If you are a dog lover looking for a gorgeous breed, you should go for a dog breed named German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix.The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd.
Here, we will discuss everything about this amazing dog breed named German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix.
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Overview
| Common names | German shepherd Australian shepherd mix, German Australian shepherd, Aussie German shepherd |
| Parent breeds | German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd |
| Breed group | Hybrid, herding |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Height | 19 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 45 to 80 pounds |
| Colors | White, black, tan, brown, merle, cream, sable |
| Coat | Medium–length double coat |
| Life expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Loyal, affectionate, work-oriented, protective, intelligent |
| Daily exercise | Minimum 90 minutes |
| Daily food need | 2.5 to 3.5 cups |
| Shedding | Moderate to heavy |
| Barking tendency | Moderate |
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Appearance
Source: allthingsdogs.com
Australian Shepherds are medium to large size dogs that get their physical traits from their parent breeds. Most have muscular builds, tapered muzzles, and medium-length coats.
Size and Weight
The Australian German Shepherd is classified as a medium or large dog with a wither height of 19 to 26 inches and a weight range of 45 to 80 pounds. The exact weight and height of the dog depend on its parents and lifestyle, like their diet and activity level. However, do note that the females may be smaller than the males.
The German Shepherd Australian mix puppies weigh about 8 to 14 pounds when they are 12 weeks old and reach their full size when they are 18 months old.
Coat
The Australian German Shepherds have medium-length double coats. The appearance of the coat depends a lot on their parents. Most Australian German shepherds have thick undercoats and straight or wavy hair. A lovely mane of fur surrounds the necks of some of these canines.
Colors
The Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd mix comes in various colors like black, tan, white, red, merle, cream, and sable. Some Australian German shepherds have tan or white markings on their paws, eyes, chest, and stomach.
In some rare cases, the coat can also be white, red, or black. Merle dogs are more vulnerable to health problems such as congenital blindness and deafness.
Facial Features
This dog breed has a broad-shaped head, tapered muzzle, and eyes of almond shape. The eyes are amber, brown, or blue in color. The ears of this breed are positioned high on the head. Some hybrids acquire the distinctively floppy ears of the Australian Shepherd, while others acquire the upright, triangular ears of the German Shepherd.
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Temperament
Source: allthingsdogs.com
The German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd mix dog breed is loyal, affectionate, friendly, and smart. They are energetic and like to stay busy.
They are also very good watchdogs as they have strong guarding instincts. They are also protective in nature.
These dogs face separation anxiety; thus, you need to give proper time to them, and they shouldn’t be left alone for a longer period. If they do not get enough attention, they may become dangerous, anxious, and bark more.
Taking Care of German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix
Source: perfectdogbreeds.com
Whenever you adopt or buy any pet, taking proper care of them becomes very important. Let’s see how you can properly take care of this dog breed.
Food Needs
This dog breed needs 2.5 to 3.5 cups of dog food daily. However, the exact need may depend on the level of activity, age, size, and physique. You should give them food in two equal meals.
Provide them with a protein-rich diet that accounts for their high-activity level. Do remember that these dogs eat fast, and thus, they can be prone to bloat; you should serve them food in a bowl to slow their eating down.
Grooming Needs
The grooming needs of this dog breed will depend on the type of dog they inherit from their parents. Most dogs have straight double coats with deep undercoats that shed seasonally and need to be brushed at least three times per week.
Australian German shepherds shed their coats twice a year; during this time, they must be brushed every day. Always brush your hair in the direction it grows, and use a slicker brush to remove mats and tangles.
You also have to trim their nails, clean their teeth, and checkup their ears timely. The coat of these dog breeds tend to resist dirt, but they also need monthly washing to ensure their skin is healthy.
Exercise Needs
The Australian Shepherd German shepherd mix is energetic; thus, they need a minimum of 90 minutes of exercise daily. They are intelligent and enjoy doing work. Swimming is the best activity for them as it can relieve pressure from their joints.
Remember that without exercise, this dog breed may become restless and show unwanted behaviors.
Mental Needs
This dog breed will need at least 1 hour of mental stimulation to stay happy and mentally fit. Puzzle toys can be a great choice for mental stimulation. Other excellent ways to satisfy the Australian German Shepherd’s need for mental stimulation include teaching him new tricks and commands and letting him play with interactive toys.
Common Health Concerns of German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix
Source: rockykanaka.com
Like all the other dog breeds, the German shepherd Australian shepherd mix also faces some health problems. Here are some of the health concerns faced by this dog breed:
Hip Dysplasia
It is an abnormal hip joint formation that may cause mobility issues and pain. This problem can be treated and managed by reducing weight, physical therapy, and surgery.
Elbow Dysplasia
It is the same as hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets of the dog. This condition may cause pain, swelling, and mobility issues, leading to arthritis. It can be treated in the same way as hip dysplasia.
PRA
It is an inherited problem that causes the cells in the retina to degenerate and deteriorate over time. This problem can lead to blindness and cannot be treated.
Cataracts
It is an ailment where the eye’s lens becomes obscured, impairing vision. Surgery can be used to eliminate cataracts.
Bloat
It is a complicated condition where the dog’s stomach will feel up rapidly with gas or fluid and distend. Bloat can be dangerous and requires treatment quickly.
What is the Cost of German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix?
Source: allthingsdogs.com
You can find a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix puppy for sale near you.
The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix price ranges from $300 to $800. The exact price of the dog will depend on factors like its appearance and lineage. The dogs with rare colors would cost you more.
You can also adopt the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix, and adopting this dog would cost you much less than buying the one. You only need to pay the adoption fees, which are $150 to $300. However, it may not be easy to find this dog for adoption.
Is German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Good for Families?
Source: perfectdogbreeds.com
Yes, German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mixes can make great family pets as they are loyal, affectionate, and protective. They are also good with children when properly socialized and trained. However, they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their physical and mental health. Families should be prepared to give them the attention and activity they need.
Also Read: German Shepherd Corgi Mix: Facts, Traits, Information
Fun Facts about German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix
Source: perfectdogbreeds.com
- Due to the Australian Shepherd genes in these dogs, it’s possible that they have two different colored eyes.
- The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix can perform very well in agility competitions.
- They make wonderful watchdogs.
- Since the Australian Shepherd typically has a mane or tuff of fair around its neck, the Australian German Shepherd mix can also have one. This is a distinctive trait of this breed’s coat.
- Do not be shocked if the Australian German Shepherd tries to herd the little children.
FAQs
1. Is a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix a Good Dog?
Yes, the German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd mix makes a wonderful pet and can make a wonderful family pet.
2. Is German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Well with Children?
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mixes can be great with children as they are loyal, affectionate, and protective. However, early socialization and training are important to ensure they develop good behavior around kids.
3. Is German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix Good Apartment Dogs?
No, German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mixes are not good apartment dogs as they require a lot of space and exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
4. Which Are Some of the Smartest Shepherds?
German Shepherd Border Collie mix, and Poodle are some of the smartest Shepherds.
5. Which Is Bigger, German Shepherd or Australian Shepherd?
The German Shepherd is slightly bigger than the Australian Shepherd.
Final Thoughts
So, here we conclude our blog on the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix. We have mentioned all the details of this dog breed in this blog. If you plan to get this dog as a pet, then this blog will be very useful for you.
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