Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

18-36 kg

Height

55-65 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

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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.

What is an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix breed?

These are designer dogs with an attractive and striking appearance, and their almond-shaped eyes make them stand out from the canine crowd. Their ears are triangle-shaped and floppy, and their eyes tend to be either hazel or brown.

When it comes to its coat, it’s very hard to predict what this medium sized dog will look like. The possible colours include chocolate, yellow, black, blue merle and red merle. They might even have a multi-coloured coat with a bit of everything!

The breed is known by many names with some of the most popular being Labrador Australian Shepherd Mix, Australian Shepherd Labrador Mix, Aussie Sheprador, and Aussiedor. So, it’s up to you what name to choose!

Who is an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix 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.

Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Grooming & Shedding

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 Mixes bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix dog?

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 55cm to 65cm and their weight from 18kg to 36kg.

Are Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes easy to train?

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.

How do Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix have any common health issues?

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 an 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 does an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for an 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.

Australian Shepherd Lab Mix FAQs

Is an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Aussiedor might not be the ideal choice for first-time owners due to its need for constant activity and mental stimulation. This can be quite demanding if you’re not used to caring for dogs, as you have to devote a lot of time and attention to them.

However, if you think you can handle this, then the Aussiedor might just be your perfect introduction to the canine world.

Do Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes suffer from separation anxiety?

Due to their great need for love and attention from their owners, Aussiedors don’t do very well when left alone. They can become anxious and stressed, which can lead to unwanted behaviours.

If you think you’ll have to leave your dog alone frequently, for long periods of time, then this breed may not be the best choice for you.

Are Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes hypoallergenic dogs?

The Aussiedor’s thick, double-coat is quite high-shedding and they can leave a lot of hair around the house. This means they’re definitely not hypoallergenic and there’s a high risk of them causing allergic reactions.

Will an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix need professional grooming?

An Aussiedor’s coat shouldn’t need to be professionally groomed, as long as you’re happy to brush it two to three times a week. They don’t need to be bathed often, and their coat shouldn’t be trimmed or clipped.