

They are great with children, but it's essential to socialize them from a young age and teach them not to herd toddlers or nip at their heels.

These dogs are highly energetic and require round-the-clock activity to prevent boredom, depression, and destruction, making them a high-maintenance pet.

If you're an active family who can provide the necessary exercise and attention, this breed can make a wonderful companion.

Is This a Good Family Dog?

The Border Collie Aussie Mix can make a wonderful family companion, but it's not for every family. This high-maintenance breed requires round-the-clock activity to prevent boredom, depression, and destructive behavior.

Extremely intelligent and energetic, the Border Collie Aussie Mix needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They are best suited for homes with large backyards or lots of land where they can run and play.

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If you're an active family who loves the outdoors, the Border Collie Aussie Mix might be a great fit. They are great with children, as long as they've been socialized from a young age and taught not to herd toddlers or nip at their heels.

However, this breed does not do well with apartment living and requires a hands-on owner who's willing to work with them on training and socialization. They have serious herding instincts, which can be problematic for families with young children or smaller animals.

With proper training and care, the Border Collie Aussie Mix can be a loyal and loving companion. They'll even make a vigilant watchdog, alerting you to any suspicious activity around your home.

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Owning Essentials

Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and it's essential to consider the needs of the animal. Owning a Border-Aussie requires a significant amount of physical activity to keep them happy and healthy.

Credit: youtube.com, Essentials of Dog Ownership 6: What to Consider When Choosing a Family Companion

They need plenty of space to run around and exercise. Regular walks and playtime are a must.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Owning a Border-Aussie requires a commitment to their mental health.

Providing a stable and loving environment can help prevent behavioral issues. A Border-Aussie's mental well-being is closely tied to their physical health.

Owning a pet can bring immense joy and companionship, but it's crucial to be prepared for the challenges that come with it.

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Finding and Purchasing

Finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization is crucial when searching for a Miniature Australian Shepherd mixed with Border Collie.

You can find these dogs through responsible breeders or shelters you trust.

Be prepared to spend between $600 and $800 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

This price is relatively decent in the canine kingdom, considering many crossbreed dogs sell for thousands these days.

If you prefer to rescue, there are shelters throughout the US that focus on Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, as well as their mixes.

Going through a rescue will usually cost around $250 to $500, which covers the initial care and potential vet checkups for your dog.

One of the benefits of rescuing is that older dogs may have already been spayed or neutered, undergone training, and been microchipped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix called?

The Border Collie Australian Shepherd mix is commonly known as a Border-Aussie. This energetic and intelligent hybrid breed is a cross between two popular herding dogs.

Can you breed a Border Collie with an Australian Shepherd?

Yes, you can breed a Border Collie with an Australian Shepherd, resulting in a unique mix known as a Border Aussie. This crossbreed combines the intelligence and energy of both parent breeds, requiring active and engaging care.

What is the temperament of a mini Aussie mix?

Mini Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent, energetic, and eager to please, making them excellent canine companions. They learn quickly and thrive on interaction with their human family.

Is Aussie and Border Collie a good mix?

The Border Collie-Australian Shepherd mix combines the intelligence and energy of both breeds, making it a great choice for active owners who want a highly trainable and engaging companion. This mix requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.

Iris Stamm

Lead Assigning Editor

Iris Stamm is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in research and writing, Iris has honed her skills in curating engaging content for a wide range of audiences. Her expertise lies in assigning and editing articles on topics related to animals, particularly dogs.