Australian Shepherd German Mix
The Australian Shepherd German mix represents one of the most sought-after designer breeds in today’s canine world, combining the distinct characteristics of two exceptional herding breeds. This hybrid cross brings together parents with different physical builds and breeding histories, yet both are classed as premier working dogs. Having worked with these magnificent pups for over a decade, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this mixed breed exhibits high energy levels and intelligence that can leave even experienced dog owners with the impression that they’re dealing with a furry Einstein. The Australian and German shepherds create an obedient, intelligent offspring that’s likely to acquire advantageous traits from both bloodlines, making them the ultimate shepherding companion born to work as a herder on any ranch or yard.
What makes these gorgeous, powerful dogs truly special is their naturally protective yet affectionate nature – they may seem aloof at first glance, but they quickly become loyal, energetic members of any active family. Created through careful breeding, this beautiful hybrid requires tons of exercise and brain stimulation each day to thrive properly. Their sport-ready physique features chiseled heads with medium to long muzzles (depending on which parent they take after), naturally docked tails cut halfway to a nub, and striking almond-shaped eyes that show their serious personality.
The most notable feature is their thick, water-repellent coat of fur that protects them from outdoor elements, allowing them to safely spend lots of time in a wide variety of weather settings. With their large packs and powerful bite, they make excellent guard dogs to protect your possessions. Luckily, they’re extremely easy to train with proper trainability techniques and can become wonderful pets without danger to kids or society when you know the basics of taking care of these remarkable companions – and if you’re interested in adding one to your home, this complete guide will help you understand all the important things you need to know about this popular dog.
Photo credit: Shutterstock by PIC Femke Ketelaar
Breed Overview
The Australian Shepherd German mix stands as an impressive working dog with a Height ranging from 20 to 23 inches and a sturdy Weight between 46 to 65 pounds, boasting a Lifespan of 13 to 15 years that I’ve personally witnessed in my years of breeding experience. These magnificent dogs showcase stunning Colors including White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, black, sable, and cream variations that make each pup unique. Suitable for Active families and singles with large outdoor spaces, their Temperament reveals Loyal, happy, obedient, and loving companions, though they’re only somewhat adaptable since they need extensive exercise and prefer room to roam – which is why they’re not good apartment dwellers who don’t get heaps of activity and instead stay cooped up in small spaces where they’re likely to become destructive.
Overall, they make excellent pets, especially if you want to train a dedicated working companion, and if you’re interested in adopting this German Australian Shepherd breed, read on to learn everything you know about their history and caring properly for these remarkable canines.
Appearance, Personality, and Traits of an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix
This remarkable crossbreed typically weighs between 46 to 65 pounds with a Height of 20 to 23 inches, making them a Medium to large-sized mixed breed that can vary depending on which of the parent breeds your puppy will take after. The Coat Type features Medium-length, dense, straight fur that’s remarkably suited for both warm and cooler climates, though they can be wary of extremely hot places.
Their stunning Color variations come in White, black, blue, red, cream, silver, and sable combinations that out of all the mix possibilities makes each dog unique, with Blue or brown Eyes complementing their Black Nose and distinctive Triangular, Floppy Ears. From my experience breeding these dogs, the Amount of Shedding ranges from Moderate to heavy, and while they’re Maybe Hypoallergenic (results vary), they’re definitely Kid Friendly – Yes to families seeking an active companion, though New Owners should note that organizations like ACHC and DRA recognize this German Shepherd Australian mix as a legitimate designer breed.
The Size of their personality is just as impressive as their physical stature, with a Temperament that’s Affectionate, Energetic, and Intelligent – perfect for families with an active lifestyle who loves going outdoors and exploring nature. When crossed properly, these intelligent dogs can be trained well to become service or therapy animals, and their High intelligence causes less worry and more pride for experienced trainers, though they do require consistent training and time investment.
Their clingy nature can contribute to a fearful state if left alone too long, potentially leading to separation anxiety – a condition that can be averted by employing effective obedience and socialization techniques early on. Overall, with their Life Expectancy of 12 to 15 years, they prove to be a dependable and wonderful companion for the right owner who understands their needs, making them suitable for active owners who appreciate their notably energetic spirit.
Grooming Your German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix
This section will provide basic information on how to groom your mixed breed properly with the least number of tools needed. Following these steps will assure your dog maintains top appearance throughout all seasons, as both German Shepherd and Australian Shepherds shed heavily throughout the year and this crossbreed particularly exhibits a phenomenon called “blowing coat” when most active heavy shedding occurs. Brushing remains the most essential part of grooming and proves beneficial for developing a bond beyond just aesthetic value – I recommend brushing two to four times per week as this step promotes health and luster for your dog’s skin. Another important function of providing proper brushing involves maintaining insulation, since a well-brushed coat keeps your dog’s body temperature secured against fluctuating weather conditions.
Shaving remains debatable among professional groomers, as Some owners prefer it to reduce shedding, but this removes the coat’s natural insulating property and there’s a possibility the hair will not grow back well once it’s been shaved. Before getting started, you should always check for tick and flea infestations and you’ll need a pair of thinning shears for minimal trimming around the feet, tail, ears, and britches on the legs.
Use a slicker brush to gently comb the hair between the toes toward the leg, then carefully cut any hair sticking above the foot and trim lengthier hair surrounding the foot in a vertical line. At the end of the tail, remove only excess length to maintain the natural long appearance, while trimming around the rump involves following the natural curve of your dog’s body.
Pay special attention to that spot behind each ear where you’ll notice matting occurs frequently, and enforce a gentle blend from ear to head rather than creating harsh lines. If you lack enough time to wash and groom your dog regularly, many pet salons offer professional services – contact local businesses to find experienced professional groomers who can help with this important activity. From my years of experience, establishing a consistent grooming routine not only keeps your Australian Shepherd German mix looking beautiful but also strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion.
Photo credit: Shutterstock by PIC Femke Ketelaar
Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Health Problems
With a maximum lifespan of 15 years, the Australian Shepherd crossed with German Shepherd creates a dog that faces certain risk factors from genetic mutations inherited from both parent breeds, which can affect the overall disposition of the offspring. However, this breed is relatively healthier than other designer cross combinations and suffers less from severe skin, coat, and bone problems that plague many purebreds – a phenomenon I’ve observed throughout my years working with these magnificent dogs. While the common health issues seen in this cross include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, the hybrid vigor often helps reduce the severity of these inherited conditions, making them a more robust choice compared to their purebred counterparts, though regular veterinary checkups and genetic testing of breeding stock remain essential for maintaining the healthiest possible list of traits in future generations.
Hemophilia:
Hemophilia represents a serious blood clotting disorder that manifests through spontaneous bleeding episodes in affected dogs, and from my veterinary experience, this condition could unfortunately have devastating consequences when it causes internal bleeding within the muscles and joints of Australian Shepherd German mixes.
Hip and elbow dysplasia:
Hip and elbow dysplasia represent serious joint malformation conditions that can spontaneously occur in any dog, including Australian Shepherd German mixes, and unfortunately leads to chronic joint inflammation that often manifests at a surprisingly young age when the cartilage and socket connections become greatly affected by this degenerative disease.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy represents an uncommon yet serious condition that can affect the Australian Shepherd breed and their German mix offspring, manifesting as a degenerative disease of the retinal cells that ultimately ends in complete blindness if left undetected.
Epilepsy:
Epilepsy represents a serious neurologic disorder that can be triggered by various factors including infections and brain injury, though it may also have structural or idiopathic causes with no identifiable origin – a challenging health issue that has affected some German Shepherd crossed with Australian dogs in my years of breeding experience.
Collie Eye Anomaly:
Collie Eye Anomaly encompasses a group of inherited eye issues that may be either minor developmental abnormalities or fatal vision-threatening conditions, and can cause unilateral (affecting one eye) or bilateral (affecting both eyes) disturbances in Australian Shepherd German mixes.
Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements
This agile crossbreed will need a great diet plan to sustain their energy levels, as your mixed pup could grow into a helpful working dog that requires crucial nutritional support for maintaining steady and strong development throughout their healthy growth phases. The quantity of food depends on some variables that compose your puppy’s individual needs, including their age, size, weight, metabolism, and level of activity – factors I’ve learned to carefully assess during my years of raising these magnificent dogs. The general amount of food suitable for an adult German Shepherd crossed with Australian may vary from 2 1/2 to 3 cups of high-quality kibbles daily, though it’s advisable to divide these servings into two meals each day for optimal digestion and energy distribution.
Essential minerals are particularly important for puppies, with chloride and sodium helping control fluid balance inside and outside your dog’s cells, which can significantly affect the cardiac and skeletal muscles while helping contribute to correct functioning of the nervous system.
Dry food is usually more recommended than wet alternatives, as it shows superior effectiveness in helping clean and strengthen your crossbreed’s teeth and gums through the natural chewing action. The below list provides additional considerations for feeding these remarkable dogs: always transition foods gradually over 7-10 days, monitor body condition regularly to prevent obesity, provide fresh water constantly, and choose foods specifically formulated for large breed dogs to support proper bone and joint development in your Australian Shepherd German mix.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula:
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula dog formula has proven excellent for Australian Shepherd German mixes in my feeding experience, as it has real chicken and turkey as primary protein sources combined with wholesome fruits and veggies that serve as quality ingredients to contribute toward building strong muscles while giving sustained energy for these active crossbreeds. This gluten-free recipe contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that promote a shiny coat, and it also includes essential minerals for optimal function of joints and provides the necessary strength for healthy teeth and bones development.
Orijen Dog Food:
Orijen Dog Food stands as a well-known premium formulation that has exceptionally high content of protein amounting to 75 to 80 percent, with only 25% maximum carbohydrate levels that are relatively very low when compared to other commercially available dog foods on the market. This exceptional recipe creates a food patterned after the natural diet of wolf ancestors, making it an ideal choice for Australian Shepherd German mixes who require premium nutrition to support their high energy levels and working capabilities.
Canidae Life Stages:
Canidae Life Stages offers a quite innovative one-size-fits-all dog food approach that can be suitable for dogs of all ages and kinds, making it particularly convenient for Australian Shepherd German mix owners who want a single formula throughout their pet’s lifetime. This comprehensive formula is equipped with essential antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics for optimal health, while it contains high-quality proteins like chicken, turkey, and lamb combined with wholesome carbohydrates including oatmeal, potatoes, brown rice, white rice, cracked barley, and pearled barley for sustained energy.
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food:
The Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food offers an exceptional formulation that does not contain corn, soy, or wheat, making it a formula that can be digested easily by Australian Shepherd German mix puppies with sensitive stomachs. This premium recipe has a healthy source of fat called flaxseed, and it’s important to know the benefits of this dry food like its advantage for brain and eye development in growing crossbreeds.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Longevity:
The Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Longevity dog food formulation is specifically made for senior dogs and has essential vitamins C and E that provide crucial help for the immune system in aging Australian Shepherd German mixes. This vet-approved formula comes without any artificial flavors or colors, instead featuring whole grain wheat, corn, and oats as natural carbohydrate sources that support sustained energy levels in older dogs.
Photo credit: Freepik by laganovskisuldis
Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Exercise Requirements
The Australian Shepherd German mix represents dogs that want high level enjoyment from exercise, as this crossbreed inherited the athletic nature from both parent breeds, making the duration of vigorous physical activities something that should be at least one and a half hour daily using different techniques to gain their attention and interest.
From my experience training these energetic puppies, adequate exercise is required to avoid irritability and aggressiveness from manifesting, and activities can involve your dog in such engaging pursuits as long walks, jogging, hiking, tug-of-war, and fetching games that may intimidate some new owners because insufficient exercise could lead to increased aggression. However, when exercise has great benefits and is done properly while teaching about rules and boundaries, it becomes an excellent tool for bonding with your active companion.
West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Interactive Tug War Durable Dog Play Toy offers a sturdy toy that can stretch twice its length without breaking, making it perfect for these powerful dogs. For aerial activities, the Legendog Flying Disc Rubber Catcher allows dogs to fly higher than average flying discs due to its specialized edge that bulges to let them bite firmly during catches. The Nylabone Healthy Edibles Bison Flavored Bone Chews provide edible chew toys that will help your dog’s digestive system while keeps them fairly occupied during downtime, featuring no preservatives, salt, sugar, or plastic, just savory bison flavor to keep their interest and give appropriate mental stimulation for all ages of Australian Shepherd German mixes.
Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Training
The German Shepherd crossed with Australian creates dogs that has a high possibility of being hailed as exceptional service animals involved in search and rescue or therapy work, as they’re highly trainable and willing to learn when the owner takes on the proper role of supporting and keeping a calm level head during the training process. From my years of training these intelligent crossbreeds, I’ve learned that managing your emotions is crucial because excited or frustrated owners could easily confuse and distract these sensitive dogs who pick up on human energy levels incredibly quickly. Success comes from establishing consistent routines, using positive reinforcement techniques, and maintaining patience throughout the learning process, as these remarkable dogs respond best to clear communication and steady leadership that builds their confidence while channeling their natural intelligence and eagerness to please into productive behaviors.
German Shepherd Mixed with Australian Shepherd and Families
Choose particular tasks:
Choose particular tasks that can heighten the productivity of your dog by deciding to choose and train one specific skill at a time, which may involve simple activities like fetching the newspaper or more complex behaviors such as loading the dishwasher with lightweight items.
Never hit your dog:
Never hit your dog as this harmful action will severely affect the bond between you and your Australian Shepherd German mix, and they could see you as a threat rather than a trusted leader, which may lead them to attack defensively or develop antisocial personality traits that are difficult to reverse.
Basic commands:
Basic commands are crucial for managing the breeding instinct that Australian Shepherd genetics may manifest in your offspring, so you should teach fundamental instructions like recall (come) to make your dogs return immediately when called, and stay commands that keep them by your side instead of going around some unfamiliar area where their herding drives might kick in.
Invest in obedience classes:
Your Australian Shepherd German Mix will benefit greatly from knowing basic commands through formal obedience classes, and I can tell you from personal experience with my own shepherd mix that this approach can have fewer frustrations for both you and your dog. Because your intelligent hybrid needs consistent structure, having another person responsible for the training framework is important – it takes unnecessary pressure off you as the owner while you focus on bonding. The formal process will allow you dedicated time to avoid the common mistakes I’ve seen many owners make when trying to train these smart, energetic dogs alone, and well-structured classes provide the socialization component that’s crucial for this mix’s development.
Photo credit: Freepik by rafayanes
3 Little-Known Facts About the German Australian Shepherd
1. The Australian Shepherd was not bred in Australia.
Despite the deceiving name, the Australian Shepherd in your hybrid came to America without ever having seen Australia’s shores – a fact I’ve had to explain countless times to fellow dog owners who assume these dogs have Australian history. The breed was initially bred in North America’s Wild West, where they worked alongside farmers, ranchers, and cowboys to herd cattle and livestock across the prairie.
The reason for their misleading name traces back to their original parentage – other dogs including Basque Shepherds that came to the U.S. in the 1800s with sheep imported from Australia, leading Americans to associate these herding dogs heavily with that distant home country. Your Australian Shepherd German Mix hybrid became possible because of this fascinating history where the Australian Shepherd developed entirely on American soil, making it a truly North American breed despite what its name suggests.
2. German Shepherds were bred to be obedient.
The German Shepherds in your Australian Shepherd German Mix come from Germany, where their name is indicative of a fascinating history that began in the late 1850s when Breeders first bred them with one goal in mind. These early dog enthusiasts were essentially attempting to breed the perfect dog by entirely focusing on creating a standardized breed that believed in combining specific characteristics – they wanted dogs that were strong, capable of demanding work, and incredibly obedient to their handlers.
As time went on, these German-bred dogs began coming to be known as easy-to-train, effective working dogs with high herding instinct, and from my experience training shepherd mixes, this tendency toward loyalty, intelligence, and exceptional trainability still shows up strongly in modern mixes, which is why your hybrid may display the same focused obedient nature that made German Shepherds valuable police and working dogs worldwide.
3. German Australian Shepherds have a high drive to herd.
German Australian Shepherds have an incredibly strong herding instinct that comes from both parental lines. The Australian Shepherd was originally meant to herd cattle and sheep, spending long days running around ranches and nipping at the heels of livestock to keep them in line. In Germany, the German Shepherd was used for similar purposes as they acted as shepherds protecting and guiding sheep and other livestock across the countryside.
This hybrid inherits many of these natural inclinations from being herding dogs, which means owners might need to watch their kids carefully around the dog. When children try to want to go somewhere specific, like running around the yard or moving in another direction, this drive kicks in and the dog will attempt to control their movement the same way their ancestors managed farm animals – through gentle but persistent herding behaviors.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a German Shepherd Crossed with Australian Shepherd
- The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix is an exceptionally easy-to-train and intelligent dog. Both parent breeds are known for sharp minds, so their offspring ultimately inherit this trait making them a perfect pet. These dogs are naturally eager to learn new techniques, picking up commands faster than most breeds and genuinely enjoying mental stimulation.
- This breed makes a wonderful family companion that’s pleasant to live with, especially for active households. Kids love being around these dogs because they’re naturally protective yet gentle, and they help by watching over kids during playtime. From my experience raising one with my own family, this is the best kind of dog for families who want a loyal protector that also enjoys participating in daily activities and outdoor adventures.
- This mixed dog serves as a great watchdog thanks to their keen senses and innate loyalty traits inherited from both parent breeds. These protective traits help make them a valuable guard for your home, as they naturally alert you to any unusual activity while remaining devoted to their family.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix
- It’s highly recommended to train this dog early and consistently, as this crossbreed is definitely not a low maintenance type of breed. Owners need to invest significant time to ensure their pet becomes well-behaved, since the German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd combination creates an intelligent but demanding companion.
- This mix requires a high level of daily activities, which becomes a major disadvantage for people who leave the house often or prefer staying home without engaging in physical exercise. When left unstimulated and bored, these dogs become unruly and mischievous, displaying destructive behavior that’s a common trait among intelligent breeds.
- This crossbreed isn’t suitable for small homes or apartment units, as People living in cramped spaces will encounter serious difficulties raising these energetic dogs. From my experience working with these mixes, they need substantial room to roam and burn off their high energy levels, making them equally challenging for anyone without a large yard or access to open areas where they can exercise freely throughout the day.
Conclusion
German Australian Shepherds make excellent family dogs for singles or families, but the primary consideration should be whether you can need to provide what these pups truly require. These dogs need adequate space to live a happy life and cannot spend most of their day cooped up anywhere without the freedom to go outside for long walks and plenty of exercise time. From my experience, they’re a wonderful addition to any home that can meet their physical and mental stimulation requirements, but they’ll struggle in environments where their natural energy and intelligence aren’t properly channeled through daily activities and engagement.
