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Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd & Lab Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Aussiedor (Australian Shepherd & Lab Mix)

Height: 22–25 inches
Weight: 40–80 pounds
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Colors: Yellow, black, chocolate, red, white, champagne, or silver
Suitable for: Highly active families, couples, and singles
Temperament: High energy, loyal & loving, friendly, eager to please, sensitive, easy to train, gets along with other pets

What is the result when you breed the most popular dog in America (the Labrador Retriever) with an Australian Shepherd? You get a spunky, high-energy dog who’s always up for an adventure. This mixed-breed pup is growing rapidly in popularity because of its friendly nature and low-maintenance health issues.

While this dog is simply a stunner with her ice-blue eyes and exquisitely colored coat, the Aussiedor would do best with an active family that is constantly on the go. This is because both the Lab and the Australian Shepherd are busy-body breeds that flourish at work. Plenty of stimulation is necessary to keep them occupied.

This mix does run a little costlier than other designer dogs, but every owner of an Aussiedor believes that they’re worth every penny. Let’s take a deep dive into every facet of caring, training, and loving this Australian Shepherd/Lab mix and whether it’ll be a great addition to your home.

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Aussiedor Puppies

aussiedor puppy
Image Credit: Ian Lafford, Shutterstock
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

The mixed breed Aussiedor puppy is perfect for “almost” any family. We say “almost” because Aussiedors are super high-energy dogs. Aussiedors are livewires. In fact, they won’t settle down until they are around three years old. If not given the right exercise outlet, expect your Aussiedor to get into all kinds of trouble.

So, if you’re up to the task of running your puppy ragged and always giving him something to enjoy doing, an Aussiedor is sure to thrive in your household.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Aussiedor

1. Despite the misleading name, your Aussiedor’s Australian Shepherd parent isn’t from Australia.

They’re actually from Europe! The breed gained popularity during the 1950s and was featured on movie sets and at rodeos. Ranchers thought they were an Australian breed, hence the namesake.


2. If your Aussiedor comes with more Shepherd tendencies, they may think your fast-moving children are sheep and want to herd them by nipping at their heels and chasing them.


3. Your Aussiedor may have a tri-colored coat!

Parent Breeds of the Aussiedor
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Aussiedor

The Aussiedor is a high-energy dog that is devoted to their family. However, depending upon their breeding mix, Aussiedors can be a tad shy around strangers and want to protect their pack. They are also very sensitive dogs and don’t react well to aversive training methods.

Their need to run and go-go-go makes the Aussiedor ideal for active pet parents and they do best in homes where there is somebody around for most of the day. Their need to constantly work comes from the Labrador being bred to be a hunter, and the Australian Shepherd bred to be a herder.

With that being said, your Aussiedor needs a job to do if you want to keep them happy and sociable. Boredom can set in rather quickly in these dogs and if they don’t get their dose of daily adequate exercise, they’ll definitely be sure to let you know.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

They sure are! Aussiedors are great for families, even if you have small children in the household. However, as we stated before, these dogs need exercise and somebody to be at home during the day. If you leave your Aussiedor unattended to for hours upon hours on end, they may eat your favorite pair of shoes out of boredom.

Additionally, the Australian Shepherd instinct to herd may make this designer dog prone to chasing your small children. So whenever everyone is out playing in the backyard, be sure to keep an eye out.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Yes! When properly socialized young, this breed will get along with everyone, even the cat.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning an Aussiedor

The Aussiedor is a kind, fun-loving pet that is friendly to everybody once they get to know them. They tend to form extremely close bonds with certain family members and cling to their owners. This can lead to feelings of neglect and boredom if left alone for long periods.

Here are some other useful pieces of information to know before you decide to make an Aussiedor a member of your family.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Since Aussiedors are extremely active dogs, their level of exercise will definitely play a role when it comes to providing the right amount of food and nutrition. You should consider feeding them dry dog food to promote good oral health. A frozen diet containing raw meat and veggies is also a good option. An adult Aussiedor will need three to four cups of dry dog food per day.

Exercise 🐕

The high energy and athletic Aussiedor needs at least an hour of playtime every day. They are best suited to active homes where they can be walked multiple times a day. Households with yards are great so your Aussiedor can play and romp outside.

If you work long hours, be prepared to get a dog walker or to find a doggie daycare because you cannot leave these guys alone for very long stretches.

aussiedor puppy
Image Credit: Ian Lafford, Shutterstock

Training 🦮

Start training your puppy when she is still young, and be sure to make it an enjoyable experience for her.

  • Socialization: Take your Aussiedor for walks in busy parks on a leash or around the block to meet the folks in your neighborhood.
  • Obedience: Teach your pet the fundamental commands of sit, stay, and heel to help curb their herding tendencies.
  • Tricks: Aussiedors love to please! Keep them working by teaching them tricks such as fetching different items.

Grooming ✂️

Your Aussiedor may either inherit their Lab parent’s short double-coat or the Shepherd’s thick double-coat.

This will either mean that you need to groom your Aussiedor weekly, or daily. If your dog’s coat is long, consider a slicker brush to prevent knots and to remove any dead hair.

This dog will shed a lot. So it’s not a good idea to get an Aussiedor if anyone in your household is allergic to pet hair.

Health Conditions 🏥

These dynamic designer dogs tend to be healthier than purebreds. However, the Aussiedor has a few health issues to keep an eye out for.

Minor Conditions
  • Bloat
  • Cataracts
  • Nasal Solar Dermatitis
  • Pelger- Huet Syndrome
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
  • Sebaceous Dermatitis
Serious Conditions
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Muscular Dystrophy

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Male vs. Female

As a general rule of thumb, there are no major personality differences between male and female Aussiedors. They both make and members of your family.

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Conclusion

Aussiedors are great mixed breed dogs for families that can give them the attention they need and deserve. From hiking through the woods to throwing a ball for them in the backyard, your Aussiedor will be your best friend for years to come.

Just keep in mind that Aussiedors cannot be left alone for long periods. Isolation will probably get the best of them and they’ll resort to destructive behaviors. If you’re going to make an Aussiedor a part of your household, somebody must be home to attend to their daily exercise needs.


Feature Image Credit: Megan Betteridge, Shutterstock

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