Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?

The exact origins of this breed are not known but the histories of their parent breeds, the purebred Australian Shepherd and the purebred Labrador Retriever are well documented. As a mixed-breed dog, it's very useful to know the lineage of the breeds they come from.

Australian Shepherds don't actually originate from Australia. Their ancestors are sheep-herding dogs that came from France and Spain. The Australian Shepherd that we now recognise was then bred in the United States where it became very popular for its herding abilities.

Labrador Retrievers originated in Canada, and their small ancestors were mainly used for retrieving waterfowl. Breeders then mixed these small dogs with the larger Newfoundland breed and created the Labrador Retriever that we all know and love today.

At some point, the two interbred, and the result was the adorable Aussie Lab Mix.

Who are Australian Shepherd Lab Mix dogs best for?

As their parent breeds were hunters and sheep-herders, the Aussie Shepherd Lab Mix is an energetic breed that needs lots of daily exercise and activity. This means they're best suited to owners and families who live an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors.

It's also a loyal and protective breed that forms close bonds with humans, which makes it a great family dog.

Due to their energy levels, they're probably not the best choice for seniors or people who live a sedentary lifestyle.

How much grooming does a Australian Shepherd Lab Mix need?

Both Labrador Retrievers and Australian Shepherd dogs have thick double coats, and so does the Aussiedor. This coat sheds quite a lot and will require brushing two or three times a week. It will shed the most twice a year when the seasons change.

They only need to be bathed when they get dirty as their coat has natural oils that will be reduced if they're washed too often. You'll also need to clean their teeth regularly to stop them from building up too much plaque.

The best way to do this is to provide your pooch with chew toys and bones and also to brush their teeth with dog toothpaste.

Do Australian Shepherd Lab Mix bark much?

Aussiedors are not known to be a very vocal breed. They will bark to alert their owners of a new presence, such as another human or other dogs, but this shouldn't be excessive.

If your Aussiedor is barking a lot it may just be that they aren't getting enough exercise. If they become bored, this can manifest itself in barking. So, if you give them all the walks they need this shouldn't become a problem.

Do Australian Shepherd Lab Mix bite?

Like most other dog breeds Aussiedor puppies will nip and play-bite, especially when they're teething. This is just a normal part of their development though, and as long as they're properly trained, and socialized early, they should grow out of it once they're an adult dog.

What is the temperament & personality of a Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?

Aussiedors are very happy and affectionate dogs that love spending time with their families. They love it so much, in fact, that they can sometimes be a little wary of strangers. Because of this, the Australian Shepherd Labrador Mix can make a good guard dog and will alert its owner to any intruders.

Their personality will depend on whether they've inherited more from their Labrador Retriever parent or their Australian Shepherd parent, with the latter tending to be very excitable and jumpy, and the former being a little calmer.

What is the weight & size of a Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?

The Aussiedor is quite a new, mixed-breed dog and their size hasn't been fully standardised yet. This means that it can vary quite a bit from dog to dog. But, they are medium-sized dogs, and their height usually ranges from 55 cm to 65 cm and their weight from 18 kg to 36 kg.

How much training does a Australian Shepherd Lab Mix need?

As it has inherited the herding instinct of its parent breeds the Aussiedor needs to be well trained and socialized as early as possible. If not they have been known to chase and herd other smaller dogs and animals.

You may need to be fairly strict with them in the early stages of their training, but they won't react well to negativity or punishment. So, make sure your sessions involve lots of positivity and rewards.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?

Unlike purebred dogs, mixed-breed dogs tend to be less prone to developing health conditions. But, the Aussiedor is still susceptible to some of the issues that are common in their parent breeds such as hip and elbow dysplasia:

• Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thighbone does not fit properly into the hip joint. Over time, this can cause arthritis and can lead to pain and limping.

• Elbow Dysplasia - this is when the three bones that make up the dog's elbow grow at different rates and the elbow joint becomes painful and lax.

• Cataracts - this is where the lens in the dog's eye changes and causes the eye to become abnormally cloudy. This prevents light from reaching the back of the eye and reduces vision which can eventually lead to blindness.

  If you suspect your dog is developing cataracts be sure to contact a vet as soon as possible.

As with most other dog breeds, the conditions that the Aussiedor is prone to are best treated if diagnosed early. So, make sure you take your pooch to the vet for regular checkups.

What is the lifespan of a Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?

This breed has quite a long life expectancy, and they will usually live for 12 to 15 years. If they have lots of exercise and a good diet your furry pal should have a long and happy life.

How much should you feed a Australian Shepherd Lab Mix?

The offspring of this mixed breed can vary widely in size, weight, metabolism, and build. So, the dietary requirements can also be quite different for each dog.

The best way to formulate a diet plan that's suited to your dog's specific needs is to consult a vet, as they will be able to give you professional advice to make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight and is getting the nutrition it needs.

What is the price of a Australian Shepherd Lab Mix in Australia?

If you buy an Aussiedor puppy from a reputable breeder the price will typically be between $800 to $1,200. If you find a breeder that's selling puppies for a lot less than this then it means they may be using puppy farms or mills, which you should always avoid.